In our large multicultural country there are many interesting New Year's traditions, sometimes quite unexpected. Thus, in the Republic of Kalmykia, located in the south of Russia, they conduct new year holidays repeatedly. And the main one occurs at the junction of December and January, and is celebrated according to lunar calendar at the end of the calendar year. Zul, a holiday with an absolutely amazing origin, is included in the list of the best tourist events of the season in Russia. However, the republic also does not forget the “European” and “Buddhist” New Year’s festivities. Read about the celebration of the New Year in Kalmykia from December to February in the FederalPress article.

Tibet is closer than you thought

To take part in real Buddhist rituals of the Tibetan tradition, you don’t have to go somewhere very far. The Gelug School is fully followed by believers in Kalmykia. From Stavropol and Volgograd to the capital of the republic Elista is less than 300 km, from Moscow it’s a 1.5 hour flight.

In the republic, the “main” New Year is considered to be Zul, or “lamp” translated from Kalmyk. This holiday with an absolutely amazing origin is included in the list of the best tourist events of the season in Russia. And in the Republic of Zul, by the way, is declared an official day off.

The local customs, although imprinted with the coloring of the original characteristics of the nomadic people, are very real, Tibetan. In a Buddhist khurul in the republic, it is almost impossible to immediately understand that you are not in Nepal or Bhutan, or in Mongolia. Only Russian speech without the slightest accent and Ladas parked on the street near the khurul bring me back to reality. By the way, the main priest of the republic - Shanjin Lama Telo Tulku Rinpoche - does not just head the clergy of Kalmykia. He is also the plenipotentiary representative of the Dalai Lama in Russia and the CIS.

How did this happen? Kalmyks are descendants of the Oirats, a group of Western Mongolian peoples who have become famous over the centuries as fierce and brave warriors. Historical sources contain a lot of references to how the Dzungar Khanate (the Dzungars are the direct ancestors of the Kalmyks) defeated both the formidable Manchus and the Chinese emperors, whose armies far outnumbered the Oirats. As a result of a complex chain of historical vicissitudes, part of the Oirats settled in the Lower Volga. The local steppes probably seemed very similar to those who came to their distant homeland (now historical Dzungaria is located in China).

Kalmyks settled in Russia with their own special culture. At the time of the migration, they mainly practiced Buddhism in the Tibetan Gelug tradition. The fact that, at first glance, in modern Kalmyks there is almost nothing from the warlike lifestyle of their ancestors, whose military exploits thundered throughout Eurasia, is a kind of merit of religion. Buddhists are people who rarely allow themselves too much. Be it even just a public expression of emotions.

A holiday with tears in your eyes?

300 years before the Kalmyks migrated to the Volga region (this happened in the 17th century), the outstanding Buddhist religious figure Je Tsongkhapa lived in Tibet, who became the founder of that very Gelug school. Tradition says that in one of his previous lives, Je Tsongkhapa, as a little boy, offered crystal beads to Shakyamuni Buddha himself and in return received a conch shell from him. Buddha predicted that the boy would be reborn in Tibet and play key role in reviving the teachings of Dharma. And so it happened. He became a leader in the reform of Buddhism and a living symbol of faith.

In 1419, Tsongkhapa passed away at a respectable age - on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth Tibetan month. It is on this day that Zul is celebrated. By the way, according to the testimony of Tsongkhapa’s disciples, at the moment of his death his body was transformed into the young body of Manjushri, the legendary associate of the Buddha. This is considered proof that Tsongkhapa did not just die, but went to nirvana.

Day of a Thousand Lights

The passing of Tsongkhapa is not a tragic event for Buddhists. And in Zul, the Kalmyks, of course, rejoice. Kalmyk New Year, in addition to religious rituals, cannot do without several interesting traditions. Firstly, Zul is not even New Year, it’s more like an all-Kalmyk birthday. It was on this day that Kalmyks traditionally added one to their age.

Zul must be met with pure thoughts, and also in new clothes. Treats on this day are plentiful - from breakfast to the end of the day. It is believed that what the table was like on this day, how successful life will be in material terms throughout the next year. In Zul it is customary to give gifts, treat and visit. If there is an open bottle of alcohol on the table, be sure to sprinkle some of the drink into the fire before drinking.

The most important dish of Zul is bortsogi, a fried sweet flour dish, something like the usual “brushwood,” but such a comparison, of course, is lame. Bortsogi, and also their smell, with which the houses of Kalmyks should be filled in the morning of Zula, cannot be confused with anything else. In everyday life, Kalmyks do not feast on them; wrestlers are intended specifically for holidays. The rest of the treats can be whatever you want, the main thing is not to skimp. Special respect is given to elders, and on this day it is supposed to forget about previous discord.

At the table you can’t do without jamba – “Kalmyk tea”. It is boiled with milk, salt and butter. The holiday ends at the family level very important ritual– the head of the family lights the age-specific lamp, which is popularly called the “boat of life.” And according to legend, when the last candle burns out, everyone receives a blessing for a successful next year. Any lamp (Zul) is a symbol of life, and you cannot extinguish them - this is how the Kalmyks believe, you can bring disaster on yourself. According to legend, Genghis Khan's warriors took wrestler with them on campaigns, because the correct wrestler can be stored for quite a long time and gives a lot of energy.

In general, Zul, like almost any popular holiday among any people, stems from several roots. In addition to Buddhism, this holiday reflects the features of Tengrism (an ancient monotheistic religion based on the deification of the sky) and simply the culture of the people.

In 2017, Zul amazingly coincided with the 25th anniversary of Telo Tulku Rinpoche’s ordination. Do you want to talk to a Kalmyk who was born in the USA, studied in Tibet, and in the Buddhist hierarchy only the Dalai Lama is higher than him? To you in Elista. The main events, of course, took place in the main temple of Kalmykia - the khurul of the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni. In the rituals performed there, there is meaning in every movement. As difficult as it is to delve into this, it is also interesting. You can personally experience what it’s like to become a little closer to Enlightenment, and at the same time make sure of the hospitality of the Kalmyk people, for example, by visiting the next Zul. In 2018, the holiday fell on December 2.

Together with the whole planet

Of course, Kalmyks, as a very Europeanized eastern people, also celebrate the traditional New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. It also comes at 12 am (Elista is in the Moscow time zone) on December 31st. The main Christmas tree of the republic is located in the cultural complex Pagoda of the Seven Days - on the square near the government building. People walk there, sometimes there are fireworks. Festive performances with Father Frost and Snow Maiden are organized for children.

At home and, say, at tourist centers, they raise glasses of champagne - in general, nothing unusual. Except that on the tables in many families, in addition to Olivier, there are also some national dishes - the same bortsok or berigi (something like manti, usually with mixed minced lamb and beef).

Closer to the East, closer to spring

In Kalmykia, many people celebrate the New Year according to the Eastern or Chinese calendar. There is no direct cultural inheritance here, but the residents of the republic, not unreasonably considering themselves a kind of Asian embassy in Europe, are respected by many eastern traditions. In particular, Feng Shui is popular in Elista, which actually has an extremely indirect relationship to Tibetan Buddhism.

The start date of the Chinese New Year is not fixed, but changes annually according to the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The arrival of the New Year in 2018 will be celebrated by the Chinese and numerous fans of oriental culture on February 16th.

And further interesting feature. Kalmykia also celebrates the holiday of Tsagan Sar (translated as white month, among the Buryats and Altaians Sagaalgan). This is an ancient Mongolian holiday, which, of course, also has a touch of Buddhist cultural overlay. In fact, Tsagan Sar is a meeting of Spring. A symbol of renewal of nature, and with it of man. A day of hope and good expectations. On this holiday, when Kalmyks met, they asked: “Did your family and livestock come out of winter safely?” These words were accompanied by special gestures. The younger one extended both hands to the older one, and he gave him one right one. The younger one wrapped his arms around her on both sides and both bowed their heads in a slight bow. This gesture contains both respect and a promise of care, if necessary. The elder could offer both hands. In this case, the two made exactly the same gestures, clasping each other's right hands. This gesture could be used to greet equals.

In the Buddhist tradition, the basis of meeting White moon- this is deliverance from all sins and defilements accumulated in the previous year. The central ritual is the burning of a black pyramid, symbolizing accumulated evil. Ideally, a one-day strict fast takes place before the ritual. Gradually, Tsagan Sar is closely intertwined with the Eastern New Year due to the fact that the holidays are traditionally close in date. In 2018, both will arrive literally on the same day - February 16th.

By the way, Kalmykia, although it’s a stretch, also has its own Santa Claus. For the uninitiated, a certain analogy may be evoked by the White Elder (Tsagan Evgen). He, however, does not go to congratulate the children. The White Old Man embodies wisdom, longevity and prosperity. His statues are often placed at the central entrance of religious buildings.

At the end of November and the first ten days of the next month (on Saturdays and Sundays), before national holiday Zul, which is celebrated this year on December 12, in the Central Khurul “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”, traditional New Year’s rituals of long life “us uttullhn” will be held.

A total of six rituals are planned: on November 25 (Saturday) and December 3 (Sunday) rituals of worshiping the goddess of long life White Tara “Dolkar Tsedub” will be held; November 26 (Sunday) and December 9 (Saturday) - rituals dedicated to the goddess of long life Ushnishavijaya; On December 2 (Saturday) and December 10 (Sunday) prayer services for the long life of Buddha Amitayus will be held, at which the corresponding sutra will be read.

All listed religious events will take place in the large prayer hall of the Central Khurul from 9.00 to 11.00. Anyone can participate in them, but these rituals and prayers are especially significant for those born in the year of the Dog (the coming year) or in the year of the Dragon, which is the opposite of the year of the Dog.

Announcing the upcoming New Year's rituals of long life "us uttulhn" from November 25 to December 10, we note that from the point of view of Buddhist teachings, the main goal of acquiring a long life is to allow the practitioner to improve on the path for as long as possible spiritual development. Below we present information about all three deities of long life - White Tara, Ushnishavijaya and Buddha Amitayus.

(Tib. Dolkar, Kalm. Tsahan Dyark) is one of the 21 manifestations of Tara - one of the main deities of Buddhism today. White Tara is the central deity of meditation in long life practices. Her distinctive sign is a blossoming white lotus. The Goddess sits in the lotus position on a lotus throne, wearing Sambhogakaya (Bliss body) ornaments and a crown on her head. Her right hand is folded at the knee in varada mudra (gesture of giving a blessing). In her left hand, folded in jnana mudra (gesture of the preacher), she holds a lotus flower. White Tara is also called “Seven Eyes” due to the presence of seven eyes: the third eye on her forehead (the eye of wisdom), and four more on her palms and feet. These eyes allow her to see all living beings in every realm of existence with insightful wisdom and compassion. The practice and mantra of White Tara helps to prolong life and prevent life-threatening obstacles.

(Liberator), or simply Vijaya (Victory), is the bodhisattva goddess of long life, yidam, the main deity of the nine-part mandala. Ushnishavijaya symbolizes the enlightened thought of the Buddha. The benefit of chanting the Ushnishavijaya mantra is very great, as it protects both in this life and in the next. Her image is often placed in the center of the Victory Stupa.

Goddess Ushnishavijaya is depicted with eight arms and three faces. Her body color is white. She is young and graceful, seated in a meditative position on a lotus throne and dressed in the robes and ornaments of bodhisattvas. On the goddess's head is a crown with an image of Buddha Vairocana. Her central face has a peaceful expression, her right face is yellow, with signs of anger, and her left face is of blue color, very angry. Each face of the goddess has three eyes. In her right hand near her chest she holds a crossed vajdra, in her upper right hand she holds a figure of Buddha Amithabi, and in her central right hand she holds an arrow. Lower right hand facing palm upward in the mudra (gesture) of bestowing a benefit. Vijaya holds a lasso in her left hand near her chest, her upper left hand folded in the mudra of protection, the central left hand holds a bow, and the lower right hand holds a vessel with the nectar of immortality.

The vessel with the nectar of immortality means that Ushnishavijaya is entering the “sadhana of life extension” along with Buddha Amitayus and White Tara. The practices of Ushnishachakravartin are on a par with the practices of Buddha Amitayus and White Tara. Her sadhanas are especially effective for overcoming obstacles to long life, for effectively purifying the results of negative actions of the body, speech and mind, and for helping all living beings suffering from serious illnesses. Ushnivajaya also protects against the eight types of fear and against birth in the lower worlds.

(Sanskrit, lit. “Buddha of boundless life”; Tib. Tsepame, lit. “endless life”). Buddha Amitayus is the Buddha of long life, sambogakaya is a form of Buddha Amitabha.

The earliest mention of Buddha Amitayus is contained in the Sukhavati-vyuha (1st century AD). As one of the epithets, Amitabha Buddha is here called Amitayus, possessing immeasurable, endless life. The cult of Buddha Amitayus was fully formed in the 4th century, and thanks to the “Amitayus-dhyana Sutra” (Sutra of Contemplation of Amitayus), Amitayus began to be perceived as a relatively independent Buddha. Prayers began to be addressed to Buddha Amitayus for long life, good health and prosperity. In the Middle Ages, in Tibet, Mongolia (especially in the healing practice of lamas) and China (in the Taoist-Buddhist search for the elixir of immortality), the cult of Buddha Amitayus developed, which became widespread in the 16th-18th centuries, which continues to retain its significance to this day.

Nagarjuna's biography mentions that during his childhood he overcame a critical period in his life (he was predicted to die early) by reciting the mantras of Buddha Amitayus.

Buddha Amitayus is depicted sitting in the lotus position with a body of ruby ​​red color, hands folded in dhyana mudra, he is decorated as a sambhogakaya bodhisattva. Most often he is depicted in red, but there are also thangkas with White Amitayus. In his solitary form, Amitayus sits in a meditative position and holds in his hands, folded in dhyana mudra, a vessel with amrita (Sanskrit amṛta - nectar of immortality). In the form of yab-yum, he holds in his hands a precious vessel containing amrita and an arrow with five multi-colored ribbons, a symbol of control over the vital elements.

Press service of the Central Khurul of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”

Program of traditional rituals “us utt”ullun", held on the eve of the holiday of Zul

Central khurul of Kalmykia “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”

November – December 2017

Elista, Zula celebration. Photo: riakalm.ru

Kalmyks around the world celebrate the Buddhist holiday Zul as the New Year

These days, Kalmykia and the Kalmyk diaspora celebrated the Buddhist New Year - Zul. In Kalmykia, Zul is also celebrated as the New Year. The Zul holiday (Burn. Zula) is a purely Buddhist tradition. The 25th day of the first winter month according to the lunar calendar is celebrated as the day of remembrance of the passing into nirvana of Bogdo Tsongkhava (1357-1419), the founder of the Tibetan Gelug school, the earthly incarnation of the bodhisattva Manjushri. Most Buddhists in Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia are followers of the Gelug school. On the day of Zul, Kalmyks add another year to their age, so this holiday can simultaneously act as the birthday of all Kalmyks.

Before the start of the celebration, the head of Kalmykia, Alexey Orlov, spoke with congratulations.

On this sacred holiday, continuing the traditions of our ancestors, we preserve the continuity of generations, passing on to the younger generation values ​​that at all times serve as a spiritual and moral guideline for our people. I sincerely wish that the coming New Year will bring fulfillment good hopes, happiness and health,” he congratulated all residents of the republic.

A large prayer service in Elista khurul was conducted by Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and the CIS countries Telo Tulku Rinpoche. On the square in front of the khurul, parishioners were treated to hot Kalmyk tea and wrestlers, writes the Kalmykia News Agency. On the same days, the opening of the exhibition “How it Was” took place, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the activity of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche. In the future, the exhibition will travel to the regions of the republic. A presentation of the book exhibition “660 years since the birth of Tsonghawa” took place in the library of the Buddhist temple.

Celebration of Zul in Moscow. Photo: riakalm.ru

The celebration of Zul also took place in Moscow. Buddhist prayer services “Yoryal” and “Nas Uttullgan” were held at the Paradise Pagoda in the Moscow district of Otradnoye. A tent was prepared for the believers, where they could enjoy traditional cuisine. The celebration of Zul in Moscow attracted about seven hundred people.

The head of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia, Damba Ayusheev, also addressed the Kalmyk people with congratulations.