Moscow: Honorary Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche attended a round table discussion on 600^th anniversary since the “Gaden Ngachoe” celebrations began. Gaden Ngachoe holiday or Lama Tsongkhapa Day is considered as Kalmyk New year for centuries because the people have adopted the Gelukpa tradition as their main tradition.

Telo Tulku Rinpoche opened the round table by saying, “This year has been a challenge for all communities but nevertheless we continue to reach out and carry our activities in a different format. This year’s 600th Anniversary of Gaden Ngachoe is dedicated to the long life of H.H. the Dalai Lama as we celebrate the year of gratitude towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his commitment to bring peace to the world and share his wisdom with the global communities. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been an inspiration for Russian Buddhists. We are grateful for his constant care, attention and love for the Buddhists of the Russian Federation”.

Earlier on 9 December, Honorary Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche attended a book release in the Central Buddhist Monastery of the Republic of Kalmykia, “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”.  The book was a compilation of Buddhist praise translated from Tibetan into Classical Oirat Language in the mid-20^th century and recently translated into Modern Kalmyk language. The event was attended by scholars, historians, and writers.

Speaking at the event, Telo Tulku Rinpoche said: “This year’s highlight has been overtaken by the global COVID-19 pandemic, but our daily lives continued to a certain extent and there are many positive moments that was achieved for all of us to rejoice and celebrate, today’s book launch is an example of the hard work of translators, editors, and project initiators despite the difficult circumstances of the pandemic.”

Telo Rinpoche also gave an online talk which was organized by Buddhist Association of “Arya Sangha” which held the first non-sectarian Monlam Prayers online from 28 Nov to 11 Dec.

“The Nonsectarian approach is important for all walks of life, as a matter of fact, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s second commitment is inter-religious harmony, and this particular concept or idea is not between Buddhists and non-Buddhists, but it also applies to various Buddhist traditions within Buddhism,” said Telo Tulku Rinpoche. He continued by congratulating the organizers for a successful online event which consisted of film presentations on Buddhism and Tibet, lectures on Tibetan Buddhism and History, online discussions, and Q&A sessions with various scholars such as Tibetologist as well as Buddhologist.

Addressing the 10 December celebrations that began with morning prayers in the main assembly hall of “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” Monastery, Representative Telo Rinpoche said, “Today is a special occasion for all Buddhists, peace-loving people, and Kalmyk People. On behalf of the CTA and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, first, allow me to congratulate the people of Kalmyk Republic on the occasion of Kalmyk new year which is known in Kalmyk language as ‘Zuul” the day of Lama Tsongkhapa’s anniversary.”

“Today marks the 31^st anniversary since His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize. This year we celebrate the year of gratitude towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his life-long commitment to promoting human values, inter-religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan language, culture and ecology, and promotion of ancient Indian thought. We wish His Holiness a long life and my sincere prayers for His Holiness to be with us for many years ahead.”

“At the same time, today is known as “Human Rights Day”. We the people of Russia and the people of Tibet went through an exceedingly difficult period in the 20^th century. Today, we the people of Russian Federation enjoy the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom which many of our brother and sister in Tibet are deprived of and continue to suffer under the hands of Communist China. We must never forget the suffering they continue to endure,” said Telo Tulku Rinpoche.

The prayer ceremony was followed by an online talk given by Telo Tulku Rinpoche on Lama Tsongkhapa’s life and teachings and tsog and candlelight offerings. The whole event was broadcast online to the public.

Honorary Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche also attended the opening ceremony of the newly built public park in Yashkul region and met with local administration and communities on December 11. The opening ceremony was attended by many people despite the extreme weather. Telo Tulku Rinpoche congratulated the public on the occasion of Kalmyk New Year and asked that the park opening be dedicated to long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, especially, as part of the year of gratitude towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In the centre of the park, a statue of Boddhisatvva “Kshitigarbha” was installed which was consecrated by monks.

–Filed by the Office of Tibet, Moscow