Wonderful Kalmykia
(by Tsem Rinpoche and Stella Cheang)
I am part Kalmyk. The Kalmyks are Mongolians who have their own republic in the Russian Federation called Kalmykia. My adoptive parents, along with hundreds of other Kalmyks, migrated to the USA between the 1950s and 1960s. At the time, America’s immigration policies did not favour Asians, but the Kalmyks baffled American immigration authorities because they lived in Russia and had Russian-sounding names. Many Russians were also immigrating to America during that period and they vouched that Kalmyks were not ‘Asians’ but Russians, too. Their testimony swayed the American immigration authorities who eventually allowed the Kalmyks to migrate to the United States.
The Kalmyks and Russians have had close ties for centuries. When they first immigrated to America, the Kalmyks made their homes close to the Russians in Howell, New Jersey as well as in Philadelphia and New York. Their close ties even extended into death, with Kalmyks buried in Russian cemeteries in New Jersey. Even so, the Kalmyks kept their culture, language, Buddhist religion and customs intact.
Modern Kalmykia is very different from the place my parents knew decades ago. Many new Buddhist temples and stupas were built in the 1990s and the Kalmykian leadership has done a great deal of work to encourage the revival of Buddhism amongst their community. Through their efforts to promote Buddhist values that support basic human ethics like compassion, love, kindness and forgiveness, these days Kalmykia is the frontier of Eurasian Buddhism and a favourite site for pilgrims.
Tsem Rinpoche
Location and Geography
Kalmykia, or Kalmykiya, is located in the southwestern part of the Russian Federation. The 75,000 km2 land connects to the famous Caspian Sea on its east and the famous Volga River on its northeast. Immersed in zones of steppes and deserts, Kalmykia runs the length of 458km from north to south and 423km from west to east.
A closer look at Kalmykia. Click to enlage.
The Kalmykian steppe includes salt lakes like Manych-Gudilo Lake, Sarpa Lake, the Sostinskiye Lakes, and Tsagan-Khak Lake. Natural resources like coal, natural gas, oil, and wind energy are abundant across the land while livestock breeding remains the chief economic activity. The republic’s industry, which evolved around processing livestock products, is concentrated in Kaspiysky and Elista, the capital city.
Kalmykia is a Republic under the Russian Federation which, since 2014, consists of 85 federal subjects that form its constituent members. All federal subjects possess equal rights; i.e. two delegates each in the Russian Federation Council, but they differ in the degree of autonomy each enjoys. There are six types of federal subjects; namely Oblast (46), Republics (22), Krais (9), Autonomous Okrugs (4), Federal Cities (3) and Autonomous Oblast (1).
A map of the Russian Federation
Population
The Kalmyk population was estimated to be at 300,000 in 2017. Nomads by nature, they are descendants of Mongols who migrated to the Caspian region during the 17th Century. Their ancestors found the vast Kalmykia steppe suitable for their nomadic lifestyle and settled in the area.
Over time, the Kalmyks gradually ceased their nomadic ways and began to make use of the arable land to grow grain, corn, fodder grasses, mustard seed, sunflowers and melons. They became content to raise livestock and specialised in fine fleece and sheep-breeding. Those that settled along the Caspian Sea, especially in towns where there are fish-processing plants, adapted to include fishing as part of their livelihood.
The Kalmyks were traditionally a nomadic people descended directly from the Mongols
The majority of the population of Kalmykia is made up of Kalmyks (57%) and Russians (30%) while the rest belongs to other groups like the descendants of ancient Scythians, Huns and Sarmats. Roughly two-fifths of the total population lives in three main towns, namely Elista, Lagan, and Gorodovikovsk.
Climate
The climate of Kalmykia is continental and dry, where the summers are hot and the winters are cold with little snow. The average temperature for summers varies from 20°C to 26°C but can reach a maximum of 40°C or above. The temperature drops significantly during winters to an average of -5°C to -20°C. There are plenty of sunny days throughout the year, especially in July, which is a good time to visit the region.
A typical sunny day in Kalmykia
History
Peter the Great, who reigned from 1721 to 1725
The word “Kalmyk” originates from the Turkish word for “remnant”. The Kalmyks were once Oirat-Mongolian nomads who used to roam the vast Central Asia steppe. In the 17th century, a military offensive drove them westward where they reached the Volga River in the Russian territory. They made a deal with Peter the Great, the ruling Russian Tsar of the time, for an independent settlement in Russia in exchange for help in defending the sovereignty of Russia.
In the 18th century, Catherine the Great refused to tolerate an independent colony within Russia so she forced the Buddhist nomads to become Russian subjects. The nomads on the east side of the Volga River could not bear the oppression and tried to make their way back to their ancestral homeland. About 300,000 made the journey but encountered starvation, banditry and attacks from the Russians and Kazakhs. Very few survived the journey.
Catherine the Great, who reigned from 1762 to 1796
The nomads on the west side of the Volga River decided to stay and became known as the Kalmyks. As Russian subjects, they were free to practise Lamaist Buddhism, build temples, and follow their own culture and traditions. They established themselves on the steppe and arable areas, and prospered. In 1936, Kalmykia became an Autonomous Republic.
The year 1943 proved to be the darkest in Kalmykian history. During World War II, when Russia fought Germany, the Kalmyks were accused of being Nazi sympathisers. About 170,000 Kalmyks were deported to Siberia after World War II and were not allowed to return home until 1957. By then, their numbers had shrunk to just 70,000, and many Buddhist temples and monuments had been destroyed.
Kalmykian President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov promoted Elista as a modern Buddhist city for world-class chess tournaments.
The Kalmyks rebuilt their homes in deserted Kalmykia. A Buddhist revival and renewed enthusiasm from the leadership prompted efforts to establish Elista as a modern Buddhist city for world-class chess tournaments.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the President of Kalmykia from 1993 to 2010, funded the construction of temples and Buddhist monuments in Elista. He also mandated Buddhism traditions and principles as part of the school curriculum. Alexei Orlov succeeded Ilyumzhinov as President in 2010.
Places of Interest
Kalmykia is the only state in the whole of Europe where the majority of the population is Buddhist. It was romantically described in a 1997 article by The Economist as:
“… a strange enough place at first glance, and a far stranger one on further inspection. The easiest way to think of it is as a piece of Asia that came wandering into European Russia, and stayed.”
Here is a list of recommended attractions in Kalmykia:
1. Temple of the Golden Abode of Buddha
In the capital of Elista stands a giant Buddha and the biggest Buddhist temple in all of Europe. The temple, also known as the New Khurul or Burkhan Bagshin Altan Sume, was consecrated in December 2005. Tourists can visit the mandala-shaped temple compound, the balcony around the temple, and the museum on the ground floor. It is also home to the robe of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Address: Klykova Street, Elista 358000, Russia
Phone: +7 847 224 01 09
Visitor Information: The temple grounds are open from 8am to 8pm daily. The library and museum are open from 10am to 6pm Tuesdays to Sundays; closed on Mondays. Daily prayers from 9am to 10.30am; prayers for the deceased on Fridays from 2pm to 4pm. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
The Temple of the Golden Abode of Buddha is the tallest outside Asia
The centrepiece of the Temple of the Golden Abode of Buddha is an 8-meter tall golden Buddha statue, the largest in Europe.
2. Pagoda Seven Days
This bright-red pagoda stands at Elista’s main intersection. It is lavishly lighted after sunset and presents a beautiful contrast to the surrounding parks and Buddhist buildings. This seven-floor pagoda stands on the same place where a Lenin statue once stood and is a prominent landmark of modern Elista.
Address: Pushkina Street, Elista, Russia.
Visitor Information: Open daily with free entrance.
3. Buddhist Temple Syakusn-Sume “Geden Sheddup Choikorling”
The first Buddhist monastery built in the 1990s after the Stalin Purge destroyed all of Kalmykia’s Buddhist buildings is also the first monastery built in the region. Located roughly 6km from Elista, the monastery is surrounded by fields and grass.
Visitors can purchase prayer flags from the temple and tie them on nearby trees. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama bestowed the monastery with the Tibetan name of “Geden Sheddup Choikorling”, which means “A Holy Abode for the Theory and Practice of the School of Gelugpa.”
Address: Lermontov Street, 87, Elista, Russia
Visitor Information: As this is not a common tourist attraction, visitors are advised to ask politely at the door for permission to enter. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
4. The Stupa of Enlightenment
The Alistinskaya Stupa of Enlightenment is located in Lenin Square. The compound consists of the stupa, a Protector House and a Gompa (prayer hall) which houses a prayer drum and beautiful Buddhist paintings by the famous Tibetan artist Denzong Norbu of Rumtek. In 2009, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje visited the stupa.
Address: Lenin Street, Elista, Russia
Visitor Information: Open daily, and entrance is free.
5. Golden Gate
The Golden Gate can be found in the same compound as the Temple of the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni. The roof is painted gold to reflect the bright sunlight. On the arch of the gate, there is an inscription of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’s famous mantra “OM MANI PEME HUNG” that blesses everyone who passes under it.
Address: Klykova Street, Elista 358000, Russia
Visitor Information: Open from 8am to 8pm daily. Entrance is free.
6. Temple of the Great Victory
Located in the village of Bolshoy Tsaryn, the Temple of the Great Victory is based on an unconventional mandala design that is spacious and authentic. The temple comprises of a main prayer hall, a reception room for the Abbot, Jigme Lama, and ancillary facilities. It houses a sacred prayer text collection gifted by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as well as various Buddhist paintings.
Address: Karla Marksa Street, 6, Bolshoy Tsaryn 359450, Russia
Visitor Information: Open from 8am to 4pm daily.
7. Monument to Zaya Pandita
Zaya Pandita is a famous Buddhist master and a descendant of the Oirat-Mongolian royal line. He studied in Tibet under the guidance of His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and was a prolific writer who also created the written form of the Kalmyk language called the “Clear Script”.
In his lifetime, he translated 186 Buddhist scriptures from Tibetan to this new written language. The monument, sculpted by the famous Rokchinskii in 1999, commemorates the saint’s great work and contributions.
Address: Elista, Russia
Visitor Information: Open all day. Entrance is free.
8. Bogdakhin Temple
The Bogdakhin Temple was famously gifted to the Kalmyks by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama in the 17th century.
In the beginning, it was a nomadically designed temple that was built in the style of a Mongolian “ger”. It used to move along with the nomads who lived beside the Manych River. It is now situated permanently in the village of Khar-Buluk. The temple was destroyed in 1929 during the Stalin Purge and was rebuilt in 1991.
Address: Khar-Buluk Village in Tselinnyi rayon of Kalmykia
Visitor Information: As this is not a common tourist attraction, visitors are advised to ask politely at the door for permission to enter. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
9. Republican Museum of Local Lore
This Soviet-style building was beautifully designed as a single structure to house the history of Kalmykia and her lovely people. Visitors can find information on everything about Kalmykia: from the nature of the land, wildlife, and minerals, to Buddhism, art, traditions, and culture.
The Museum also displays a collection of authentic artworks from local artists that were previously housed at Kalmykia State Art Gallery.
Address: Chehova ul., d. 5, Elista 358000, Russia
Phone: +7 847 224 32 81
Visitor Information: Open from 9am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 9am to 9pm on Thursdays; and 10am to 4pm on weekends. The Museum is closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 60RUB per adult and 40RUB per child.
10. City-Chess
This sizable development, also known as Chess City, was completed in 1998. It comprises the modern four-storey building complex with a domed roof called City Chess Hall, Olympic-styled villages, restaurants, bars, hotels, and recreational facilities.
The Hall is decorated with sculptures and artwork related to chess and has hosted international chess tournaments like the Chess Olympiad and renowned dignitaries like His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Address: Elista, Russia
Phone: +7 847 226-25-70
Visitor Information: Open all day. Entrance is free.
11. The Chess Museum
The Chess Museum is a part of City-Chess. It is devoted to everything related to chess – the history, and rules and traditions of this game. Visitors will find exhibitions of chess tournaments, championship trophies and rewards, as well as souvenirs and the personal collection of Mikhail Tal, the 8th World Chess champion.
Address: Elista, Russia
Phone: +7 847 226-25-70
Visitor Information: Open from 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays; 9am to 4pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays. Entrance fee is 25RUB per person.
12. The Monument of “Exodus and Return”
The Stalinist repression is a painful episode in the history of Kalmykia. Many lost relatives and loved ones during the exodus. This bronze monument was erected in 1996 to express the pain that the survivors endured and to honour the ones who did not return.
On December 28th each year, thousands of people gather at the memorial site to commemorate this historic event.
Address: Har-buluk, TSelinnyj, Russia
Visitor Information: Open all day. Entrance is free.
13. Ostap Bender Monument
Ostap Bender is the protagonist of the book The Twelve Chairs by Yevgeni Petrov and Ilya Ilf (1928). To some, he is a cheerful hero with an enterprising mind. To others, he is a con artist who was obsessed with chess.
The book and Ostap Bender’s character turned the picaresque novel genre into a new trend in the Soviet Union. Many phrases from the book endure as catch-phrases to this day. As the inspiration behind City-Chess, the monument memorialises the unusual charm of this fictional character.
Address: Ostapa Bendera Ave., 6, Elista, Russia
Visitor Information: Open all day. Entrance is free.
14. Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan is an Orthodox church with a domed roof and is one of the oldest religious buildings in Kalmykia. Religious ceremonies are still performed at this church by monks.
The ornate interior of the church features paintings of Mother Mary and Holy Jesus, and a massive chandelier hangs from its ceiling.
Address: Rodnikovy Alley, Elista 358001, Russia
15. Museum of Oirat-Mongolian Nomad Culture
The Museum of Oirat-Mongolian Nomad Culture houses many traditional items that introduce visitors to the history and lifestyle of the Kalmyk people. The Museum also has a collection of colourful traditional wear that visitors may try on.
Address: Ostapa Bendera Ave., 1, Elista 358014, Russia
Phone: +7 927 595 54 49
Culture and Etiquette
Kinship plays an intricate role among the Kalmyk people. Households are usually led by the father or brothers, or related men from the same bloodline. The mother’s role is to take care of the house and raise the children. Children are at the bottom of the clan hierarchy.
When women marry into a family, it is taboo for her to utter the names of her husband’s relatives. Instead, she must find nicknames or substitutes with which to address them.
Musicians Dmitriy Sharayev and Viktor Okchayev are an instrumental part of the movement to revive the Kalmyk culture and language
A typical day in a Kalmyk house begins with the cleaning of the altar and cooking, usually by the female members of the family. Chores and tasks are assigned based on hierarchy and gender.
The importance of kinship can be seen in the way Kalmyk strangers greet each other. The greeting traditionally begins with a standard question “Kenyahnyavt?”, which means “Which clan/family do you belong to?”
The usual reply would include information on the name of the clan, and its attributes and merits. For example,
“Our Protector is the ancient Chakchi, our mantra is manla, our temple that of Green Tara, our totem is Eedzh Avgatan and I am from the clan of Iki Bagud.”
The person will only mention his or her name at the end.
Festivals
The Kalmyks observe several festivals that celebrate Buddhism as well as their rich culture and traditions. These are a few of the most notable Kalmyk festivities:
A traditional Kalmyk dance
New Year Zul
New Year Zul celebrations in the Temple of the Golden Abode of Buddha
The Zul celebration is considered the Kalmyk New Year but, in a spiritual sense, it is also a celebration of Lama Tsongkhapa’s birthday. The festival lasts for up to 15 days from December 1st to 15th. During this time, the Kalmyk people make offerings to the Buddhas, light butterlamps, and make bortsg (fried bread).
Tsagaan Sar
The White Moon Festival, also known as the Mongolian New Year, is celebrated on the first three days of the lunar month, similar to the Tibetan Losar Festival. Dressing up in full traditional costumes during the festival is a tradition still observed to this day. During Tsagaan Sar, the Kalmyks visit the homes of relatives and friends to feast together on traditional servings of horse meat.
Dancers celebrate Tsagaan Sar in the Kalmykian city of Elista
The Tulips Festival
The Tulips Festival is a spring-time celebration to welcome the wild scenes of Gesner tulips growing on the steppes of Kalmykia from April 20th to 30th. Gesner wild tulips come in many colours, like red, yellow, purple and pink. A blooming steppe is a breath-taking sight and a perfect photographic moment. Special tents are set up at the steppe by organisers and visitors usually arrive in droves from Elista. There are usually performances, and sporting events like wrestling and horse riding are held at designated compounds.
The Tulips Festival on the Kalmyk steppe is a sight to behold
Uniquely Kalmykia
Here are a few things that are uniquely Kalmykia:
National Sport
The national sport of Kalmykia is chess. It is encouraged in schools and everyone can enjoy a game of chess in public parks.
Chess is a popular national past time
Swimming in Salt Lakes
Almost all the lakes in Kalmykia are salt lakes. It is forbidden to swim in the salt lakes for more than 20 minutes because of the possibility of chemical burns.
Sincere Greetings
“Have a white road” is a standard greeting that wishes the other person a journey free of obstacles.
A salt lake on the Kalmykian steppe
Food
The Kalmyks’ nomadic traditions and unadulterated Mongolian heritage have shaped their cuisine. An authentic Kalmyk menu will consist of plenty of meat made into dumplings or sausages and horse milk. Here are a few typical Kalmyk dishes that can be found in restaurants as well as homes:
Bortsg – This traditional fried bread uses ingredients such as flour, cow milk, butter, salt, sugar and vegetable oil. It comes in several varieties like Tselvg, which is round and flat in shape; Togsh, which looks like a livestock shelter; and Shovun, which looks like a bird. Variations of this traditional fare can get quite creative.
Beerg or Berk – These large dumplings are filled with meat and boiled in soup or water. It comes in several shapes and is best served hot.
Huursn Mahn – A mutton dish fried in oil with pasta, onions, and other spices.
Markhan Sheltagan – This traditional soup is made with potatoes and meat, usually mutton or beef.
Makahan – This dry horse sausage is a Kalmyk speciality.
Caviar – The Caspian Sea is famous for its harvests of caviar. This is considered a luxury dish in Kalmykia.
Fish Dumplings – Made with fish and potatoes, this is a popular dish amongst Kalmyks living along the Caspian Sea.
Dzshomba – A traditional Kalmyk tea served during special ceremonies that is made of milk tea with added salt.
Kumys – Many people recommend this sour horse milk that is considered a traditional cure for respiratory ailments.
Yarkis – This traditional alcoholic drink is made from sheep’s milk. Yarkis can be distilled three times to increase its alcohol content. The beverage from the first distillation is called arz, the second is called khorz, and the third, borz.
Visas
Since the Republic of Kalmykia is a part of the Russian Federation, a Russian visa is a mandatory requirement for all visitors. For more information on applying for a Russian visa: http://www.russianembassy.net/rusvisa.html
Getting There and Around
As tourist destinations go, Kalmykia is off the beaten path and unique in many ways. There are several ways you can travel to this beautiful land.
By Plane
Kalmykia’s international airport is located 8.6km from Elista. There are flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg on selected days via Rusline and Ural Airlines respectively. Flights from Moscow usually take two hours.
Another option is to fly to Rostov-on-Don Airport via DonAvia and take a bus to Elista. The bus ride is seven to eight hours. The frequency of flights to Rostov-on-Don Airport makes up for the time spent on the road.
By Train
The most convenient railway journey is from Moscow to Volgograd. From there, a “marshrutka” express minibus can take you to Elista. There are frequent trains to Volgograd, and the express minibus is reasonably priced. Though there are direct train rides from Moscow to Elista, these tend to be scheduled infrequently and seasonally.
By Bus
The most common way to travel to Kalmykia is to fly into Moscow and take a bus to Elista. The bus ride takes roughly 18 hours and departs daily at 2pm and 7pm. The pick-up points in Moscow are close to selected subway stations, namely Orehovo, Teplyi Stan, and Krasnogvardeiskaya. It costs approximately 1,350RUB per person.
There are also daily bus services from Volgograd to Elista. Their final destinations are usually places like Nalchik and Stavropol, but the buses do stop at Elista en route. The Volgograd bus station can be found at 400087, Volgograd, Ul. Balonina, 11. Call the information desk for routes, schedules, and ticket information: +8442 37-72-28.
Elista’s central bus station
Getting Around
There are a few taxi services and tour packages available in Elista city to bring visitors around the city or to outlying areas. Accommodation bookings usually also offer airport transfers, but visitors are advised to do more research before making final plans.
Where to Stay
Elista is the best place to stay while in Kalmykia. It offers a few safe and comfortable accommodation options for a good night’s sleep. Here are the top recommendations:
Hotel Ostrovok
This modern hotel has a number of favourable reviews for cleanliness. Located in the centre of the city of Elista, it offers free Wi-Fi, a water heater, air-conditioning, a fridge, and a flat screen TV in each room.
Address: Respublikanskaya 14, 358000 Elista, Russia
Online Booking: booking.com
Gostiny Dvor Bike Post
This simple hotel is close to the largest Buddhist temple in the city. It welcomes pet dogs and is recommended by travellers, many of whom have commented that this hotel met their expectations of a clean and comfortable overnight stay.
Address: Lenina st., 311A, Elista 358000, Russia
Online Booking: tripadvisor.com, booking.com
Mini-Hotel Alfa
This backpacker-styled hotel is just a five minute walk from the bus terminal. It is a clean and no-frills lodging situated among some light industrial warehouses, which add to the authenticity of the hotel. The hotel accepts cash but not bank cards.
Address: Ploshchad’ Pryvokzal’naya, 7b, Elista 358000, Russia
Online Booking: tripadvisor.com, booking.com
Useful Books
The History of Kalmykia: From Ancient Times to Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Aleksey Orlov
Kalmykia’s rich history is traced from earliest records to the present time. This book is the first to document the history of chess in Kalmykia and includes interviews with many notable people. It also includes previously unpublished information about Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the former President of the Republic of Kalmykia.
Short Video: A Quick Overview of Elista
This beautiful video by SONA Family showcases enchanting Elista in less than two minutes.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Kalmykia-Elista.mp4
Sources:
- https://www.rbth.com/multimedia/history/2017/07/12/real-life-horror-stories-of-the-kalmyks-who-survived-genocide_801192
- http://www.kalm.ru/en/geo.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdivisions_of_Russia
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/4580467.stm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Russian_rulers
- http://www.kalmykia.net/sights/buddhist-temple-syakyusn-syume/
- http://www.kalmykheritage.socanth.cam.ac.uk/en/index.php
- https://wikitravel.org/en/Kalmykia
- http://www.kalmykia.net/celebrations/new-year-zul/
- http://www.kalmykheritage.socanth.cam.ac.uk/en/kalmyksinrussia.php?classif=22
For more interesting information:
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s Biography
- Visiting My Parents – Tsem Rinpoche
- It Wasn’t Easy in New Jersey, but My Cousins/Aunts Helped…
- Kalmykia: Lore and Memory at the Far Side of the Buddhist World
- Kalmyk People’s Origin – VERY INTERESTING
- Very Talented Kalmyks
- Zaya Pandita Luvsanperenlei (1642 – 1708)
- Kalmyk’s 60th Year in the United States
- Russian Leadership Supports Buddhism
- Buddhist Monks Far Off in the Russian Mountains
- The Russian Princess Buddhist Nun
- Interesting Siberia
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Kalmykia, is a republic of Russia, located in the North Caucasus region of Southern Russia. This is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the predominant religion. The republic is home to the Kalmyks, a people of Mongol origin who are primarily of Buddhist faith. Buddhism is considered to be one of Russia’s traditional religions and is legally a part of Russian historical heritage. The region has been home to many major world religions and ideologies. Tibetan Buddhism is the traditional and most popular religion among the Kalmyks. The Republic has many natural resources and wildlife over the centures. Amazingly the caspian steppes and semi-deserts have a favourable conditions for keeping sheep and cattle in pastures all year round. The land of Kalmykia has many natural resources with the hydrocarbon deposits of national significance, chemical raw materials and so forth.The culture and mentality of the Kalmyk people is rooted in the general Mongol and Oirat traditions. The historical, cultural and natural heritage of the Kalmyk people, their ancient traditions and folk crafts all contribute to the tourism development. It has attracted many tourists, the whole year through all due to its advantageous geographical position. With the area’s unique natural landmarks, specific ethnography and its historical and cultural environment, I hope I could visit this beautiful place someday.
Thank you Rinpoche and Stella Cheang for this wonderful sharing.
Kalmykia is a sparsely populated republic and country of Russia located directly north of the North Caucasus in Eastern Europe. Buddhism’s revival in Kalmykia can be traced to the political liberalization which led to the construction of the republic’s first Buddhist temple. The Kalmyk nomads, arrived about 400 years ago bringing their faith with them from Asia. Having a long complex history views of religious revival in Kalmykia. The Kalmyks and Russians have had close ties for centuries. Kalmykia is the only state in the whole of Europe where the majority of the population is Buddhist. A beautiful country to visit with many attractions such as Temple of the Golden Abode of Buddha, Pagoda Seven Days, Buddhist Temple Syakusn-Sume and so forth.
Thank you Rinpoche and Stella Cheang for this wonderful sharing.
Have not heard this place till I read this post. Some new knowledge… so its part of Russia . The Kalmyks and Russians have had close ties for centuries. Kalmykia is one Russia’s four regions in Europe where Buddhism is the most-practiced religion. At such a small state yet it worth visiting there with many places of interest and experience their unique culture whom are descended from nomadic Mongol herdsmen.
Wow beautiful Buddhist temples and pagodas, to offer for tourist from what I see from those pictures. The architecture of the temples and pagodas follows the traditional traits of Asian multi-level structures and style of many temples from traditional Tibetan buildings. All the attractions and infrastructure could be easily accessible by local transport or on foot. That’s nice.
Thank you Rinpoche and Stella Cheang for this wonderful sharing.
Great and truly enlightening article about Kalmykia who are decedents of Mongols.Kalmykia is a republic in southern Russia and the only Tibetan Buddhist ‘nation’ of Europe.
The most interesting and exotic places are Buddhist temples and pagodas.As tourist destinations go, Kalmykia is off the beaten path and unique in many ways. There are several ways you can travel to this beautiful land.Thank you so much for sharing this informative article and beautiful pictures.
The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. I hope many Mongolians will print out this image and place in their houses to create an affinity with Dorje Shugden for greater blessings. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz
The powerful Mongolian nation has a long history and connection with Manjushri Dorje Shugden, as expressed in the life of Venerable Choijin Lama, a State Oracle of Mongolia who took trance of Dorje Shugden among other Dharma Protectors. Read more about Choijin Lama: https://bit.ly/2GCyOUZ
Kalmykia is a beautiful and spiritual place. It is sad to know that the people had to leave their homes such as the family of my teacher H.E. Tsem Rinpoche, and went for a new destination in the US. But even though they were far away, they kept their memories alive, with their traditions, language and religion.
Thank you for all the information and beautiful pictures of Kalmykia.
Nice short video of a new LED signage reminding us of who we can go to for blessings in case of need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBwrkaKUoH0
Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s
From the literature that I have read of Russia and the countries eastwards of Russia, I have noticed that many inhabitants of this vast land mass on earth looks extremely Asian.
Reading about the region of Kalmykia and the citizens Kalmyks confirms that some Russians are of Asian origins. As with the Kalmyks, though are Russians nationals were of Mongolian origins.
What an amazing article to read that somewhere in Russia there is a Buddhist enclave in Kalmykian city of Elista of colourful Buddhist temples, stupas and shrines. This is because when the Kalmyks settled in Russia they were given the right of religious practices. And Kalmyks are buddhists.
Truly amazing republic to visit in Kalmykia….less developed and desolate landscape which I loved to see. Kalmykia is a republic in Southern Russia and the only Tibetan Buddhist “nation” of Europe. The Kalmyk people are descended from nomadic Mongol herdsmen. One of Europe’s poorest and most underdeveloped regions. It is because of Buddhism, Kalmykia and may be of interest to tourists and travellers. The most interesting and exotic places are Buddhist temples and pagodas, including one of the largest Buddhist temples in Europe and the big Buddha statue in it. The architecture of the temples and pagodas are of traditional structures of Asian multi-level and traditional Tibetan. The Kalmyk people are descended from nomadic Mongol herdsmen.
Thank you Rinpoche and Stella Cheang for this wonderful and details sharing.
Really and informative and truly enlightenining articles about Kalmykia who are decendents of Mongols. I’m also very amazed to know there are so many big and beautiful temples and stupas in Russia, and beautiful intersting foods too. thank you very much Rinpoche and Stella for sharing this very educational write up about Kalmykia and beautiful pictures too!??
Great article given a complete overview of kalmykia (still can’t spell it right without referring) – from history to places of interest and kalmykia today. ?
Thank you, Anita, for the comment.