The Unique Collection of the Khartskhaev Family

For almost 5 years now, visitors to the Museum of the History of Buddhism at the Central Khurul of Kalmykia have been getting acquainted with an exhibition that presents the personal belongings and religious implements of two outstanding clergymen - natives of the Baga-Chonosovsky aimak - Lora-Bagshi and Jimbya-Gevshi.

Lora-Bagsh was the abbot of the Bagachonosovsky Khurul, a physician of traditional medicine, and a well-known emchi in his district. Wherever fate cast him, he tried never to refuse anyone help, and he healed many of grave ailments.

His nephew (ach) - Jimbya-Gevshi - was also a monk; at the age of 19 he was sent to study in Tibet. Sadly, he never returned home. According to some accounts, he received the degree of Geshe Lharampa, the highest academic degree in Buddhist philosophy. It also became known that he was a mentor of Norbu Rinpoche, the elder brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Understanding how historically important these objects of religious purpose are, a close relative of the clergymen, Alexander Khartskhaev, presented them as a gift to our Central Khurul.

“We are grateful to the relatives of Lora-Bagshi and Jimbya-Gevshi for the collection. For it is testimony that Buddhism was widespread in our territory, of how it was practiced in our republic, and of how such outstanding monks were faithful to their religion, spreading Buddhist knowledge,” especially noted Badma Menyaev, head of the Museum of the History of Buddhism in Kalmykia.