Republic of Kalmykia

Evening of March 1, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited the central khurul of Kalmykia “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” – the largest Buddhist temple in Russia and Europe.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who came to the temple accompanied by the Head of Kalmykia, Alexei Orlov, met the head of the monastic community and the Buddhist Republic of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche.

Snowy Hudak, presented to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev – a sign of warm hospitality and respect for the honored guest. A small tour of the temple began with the altar area, where Dmitry Medvedev, according to ancient tradition, Kalmyk, lit the lamp – a sign of respect for the people of Kalmykia. He looked looked at murals of the temple, met with museum exhibits, a conference room and library.

Russian President Medvedev keenly interested in the history of Buddhism in Kalmykia, his revival activities shadzhin Lama Telo Tulku Rinpoche, and the monastic community of the republic, temples and stupas, erected here in the last decade.

Dmitry Medvedev was also interested to know that for large events, lectures and meetings with teachers and masters of Buddhist practice, conducted in the temple “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”, from different cities of Russia and the CIS countries in Kalmykia comes a lot of Buddhists.

Shadzhin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche on behalf of the monastic community of the Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation presented the President a statue of the Buddha of the future – Maitreya.

In the guest book of the temple president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev has left the inscription: “I wish all Buddhists living in Kalmykia, happiness, peace, harmony and success in all endeavors. Thank you for your hospitality. ”

The meeting was held in a relaxed and warm atmosphere, and then, goodbye at the entrance to the temple of the monastic community of the Republic of Kalmykia, led by Telo Tulku Rinpoche, was photographed with the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.

Nina Shaldunova, photo by Konstantin Mamyshev
Elista, Kalmykia, Europe