Monks of the Central Khurul of Kalmykia performed the “Hazr Taklhn” rite

On May 16, the “Hazr Taklhn” rite took place at the Buddhist and natural complex “The Lonely Poplar.” By tradition, the ceremony was led by Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche.

A large number of believers took part in the event, including guests from various regions of the country. Before the start of the rite, the assembled were addressed by Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia, and the CIS countries, Telo Tulku Rinpoche. In his speech, the Shajin Lama emphasized the importance of preserving traditions, including religious ones.

“Quite recently the Muslims completed the month of Ramadan, a month during which they observed a strict fast. Somewhat earlier the Orthodox also finished the Great Lent, during which one strictly may not consume meat and dairy products, as well as vegetable oils and alcohol for forty-eight days. So why can we Buddhists not give up meat and fish for at least two weeks? What is wrong with refusing alcohol and cigarettes for this period? Answer me!” Telo Tulku Rinpoche asked those present.

“Urs Sar is the month when all our virtuous and non-virtuous deeds are multiplied many times over. So let us, in this month sacred to all Buddhists, accumulate as much merit as possible. To do this, one should circumambulate sacred objects, perform prostrations, recite mantras, light zul and sanggin idän, and, most importantly, do good deeds,” the Head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia urged.

“Hazr Taklhn” is one of the ancient rites that has been preserved among the Kalmyks even during the Soviet period. Since 2015, this large-scale event has been held annually at the “Lonely Poplar.” During the rite, an offering is made to all the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, protectors of the Teaching, and other holy beings.