On 1 October, the grand opening of Russia's first large retreat to recite 100 million Avalokiteshvara mantras, the Buddha of Compassion, will be undertaken in the main Buddhist temple of Kalmykia, the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The opening ceremony will be held by three prominent Teachers of our time:
Honorary Representative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and the CIS, Shajin Lama Telo Tulku Rinpoche of Kalmykia.
A famous Teacher, Expert on sutras and tantras from the Drepung Gomang Monastery Yeshe Lodoy Rinpoche who lives in Buryatia and takes an active part in the revival of the Buddha’s Teaching in the Buddhist regions of Russia.
The Spiritual Leader of the international network of Buddhist centres under the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition Lama Zopa Rinpoche.