Today, about one percent of the Russian population is Buddhist. Buddhism is a widespread world religion, but very little is known about it in Russia. There are also few Buddhist temples in our country. This is due to historical and political reasons. The most famous are Buddhist temples in Kalmykia, the Irkutsk region and the Trans-Baikal Territory. With their exotic beauty, they attract not only Buddhists from Russia, but also pilgrims from all over the world, as well as tourists who are far from this religion. Consider the most famous similar temples in our country.

Buddhist temples in St. Petersburg

Today, guests and residents of St. Petersburg can visit a rather unusual sight for Russia - a Buddhist temple. It is known as Datsan Gunzechoinei and was the first establishment of its kind in Europe.

Initially, adherents of this religion began to appear in St. Petersburg in the 18th century, when Peter-Pavel's Fortress. At that time, there were still few Buddhists in the city, only about 75 people (in 1897). In the first decade of the twentieth century, their number grew to almost two hundred people. Among them were many foreigners who came from the countries of the East, as well as Buryats, Kalmyks and representatives of the then fashionable Buddhist trend - neo-Buddhism.

History of the St. Petersburg Buddhist Temple

The number of Buddhists grew rapidly, but these people did not have their own temple where they could pray. In Buryat Lama Avgan Dorzhiev, who was the representative of the Dalai Lama in Russia, received permission to build the first Buddhist chapel in St. Petersburg. The money for the construction was donated by the Dalai Lama himself, as well as believers from all over Russia.

However, the construction of a datsan (Buddhist temple) began only in 1909. The architects were Baranovsky G.V. and Berezovsky N.M., who created their project in accordance with the canons of Tibetan architecture. The construction of the temple was also under the scientific guidance of a specially created committee of oriental scholars.

The construction of the datsan was fraught with many difficulties and was completed only in 1915. Despite this, the first services were held there already in 1913.

In 1915, the temple was consecrated, and Avgan Dorzhiev became the rector. However, he did not act for long for religious purposes. The Soviet period became a difficult time for Russian Buddhists. Already in 1916 they began to leave St. Petersburg. In 1919, Datsan Gunzechoinei was looted, but in the 1920s-1930s it again began to function for religious purposes. In 1935, the temple was finally closed, and all Buddhist monks were repressed.

During the Patriotic War, there was a military radio station in the temple, and only in 1968 the building of the datsan was declared an architectural monument, and in 1990 the temple was handed over to Buddhists, and it again began to work for religious purposes.

Datsan Gunzechoinei today

If you want to visit Buddhist temples in St. Petersburg, then you should definitely pay attention to Datsan Gunzechoinei. It is the largest Buddhist attraction in the city. Teachers of Buddhist philosophy from Tibet come there with lectures. The monks of the temple pray daily for the health of the living and for the safe rebirth of the dead. Here you can also make an appointment with an astrologer or a doctor - a specialist in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Today, anyone can visit this institution. Buddhist Temple Datsan Gunzechoinei is open every day from 10.00 to 19.00 (day off - Wednesday). The temple has an official website on the Internet, where you can find out the schedule of all prayers and khurals taking place there. You can visit this Buddhist temple for free. Photo and video shooting inside the datsan is prohibited.

Of course, the temple will amaze you with its beauty and oriental flavor. On the territory you can see an interesting attraction - Buddhist drums filled with sacred grass and paper on which the mantra "Om Name Padme Hum" is written 10,800 times. To attract happiness, you need to spin each reel at least once.

In addition, you can visit not only Buddhist temples in St. Petersburg, but also communities of adherents of this religion.

Buddhist temples in Moscow

Today, about 20 thousand people professing Buddhism live in Moscow. However, they do not have their own temple, but only religious centers. By 2015, two Buddhist temples are planned to be built in the capital. The first one will be located on Poklonnaya Hill, and the second - in Otradnoe.

Both temples will be built on donations. They will complement the already existing religious complexes in those places, which consist of this moment from Orthodox churches, Jewish synagogues and Islamic mosques.

The first temple, which will be located on Poklonnaya Hill, will be dedicated to Buddhists who died in the Great Patriotic War. It is planned to build a chapel for monks on the first floor, and to organize an exhibition dedicated to the heroes of the Patriotic War on the second floor.

Ivolginsky datsan in Buryatia

One of the most famous Buddhist temples in Russia is the Ivolginsky datsan. It is located in Buryatia, a few hours drive from Ulan-Ude. This place is of great importance for pilgrims not only from Russia, but also from all over the world.

It was erected in 1945 and became the first Buddhist temple opened in Soviet time. Today, anyone can visit it. There are guided tours especially for tourists. Ivolginsky Buddhist temple, the photo of which is given below, few people can leave indifferent. On the territory of the datsan, you can take pictures, spin special prayer wheels and buy souvenirs.

Other Buddhist temples in Russia

Another well-known Buddhist temple in Russia is Hambyn Khure, located in the city of Ulan-Ude. It is a large Buddhist complex, consisting of several temples and service buildings. One of them has a university where students can learn the art of Mandala drawing. The main temple of the Tsogchegan-dugan complex was consecrated in 2003 and today it regularly holds traditional religious services.

Also, the attention of pilgrims is attracted by the Buddhist temple of Rimpoche-bagsha, the Aginsky datsan, located in the Chita region, the Atsagat datsan near Ulan-Ude and the datsan of the Barguzin valley.

In Kalmykia are located: the Temple of the Great Victory, the Golden Abode of Gedden Shcheddup Choykorling. All of them are unique in their own way.

Despite the small percentage of Russians who profess the ancient Eastern religion, one can still find a Buddhist temple in our country. Petersburg, Ulan-Ude and other cities have their own datsans, some of which were founded many years ago.

In Soviet times, ancient Indian teachings were subjected to numerous repressions, many temples were destroyed, so today the Buddhist tradition in the full sense of the word does not exist in Russia, and there are a small number of datsans. Therefore, Buddhists who do not have the opportunity to go to the temple visit the corresponding centers, prayer houses and retreat centers.

Buddhist temples can now be found in many countries as Buddhism has spread throughout the world. Over the past 2500 years, Buddhism has undergone many changes, and today there are three main branches of this religion, each of them has its own monasteries for believers. The roots of Buddhism are located in India. Although the date of Buddha's birth is still a controversial point, Buddhism tentatively originated in the 5th century. The literal translation of Buddha is "enlightened". In this article, I will introduce you to some amazing and revered monasteries that you might want to visit.

1. Buddhist Monastery Wat Arun (WAT ARUN) in Thailand.

The famous Buddhist monastery Wat Arun is one of the most iconic images in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is very recognizable.

He is decorated ceramic tiles and colored porcelain. To visit the temple, you will need to take a taxi across the river.

2. Luang Buddhist Monastery (PHA THAT LUANG) in Laos.

Pha That Luang Temple is located in Laos. It is the most important national monument of Vientiane. Legends say that missionaries built this huge temple with a gilded dome to house a part of the Buddha.

A lot of excavations were carried out, but evidence of the legend was never found.

3. Buddhist Temple Jokhang (JOKHANG) in Tibet.

The Jokhang Buddhist temple in the center of Lhasa is known as the Tibetan center of the spiritual world. The temple is the oldest left on earth and gives tourists an authentic taste of Tibetan culture.

The temple is amazingly beautiful. It remains the center of Buddhism in Tibet.

4. Buddhist Temple Todaiji (TODAIJI) in Japan.

One of the most significant and famous Buddhist temples is the Todaiji temple in Nara. The monastery is the largest wooden building in the world and houses a huge Buddha statue.

The temple has always been and remains extremely popular. The temple is also home to many influential Buddhist schools.

5. Buddhist Temple BOUDHANATH in Nepal.

BOUDHANATH Temple is one of the most revered monuments in Kathmandu, Nepal. BOUDHANATH is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BOUDHANATH attracts tourists from all over the world.

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Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the holiest places in the world. The main stupas of the temple are covered with gold and shimmer in the sun.

The temple is located in Yangon, Myanmar.

in Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Bagan Square has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, stupas, pagodas in the world.

The temples in Bagan Square are much simpler in design than many others in the world, but people still make the pilgrimage to worship and enjoy the splendor of this place.

9. Buddhist Monastery in Borobudur (BOROBUDUR) in Indonesia

Temple in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, erected in 1789 according to the project of the architect V. I. Bazhenov (1737 - 1799). Architectural style: Russian pseudo-Gothic. Bykovo village, Ramensky district, Moscow region

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Capital. The brutal suppression of religion forced Buddhists to take refuge in remote mountainous regions where they built their temples and monasteries. So Buddhism became a monastic rather than a secular religion. These historical circumstances explain the fact that most Buddhist... . The behavior of the Hwarans was guided by the moral code "Hwarando", which later formed the basis of Hagakure Bushido - famous code Japanese samurai. Koreans are rightfully proud of their contribution to the upbringing of the "Japanese barbarians" - after all ...

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In order to achieve the state of "destruction of impurity" ["Arhatship"], these two qualities should be combined"13. Famous the text in the Sanyutta Nikaya (II, 115) contrasts Musila and Narada, each of which symbolizes ... liberation. "Visuddhimagga", "The Path of Purity", Buddhaghoshi - the most complete and profound treatise on meditation that exists in the Hinayana- Buddhism(c. mid-fifth century AD) - reveals the same trend. The stages of meditation are classified, explained, substantiated with ...

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Academic schools in Europe. The two most qualified Buddhist journals are " Buddhism Russia" and "Garuda" - are published in St. Petersburg. It has twice as many Buddhist communities as in Moscow. Until 2000, there was only one Buddhist community in European Russia. Temple- In Petersburg. In 2000, the construction of a Buddhist temple in Moscow. Now the St. Petersburg datsan has turned into a kind of All-Russian Dharma...

https://www.site/religion/11296

And science. In the nineties, a spiritual revival began. In Kalmykia Buddhism declared the state religion. In Buryatia and Tuva (Tyva) are being restored temples and teaching traditions. Hundreds of Buddhist communities are registered in Russia, representing the directions of the Tibetan Buddhism, the oldest school of Theravada, the Zen school of Japanese Buddhism, various forms Buddhism tantric, etc. Lectures, seminars, prayer meetings are held in the communities ...

https://www.site/religion/14350

Great Britain (founded in 1924), which publishes the magazine "The Middle Wey" ("Middle Way"), which publishes information about Buddhism in Europe countries and in the USA. There is also a Buddhist Mission in Great Britain (since 1926), a London Buddhist Vihara (since 1954), Temple Buddhapadipa (since 1966), Tibetan Center, British Buddhist Association (since 1974), Zen Training Center. Friends of Western Buddhist...

Buddhist temples

Buddhist religion and culture over time stepped far beyond the borders of India. In the 1st century AD, in the Kushan state (Northwest of Hindustan), Buddhist religious buildings were actively built - sanctuaries-stupas, cave and ground temples. In Bactria there was a huge Buddhist monastery where 3,000 monks lived.

The Buddhist temples of Kushan were decorated with sculpture in large numbers.

Until recently, two huge sculptures were a monument of world significance - Buddha Small (35 meters, II century BC) and Buddha Big (53 meters, I century AD) in the Balshan Valley in the center of Afghanistan (blown up by the Taliban).

On the basis of cult sculpture, Kushan masters created a secular gallery, a palace-dynastic one - portraits of rulers, heroes, nobles.

In the first centuries of our era, Buddhism spread to China. The symbol of this religion here was not a stupa, but a multi-tiered tower-pagoda. The pagodas of the ancient era were wooden and have not been preserved. In the 8th century, a peculiar form of roof appeared in China - with curved edges, often decorated with relief and sculpture. This curvature comes from the transition from a steep gable roof main building to the surrounding veranda. The roof was the main focus of the architectural composition.

Pagodas dating back to the early Middle Ages differed

monumentality and simplicity of style. Later buildings are complex

silhouette with curved cornice overhangs, with fractional plasticity of the walls.

As one of the elements of the architecture of Buddhist temple complexes in China, there are "gates of purification", richly decorated with sculpture, carving, color.

There are many active Buddhist temples and monasteries in China. One of the most impressive is the cave temple of Lunmin (Dragon Gate), in numerous grottoes and niches of which there are more than 100 thousand statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. The monotonous monotony of beautiful sculptures surprisingly calms a person, helps him escape from the vanity of the world around him.

The most famous Buddhist cave temple in China is Shaolin (it is carved into a rock near the Yellow River). This monastery is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and a recognized center of the martial art Wu-shu. The specificity of the monastery is displayed in a kind of sculptural gallery created in one of the courtyards. Wooden sculptures depict shaven-headed monks engaged in training battles. The figures are very realistic and expressive. Shaolin monks have perfected the martial art for centuries.

The Baima (White Horse) monastery in the vicinity of Luoyang is considered the oldest. It was here on white horses in the 1st century AD. brought the first books of the Buddhist canon and a statue of Buddha.

There are many late Buddhist monasteries in Thailand. In Bangkok, there is the Phra Keo Monastery with the world-famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, here is the oldest monastery in the Thai capital Chetupon (Wat Po). This monastery is famous for the largest temples and the scholarship of the monks. In the main temple there is a huge statue of the reclining Buddha (46 meters long and 15 meters high), covered with gilding. Under the arches of the temple bells quietly ring...

A unique late Buddhist cultural monument has been preserved in

Indonesia.

In the center of the island of Java rises the Buddhist temple of Borobudur, one of the most beautiful buildings of oriental architecture. He is over 11 years old. It was built according to the project of the architect Gunadharma in the VIII century. The Borobudur temple is built on a natural oblong hill. The central step pyramid stands on a hectare square base. Terraces covered with bas-relief and decorated with 462 Buddha statues rise above the base. Even higher are three circular terraces, on which there are 72 openwork stupas with Buddha statues inside. At a height of 35 meters above the ground, the construction is completed by a large closed and empty stupa, symbolizing the contemplation of the Highest Truth or nivana. Stairs lead to the top of the pyramid, stone lions guard the entrances. The Borobudur temple is characterized by original elements distinguishing it from other monuments of Buddhism.

Buddhism came to Japan in the 6th century from Korea. Therefore, Buddhist temples were built there by Korean and Chinese architects. One of these temples is a Buddhist temple. chinese style with a pagoda (VII century) is well preserved in Nara (the ancient capital of Japan) and is a national shrine.

Buddhist Japanese temples are almost always recognizable by their red gates. The interiors of the temples are brightly painted. At the back of the temple is a statue of Buddha.

The heart of the Great Steppe - Mongolia - got acquainted with the basics of Buddhism in the 7th century. Under Ogedei Khan, in honor of his enthronement, the first Buddhist temple was laid in the then capital of Mongolia, Karakorum (destroyed in the 14th century).

Since the end of the 16th century, the northern, Tibetan branch of Buddhism has been spreading in Mongolia. In the valley of the Orkhon River, a complex of the Buddhist monastery Erdeni-Zud (“precious treasure”) was created. The territory of the monastery is surrounded by a wall with 107 towers-suburgans, original sanctuaries-mausoleums.

The first behind the fence is the Dalai-Lamyk temple, dedicated

High Priest of Tibet, the Dalai Lama. Bottom part the building is lined with blue brick, above - a parapet with a frieze strip with gilded mirrors embedded in the wall masonry.

The flowering of Buddhist culture in Mongolia is associated with the name of Janabazar, an outstanding statesman and religious figure, a talented poet, architect, and sculptor. In his works he followed the Buddhist canons, but his work is wider than any canon, any religion. He became famous for the creation of five huge bronze statues of dhyani (Buddhas of contemplation).

The sculpture of Vajradar (Buddhist deity), created in strict Buddhist canons, has been preserved and became the main shrine of the Gandan monastery in Ulaanbaatar (at that time it was the Khan's headquarters of Ugra).

Until now, in the museum of Ulaanbaatar, from the depths of centuries, the Buddhist goddess of mercy White Tara is smiling at us, protecting a person from evil. There were twenty such figures, and the twenty-first Tara smiles at us with the smile of the artist's beloved girl.

Ugra was not only the capital of the state, but also the center of Buddhism in Mongolia. And the Gandan monastery was almost an independent city in the capital. Here was the highest spiritual educational institution Lamaism, where students from Buryatia, Tuva, Kalmykia studied.

The interiors of the temples of the monastery still amaze with both magnificent sculpture and wealth. color solutions interiors. Gold, turquoise, corals, ocher were ground to obtain certain colors.

All elements of the temple, including pictorial icons and objects of arts and crafts, are subject to a single compositional design.

Lamaism, using the legacy of the artistic culture of the Mongolian people, managed to develop all types of artistic creativity and put them at the service of religion.

Conclusion

Buddhism in the modern world - the world of wars, terrorism, unbelief, finds

more supporters. The first truth of Buddhism “Everything in the world is full of evil and suffering” characterizes the 21st century in the best possible way. And if not the world, then at least the human spirit strives to learn how to live correctly in this world of suffering.

The main discovery of Buddhism: a person is unbearably lonely in this world. He can save himself. The Buddha said: "Few people reach the opposite shore, the rest only fuss on this shore."

Buddhism… Religion without God, salvation without salvation, life without evil, but also without good…

Actual problems of the development of Buddhism in modern conditions are due to the search for an all-Russian identity, the need for a deep study of the origins of our own Eurasian culture, for the preservation and use of all the best that has been created over the centuries-old history of Russian civilization. special attention In this regard, it is worthwhile to analyze the Buddhist culture of Russia, its values ​​in determining the Eurasian identity of the multinational Russian state, where a kind of “exodus to the East”, Buddhist and Oriental traditions have deep historical roots.

In the context of the search for new ways of civilizational development, the search for opportunities to implement the principle of complementarity of types of philosophizing in Russia and in the East acquires great importance. The riches of Buddhist philosophy can and must be claimed by modern Russian culture and intellectual environment, especially since her meeting with the Russian philosophical tradition at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. turned out to be very fruitful.

The importance of the foreign policy side of this problem is undoubted. Due to the peculiar geographical location Russia is faced with the task of establishing and maintaining friendly relations not only with

countries of the West, but also with the states of the Buddhist East. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the peoples of Russia, who traditionally practice Buddhism, are a kind of link between our country and the Buddhist world. Thus, the international position of Russia will also depend to a certain extent on a correct understanding of the specifics of Buddhism.

Buddhism today plays an increasingly important role in the social and cultural life of Russia, gradually crossing the borders of those regions where it is traditionally distributed. The popularity of Buddhism is due to a number of reasons, one of which is the proximity of some of its principles to modern scientific thought. Sympathy is caused by a tolerant attitude towards other cultural and religious values, the absence of claims for exclusivity, and openness to interfaith dialogue. Humanism, tolerance and high ethical standards Buddhist cultures suggest the possibility of exercising in practice basic civil rights.

The study of the spiritual, moral and socio-ecological potential of the centuries-old Buddhist culture speaks of the revival of spirituality in Russia. -anthropological. Modern researchers are increasingly turning to Buddhism in search of answers to many pressing issues of our time (the problem of interaction between science and religion, environmental problems, the problem of tolerance, etc.). In the conditions of the crisis of scientific rationality, the “compromise” approach, which involves the synthesis of worldview paradigms of science and religion, East and West, is becoming widespread.

Appeal to the socio-cultural potential of Buddhism, analysis of the relationship between the ideas of tolerance, universal responsibility, ethics of non-violence in

Buddhism with the directions of development of the modern world can contribute to the search for new models of solutions global problems modernity. Buddhist eco-oriented values ​​are a kind of alternative to the "consumer society" and therefore they receive understanding and active support in the world.

Philosophical understanding of the values ​​of Buddhist culture can be a conceptual component of the search for alternative models for the development of modern civilization in the context of the processes of "identity clash". It seems promising to turn to such a discourse of religious and cultural identity, which would give the individual, society integrity and value rootedness, would help overcome the clash of identities of traditional, modern and postmodern societies, "split", "hybridity", "boundary" modern identities.

Of undoubted interest is the question of the perception of Buddhism in the socio-cultural space of Russia. This is due to the increased interest in the problem of the dialogue of cultures in recent decades. Globalization modern life and culture, awareness of other values ​​makes us take a different look at the interaction of cultures and civilizations. The dialogue between the cultures of East and West is of particular importance at the present stage of historical development, when Asian countries begin to play a prominent role in the international arena.

Buddhism contributed to the strengthening of the Eurasian specificity of the socio-cultural space of Russia, and the evolution of Buddhist culture in Russia was significantly influenced by the civilizational specificity of the Russian space.

In the process of its evolution on Russian soil, Buddhism acquired sociocultural features compared to its original version, while its religious-philosophical and ideological principles remained almost unchanged.

An important feature Buddhism, which influenced him

historical fate in the socio-cultural space of Russia is pragmatism, which is most clearly manifested in crisis, transitional periods of the development of society.

Main:

1. Lebedev V. Yu. Religious studies. - M.: "Yurayt", 2013. - 629 p.

2. Yablokov I.N. Fundamentals of Religious Studies. - M.: Gardariki, 2002. - 511 p.

Additional:

Hello, dear readers - seekers of knowledge and truth!

Buddhism during its existence, having appeared on the territory of northeastern India, grew, took on new forms, flowed from country to country and even covered distances as large as continents.

It is not surprising that he also reached the boundless expanses of Russia - an Orthodox country at its core.

Already long time three large Russian republics - Kalmykia, Tuva and Buryatia - follow the path of Buddhism, in major cities there are, and sanghas - Buddhist communities - are scattered throughout the country.

Our today's article will tell you about the main temple of the Buddhist Sangha in Russia, give a brief history lesson: arrange a short lecture on how Russian realities with their harsh winters are superimposed on the aesthetics of temple buildings, take you to a remote secluded corner of Russia, and also tell the secret of the incorruptibility of the physical body.

Russian beacon of Buddhism

The heart of the Buddhist traditional sangha of Russia, or, as it is called for short, BTSR, is located five thousand kilometers from Moscow - in Buryatia. The head of this organization, Pandito Khambo Lama, and his residence is located here - in the Ivolginsky datsan. It can be considered the most important Buddhist temple in our country.

Surrounded by mountains, at the base of the Khamar-Daban ridge, in the middle of the endless steppe, the sloping roofs of the datsan are spread. The gleam of gilding, the roaming wind, the barely perceptible tart aroma, so reminiscent of the eastern regions, as if they were taking away nomads to their homeland.

What is it: Mongolia, China or Tibet? It's hard to believe, but we are in Russia, just thirty kilometers from Ulan-Ude. The religion of this area is represented by a current, and here is its spiritual beginning.

The riot of colors and the splendor of Buddhist temple buildings, so unusual for the Russian gaze, bring here not only believers, pilgrims, but also ordinary tourists from all over the world who want to see a kind of state within a state, plunge into the atmosphere of calm joy of the Buddhist world.

At one time, millions of tourists visited here, including even the first persons of the country - Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin.

A small digression into history

Buddhism reached the borders of Russia in the distant 17th century, when it was still at the very beginning of its development. But thanks to Empress Elizabeth, who “gave the green light” to the recognition of this alien religion at that time by a special decree of 1741, Buddhist philosophy was firmly rooted in the minds of the eastern peoples of Russia.

Before the revolution, there were as many as 47 Buddhist temples, but then the Soviet government came, which considered not only Christianity, but also religiosity in general in any of its manifestations, to be “opium for the people”. Already by 1925, many buildings were destroyed, and the abbots were subjected to ruthless repression.

History has a good sense of humor, and if you now ask the locals how the Ivolginsky datsan appeared, they will either jokingly or seriously answer that Stalin gave it.

There is a story connected with this, the authenticity of which is questioned, but still similar to the truth. The beginning of the war, like the whole subsequent decade, was a very difficult time, and any help was not superfluous. The Buryats (who, for a second, were almost all Buddhists) collected an unbearable amount for those times - three hundred thousand rubles - and sent them to the front. Thanks for the dedication and assistance of the Buddhists was the permission to build a datsan.

Immediately after the end of the bloody war, in May 1945, the People's Commissariat of the Buryat-Mongolian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic specially issued a decree "On the opening of a Buddhist temple." Of course, the reconstruction of centuries-old datsans was out of the question, but the Buryats were happy to be content with little - they were allocated land practically in a swamp, near the village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga.

Thus began the construction of the main datsan of the country. A wealthy family allocated their house, which became the first temple of the entire complex. With the joint efforts of the inhabitants of the village of Orongoy, local lamas and volunteers around the village began to erect buildings one after another.

“... It was built when Stalin was at the top of power, I did not understand how this could happen, but such a fact helped me realize that spirituality is so deeply rooted in human mind, which is very difficult, if not impossible, to uproot it ... ”- the Dalai Lama XIV shared his impressions of the Ivolginsky datsan.

Today, the whole monastery complex shines with splendor at this place, surrounded by a scattering of plants, a serene spirit, an aura of reverence. His name is Gandan Dashi Choynhorlin, the meaning of which in translation means that the wheel of the Teaching is spinning here, filled with a sense of joy and happiness.

The decoration of the complex

The datsan welcomes guests with the main gate that opens from the south, as well as a small, non-main entrance. To comprehend the beauty of the temple, without losing sight of anything, will help the rite of circumambulation of shrines - gooro. For this, a path is paved throughout the territory.

During gooro it is worth following clockwise as the Sun moves. You can walk along the perimeter alone, enjoying unforgettable views, and thirsty for knowledge and interesting stories visitors will be welcomed with pleasure. The main rule is that the number of rounds must be odd.

The Buryat datsan is under state protection for a reason, because it is a real work of architecture. The complex is represented by ten temples and five stupas, the most prominent of them are named:

• Tsogshin-dugan - the main temple of the BTSR;
• Devajin;
• Maidrin-sume;
• Sahuyusan-sume.

An important feature of the datsan is a Buddhist university. Dashi Choynhorlin - that's what it's called, and it was built a quarter of a century ago, in 1991.

The presence of the university gave the Ivolginsky Monastery the full right to bear the title of datsan, because in Tibetan Buddhism a datsan is a “faculty” department at a temple.

The university itself is quite modest and ascetic, like the life of local monks. About a hundred huvarak students study in one of the four faculties, living in a large wooden building.

When visiting, you can observe the ordinary with one eye: they rise at 6 o’clock in the morning and serve until the evening, study disciplines, and do cooking, cleaning, and household chores themselves.

The curriculum includes the most extensive range of subjects: from philosophy, icon painting and Oriental medicine to the Tibetan language and logic. After five years of study, students receive the status of lamas, which is supported by a diploma.

In addition to temple and educational buildings, there is a library, an art museum, service buildings, and lamas' dwellings. And for the continuous flow of inquisitive tourists, a hotel was built, a cafe with national cuisine, souvenir shops with idiosyncratic things.

196 - this is how many Buddhist objects are cultural property and are strictly protected by the state.

Services, rituals are traditionally held in temples, cult dates, holidays are celebrated, and various kinds of treatment are carried out here, the rules of which were bequeathed by traditional ancient Tibetan medicine.

Like in Tibet or Buddhist China, the buildings here are bright, and their gabled roofs rush upwards. But geographical features affect the prevailing local architecture: dugans, unlike their Tibetan counterparts, are mostly made of wood.

In addition, Russian winters with severe frosts influenced the architecture of Buddhist buildings, so the entrance to the temple is marked with a special hall, similar to a porch, so that the cold does not get inside.

When walking around the territory, you can pray a hundred thousand times, because that is how many mantras are hidden inside the Ivolginsky Monastery.

You can pet roe deer, wander around the greenhouse, look into open temples, enjoy the power of the incredible Bodhi tree, where, according to legend, the Buddha learned what nirvana is.

The phenomenon of incorruptibility

But perhaps the most amazing thing in this monastery is hidden in the temple of the Pure Land.
In the 20th century, the hambo lama from Buryatia Dashi-Dorzho was especially famous.

In 1927, the 75-year-old great Master entered into meditation, which he is believed to be still in. It can be called a real miracle, and here's why.

Before leaving, Itaglov bequeathed to his students to visit him in thirty years. The lama's body was placed in a cedar barrel, and three decades later, according to the instructions, it was exhumed. Everyone was overwhelmed by a wave of surprise - the body has practically not changed during this time.

Research scientists constantly showed that the tissues did not deform, the cells remained alive, and at times even the body temperature changed and sweat appeared.

Now everyone can see the imperishable lama, but this can be done only eight times a year - on great holidays. At other times, only the monks and sometimes special guests watch him.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for your attention, dear readers! We wish you someday to visit this unique region of our country and see the wonders with your own eyes.