The Festival of Miracles, known in Tibetan as Chotrul Duchen, was celebrated in the central khurul (monastery) of Kalmykia, the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, on 27 February. Chotrul Duchen is one of the four major Buddhist festivals observed in this Russian republic. It takes place during the full moon of the first month in the Tibetan calendar and commemorates the miracles that Shakyamuni Buddha displayed to increase the devotion of his disciples.
The first 15 days of the first month in the Tibetan calendar are related with the miraculous acts performed by Shakyamuni in the Indian city of Shravasti during a dispute with the preachers of six false teachings. During these auspicious days, the Great Prayer Festival (Tib. Monlam Chenmo, Kalm. Ик Йөрәл) is performed at Buddhist temples in Tibet, India, Mongolia, and the Buddhist republics of Russia. This tradition was established in 1409 by Lama Tsongkhapa in honor of the significant victory of Shakyamuni. This year, the Great Prayer Festival started in Kalmykia on 25 February and continued for only three days, led by Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the Shajin (Supreme) Lama of Kalmykia and the honorary representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
During a press conference, Rinpoche noted: “Unfortunately, we are not yet able to hold prayers for 15 days and will instead hold them for three days. Everyone will be able to visit the khurul during these days, for those who cannot be physically present, there is an opportunity to participate in prayers online.” (Золотая обитель Будды Шакьямуни)
Rinpoche also announced that the central khurul has been organizing an online lecture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Russian students scheduled for 29 March, and the traditional meeting of the Tibetan spiritual leader with Russian scientists, which will be held in May 2021. At the end of the press conference, Telo Rinpoche expressed his sincere gratidude to all medical workers for their work during the COVID–19 pandemic and shared his moral and spiritual support for their efforts. He also expressed condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, relatives, and friends, dedicating his prayers to all of them.
On 27 February, Telo Rinpoche gave online teachings via Zoom dedicated to the 15 miraculous acts performed by Shakyamuni Buddha.* He concluded his talk with a dedication of his prayers to the longevity of the Dharma, wishing His Holiness the Dalai Lama a very long life, success to young and talented masters to grow spiritually and spread the Dharma all over the world for the benefit of all sentient beings, and for all great masters from every tradition to live as long as posible and to continue sharing their wisdom and knowledge.
On the same day of Chotrul Duchen, the central khurul published the official message of the Shajin Lama dedicated to the auspicious holiday:
On this holiday, we should rejoice that the Buddha has demonstrated his amazing abilities and qualities. We need to remember the path shown by him and try to walk this path ourselves. In general, if you walk the path of Buddha, you can accumulate innumerable merit. There are many unfavorable moments on Earth: global warming, famine, wars, epidemics, earthquakes. From a religious point of view, this speaks of the depletion of the good merit of people. In order to preserve happiness on Earth, it is necessary to accumulate merit, pray, and perform virtues. For that reason, there is a tradition to hold large prayers called Monlam Chenmo. During this festival, which lasts several days, prayers and good wishes are read to eliminate hunger, epidemics, earthquakes, and other disasters. We also pray that the teaching of Buddha will revive and spread in our republic. The first month of the New Lunar Year has come, which we call Tsagaan Sar—the White Month. White color symbolizes purity, peace, and kindness. May this year be white and prosperous! (Золотая обитель Будды Шакьямуни)
* Rinpoche Teaching (YouTube)
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