Kalmykia Held the “Yangdrub” Ritual for Invoking Well-Being and Luck
Today all prayers were directed to White Mahakala, the Protector of the Buddhist Teaching. The monks of the Central Khurul, led by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Geshe Tenzin Choydak, recited texts of praise, propitiation, and offering to this Protector to accumulate spiritual merit, wisdom, and spiritual wealth, as well as with a request to grant all living beings luck, longevity, health, well-being, and prosperity.
Today one of the four annual tantric rituals, “Yangdrub,” was held.
As in previous years, the prayer hall of the main Buddhist temple was overflowing. Both old and young offered prayers not only for themselves and their families, but also for all living beings, thereby accumulating buyan. As the head of the administration of the Central Khurul, Yonten Gelung, noted, this ritual is directed not merely toward material well-being, but specifically toward spiritual development, toward self-improvement, and this is far more important and significant.
A very vivid and special part of the “Yangdrub” ritual is when the procession of clergy and believers together invokes Kishg — “happiness,” walking completely around the Buddhist temple both outside and inside, all the while calling out in their native Kalmyk language the yöräls — “good wishes.” It is gratifying that the younger generation takes an active part in these rituals.
Tomorrow, from 9:00 a.m., the monks will conduct the next tantric ritual — “Jinseg” — the Fire Puja. All are welcome. The monks prepare everything necessary for the ritual. Иртн гиҗ эрҗәнәвидн!
