The Day of Buddha Shakyamuni’s Descent from the Heaven of the 33 Deities to be celebrated in Kalmykia

Every year on the 22nd lunar day of the Month of the Mouse, Buddhists celebrate one of the most important holidays - the Day of Buddha Shakyamuni’s Descent from the Heaven of the 33 Deities. This year it fell on November 4.

According to tradition, Buddha Shakyamuni, having attained Enlightenment, went to the celestial realm of the Thirty-three Deities, where his mother - Queen Mahamaya - had been reborn after her death on earth. There, as a token of gratitude, he bestowed the wise Teaching upon his mother. And when the inhabitants of the earth called upon Buddha Shakyamuni to descend to them and return to earth, he accepted their invitation. This happened in the place of Sankasia - the territory of present-day India. And ever since that time Buddhists celebrate this sacred holiday.

On this day festive events will be held at the Central Khurul. They will begin early in the morning. At 5:00 the venerable Geshe Changchub will bestow the one-day Mahayana vows.

We remind you that there are eight of them: abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, adultery, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, intoxicating substances, from sitting on a “high” throne, abstaining from singing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing, abstaining from ornaments, the use of cosmetics and perfume, as well as abstaining from taking food in the afternoon.

These rules of moral discipline are taken on for 24 hours, that is, until the dawn of the following day.

Then, at 9:00, a festive prayer service will take place, after which the faithful will be treated to fragrant Jomba tea and delicious bortsoks.