September 5 – Day of National Writing

Dear believers, dear countrymen! On September 5 we celebrate the Day of National Writing “Todo Bichig”. 373 years ago the great Oirat enlightener Zaya Pandita Namkaijamtso created a writing system that became the bond and symbol of unity of our ancestors, who lived from the banks of the Volga to the ranges of the Altai and from the forests of Siberia to the foothills of Tibet. Together with his followers and disciples, Zaya Pandita translated a large number of Buddhist texts, which allowed the Oirat-Kalmyk people to comprehend the Teaching of the Buddha in all its depth and beauty. “Todo Bichig” was the official writing system in the states created by the Oirats. All business correspondence was conducted in it, historical and literary works were created in it, and the peoples of neighboring states used the writing system as well. In Kalmykia, “todo bichig” was officially used until 1924, when it was replaced by the Cyrillic script. The Day of National Writing is not only an occasion to remember the deeds of our great ancestors, but also an occasion to unite in the aspiration to preserve our language, our culture and traditions. More than three centuries have passed since the creation of the writing system, and our task as heirs and descendants of Zaya Pandita and his followers is not only to preserve the connection of generations, but also to increase the heritage left to us. Senior administrator of the Central Khurul of Kalmykia “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation Yonten Gelung