A Monk from India Will Make Special Offerings — Torma — for the Central Khurul for Tsagan Sar

At the invitation of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, the venerable Geshe Lharampa Choy Gyatso, a monk from India, has arrived in the steppe republic and will make balng (Torma) for the Central Khurul for the national holiday of Tsagan Sar.

Crafting each element is a very painstaking and labor-intensive process. Under the master's skilled hands, lotus buds blossom, and at the center sits the bodhisattva of supreme wisdom — Buddha Manjushri. In making these Torma, which will soon be placed in the great prayer hall of our temple, wax, clarified butter, and special dyes are used. As the Teacher noted, it is important to maintain the right temperature so that the butter does not melt in one's hands, and he periodically cools them in cold water.

The Geshe Lharampa Choy Gyatso himself has long been engaged in creating Torma. This is a distinct type of Buddhist art. The master has made an enormous number of such offerings.

“Torma are made with the intention of receiving the blessing of the Protectors, strengthening our sacred connection with them, and also developing our positive qualities,” the monk says. The venerable Choy Gyatso will prepare several Torma for the Central Khurul depicting various deities. These include Buddha Shakyamuni and Avalokiteshvara, as well as the White and Green Taras.

It is worth noting that in making the Torma, the Buddhist canon is strictly observed.

It takes approximately one week for a single piece. And by the national holiday of Tsagan Sar, which this year we will celebrate on 18 February, we will be able to behold all of Geshe Choy Gyatso's works.