A solemn enthronement ceremony of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia was held in Kalmykia
Solemnly and beautifully, the enthronement ceremony of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia took place today.
This truly important historical event was attended by a large number of the faithful, not only from our republic but also from other regions. Delegations from the fraternal republics of Buryatia, Tuva, Altai, the Zabaykalsky Krai, and lamas of the St. Petersburg datsan arrived to congratulate Geshe Tenzin Choydak (Mutul Ovyanov).
The ceremony began with the rite of “Shiräd zallhn.” To the sounds of Buddhist musical instruments the new head of the Kalmyk clergy entered the Dugan: having bowed to the Great Buddha and circumambulated the altar, the Shajin Lama took his place on the throne.
The monastic Sangha of Kalmykia, wishing the Supreme Lama a white road in the work of developing and strengthening Buddhism in the republic, held a special prayer service in his honor. Everyone present in the hall offered prayers to the deities for the newly elected Shajin Lama, so that his lofty service to the Three Jewels and the Dharma would bring prosperity and well-being to the people of Kalmykia and to their native land.
The head of the region Batu Khasikov took part in the enthronement ceremony. He noted that this landmark event would have a favorable influence on the history of Kalmykia. “Buddhism is the heart of the Kalmyk people and a part of Russia's self-identity; it contributes to strengthening friendship among the peoples of our state,” Batu Sergeevich particularly emphasized.
The honored guest of the ceremony was Alexander Terentyev, chief advisor of the Department of Domestic Policy of the Administration of the President of Russia. In his words, this day is very important not only for the people of Kalmykia but for the entire country. "Buddhism is one of the foremost and most ancient religions of Russia. Kalmykia is a unique Buddhist region in the European part of our country. We hope that the Buddhist community will develop and grow stronger, and that a powerful Buddhist center will soon emerge in Kalmykia," Terentyev noted.
Today everyone present in the hall had the opportunity, as a sign of respect and veneration, to offer the Shajin Lama a khadak and to receive his blessing.
The enthronement ceremony concluded with a group photo. But even after that the participants of this historic event did not disperse; they enjoyed fragrant jomba and delicious bortsoki, congratulating one another on this momentous day!
