18:00, 15 June 2011

On Buddha's birthday Kalmykia residents take sobriety oath

Today, residents of Kalmykia celebrate a birthday, enlightenment and departure to nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. From early morning the central Khurul of the republic "Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni" is holding celebrations, prayers and taking oaths of Makhayana.

By tradition, the 15th day of the festive month of Ur Sar (month of dairy products), which began on June 2, marks Buddha Shakyamuni's birthday. This year it falls on June 15; by decree of the head of the region this day was announced as a day off.

The service at the "Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni" began in the early morning, before the sunrise. Its participants took the vow of Makhayana, which includes the sobriety oath. Every Buddhist who takes the vow makes a voluntary promise to the God that he or she refuses to take any alcoholic drinks.

Believers are free to choose the duration of his or her sobriety oath. The aim of this ritual, which is held in Kalmykia for the first time, is to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Author: Vitaliy Shulenin

Source: CK correspondent