The Aginsky Datsan Turns 210 Years Old

Today in the Zabaykalsky Krai the celebration of the 210th anniversary of the founding of the Aginsky Datsan “Dechen Lhundublin” began. The senior administrator of the Central Khurul of Kalmykia “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”, Yonten Gelung, is taking part in the anniversary events. The events began with a festive prayer service in the Sogchen Dugan. On behalf of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Honorary Representative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia, and the CIS countries, Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Yonten Gelung congratulated all those present on this great event. The congratulatory address states: “Respected Did Khambo Lama for the Zabaykalsky Krai, Tsyren Lama, respected Sheretui Badma Lama, and the sangha of the Aginsky Datsan ‘Dechen Lhundublin’, allow me to sincerely congratulate you on the 210th anniversary of the Aginsky Datsan. This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in our country and for more than two centuries has been a center for spreading the Teaching of the Buddha in Russia. For many years we have been connected by ties of spiritual kinship, which we continue to maintain and develop. I wish you sound health and prosperity, long years of happy life, that you may continue to be a spiritual support and reliable helper for people, that you may continue to inspire with your deeds, thoughts, knowledge, and practice. May all that is intended be fulfilled, may the merits and virtues that have arisen thanks to your work be multiplied many times over and bring benefit and good to all sentient beings. May the blessing of the Three Jewels be with you.” Yonten Gelung also congratulated on this day the sangha of the Tsugolsky Datsan, who a day earlier celebrated the 220th anniversary of the “Dashi Choipelling” datsan. The celebration continued with traditional sporting events — archery and national wrestling — and the anniversary events will conclude on October 2 with horse races.