In Kalmykia, birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha declared a day-off

Today, the faithful Buddhists of Kalmykia celebrate a holiday – the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. In this context, June 4 is declared a day-off.

"I'm happy that today the inhabitants of the steppe land have a wonderful opportunity to take part in a solemn prayer service in honour of the birthday of our Teacher, listen to a video lecture of the oldest Lama of Kalmykia Geshe Tenzin Dugda, clean their karmas and accumulate good deeds," says the greeting of the head of the republic Alexei Orlov on the occasion of the holiday.

The Central Khurul "Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni" started the celebrations early in the morning. A large prayer service on the great holiday was performed by the Shadzhin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche.

"On this day Shakyamuni Buddha came into our world to help all living beings to get rid of all sufferings and find happiness. And on this special day, we should as far as possible devote more time to prayer and meditation," said Nina Shaldunova, the head of the press service of the Khurul.

After a solemn service, dedicated to the 12 wonderful deeds of the Buddha and praising the followers of his teachings, the clergy held a separate ceremony "taking the vow of sobriety". It was attended by everyone who had decided to give up smoking and drinking alcohol for a certain period of time. There were quite a lot of them.

A great holiday program, under which films were screened, video lectures were given, and festive food was spread, traditionally ended with blessing of the tanka of Shakyamuni Buddha and the march together with monks around the "Golden Abode", the STRC "Kalmykia" reports.