This temple is known as the largest in Europe, with the largest statue of Buddha and the only sculpture in the world of 17 scholars-pandits of an ancient Indian university Nalanda. It was built in 2005 with the blessing of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama using the personal funds of the first President of Kalmykia, FIDE head Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. This temple became the hallmark of Elista, the capital of the steppe region.
As noted by the Supreme Lama of Kalmykia, Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the Buddha statue presented by the Dalai Lama is a precious sanctuary for each monastery and temple. “It is of particular importance that the gift was made on the final day of the anniversary, the tenth in a row annual teaching of His Holiness for Russian Buddhists,” he added.
Buddha statues for the altars of Buddhist monasteries in Russia were handed over to their representatives by the Dalai Lama’s assistant on religious issues, Lama Yangting Rinpoche. He also participated in teachings for Russians in Dharamsala, where the residence of the Dalai Lama is located.
His Holiness addressed the audience on the final day of the anniversary, the tenth annual exercise for Russian Buddhists: “The current teachings are mainly given to residents of Russia, including believers from traditionally Buddhist republics — Kalmykia, Buryatia and Tuva — who have long ties with Tibet. There is a special connection between us.”
During the meeting, His Holiness explained to the Buddhists how to settle conflicts and reduce social inequality. According to him, the most important for the modern world is ahimsa, non-violence. Only love and compassion will make the world a better place.
According to the 14th Dalai Lama, if Ahimsa, whose motivation is Karuna or compassion, occupied a more significant place in our lives, there would be fewer conflicts in the world and we could more effectively solve problems, such as the gap between rich and poor. His Holiness advised to study the work of the scientists of the ancient Indian university Nalanda, and expressed the hope that what was described by Buddhist sages would be the subject of academic research.
