Ling Rinpoche’s recent visitto Russia on July 22nd, 2023, has enormous significance for Buddhist communities both locally and abroad. Venerable Ling Rinpoche embarked on a short pastoral journey rich with spiritual blessings and teachings at the request of Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev of Buryatia. The cordial greeting from representatives of Russia’s Traditional Sangha, the monastic community, and Buryatia’s believers added to the auspiciousness of the visit.
The arrival of such a revered spiritual leader to Russia provides believers with an unparalleled opportunity to receive blessings, teachings, and direction on the Buddhist path. It also strengthens relationships between India’s and Russia’s Buddhist communities, fostering peace, friendship, and mutual understanding. Interactions during the tour, such as the Aginsky datsan consecration rite and discussions with lamas and devotees, reinforce the spiritual tie between the regions.
Ling Rinpoche gave the Aginsky datsan with commemorative tablets with signatures to the statue of Bakula Rinpoche and 108 volumes of the sacred Ganjur (Kangyur) as a token of respect and friendship. This goodwill gesture represented his hopes for the datsan’s success and well-being for the benefit of all living beings. During his visit to the datsan, Rinpoche was taken aback by the majesty of the enormous statue of Buddha Maidari (Maitreya).
“This interaction between the Buddhist communities of India and Russia is part of Ling Rinpoche’s big mission to strengthen peace, friendship, and mutual understanding. May all living beings be in peace and harmony,” said Badma Tsybikov, Shireete Lama of the Aginsky datsan, emphasizing the profound significance of the visit.
