 1000 Buddha statuettes were on exhibit in the prayer hall of the main temple (khuree) of Tuva during the great Buddhist Holy Days. These statuettes were made in Nepal under the supervision of the Nepal lama Tuge Rinpoche. The figurines were made for the “Ustuu-Khuree” monastery which was destroyed in the 30’s of last century. They will be placed in the Upper Chadan khuree after the work on the new temple, which is an exact copy of the destroyed temple, is finished. The temple “Tsechenling” is a temporary abode for this valuable cargo, and the Buddhas can be viewed by all who wish to do so. The preparation for this was started a week ago by the lamas of the Spiritual administration of the Kamby-Lama of Republic Tuva, and the work was done in stages from one statuette to the next.
For almost a whole year, the statuettes will undergo special rituals of consecration and vivification after which they will be transported to the “Ustuu-Khuree” monastery. The work there should be finished in the spring of next year.
The celebrations of the occasion of the consecration of the 1000 Buddhas were opened by Did (deputy) of the Kamby-Lama of Republic Tuva, Mergen Bashky, who expressed extreme gratitude to everybody who helped in the realization of this unique project. After the opening celebration, prayers were held all day, and everybody who wished could attend.
The collection of the means for obtaining the Buddhas was held throughout the republic. Tuvan Buddhists came by whole families to donate their contributions. The entire nation responded to the request for help; from a simple shepherd to businessmen and politicians. Altogether about 5 million rubles were collected. As the Kamby-Lama Jambel Lodoy shared with us, during the last few years, the believers of the republic have been becoming increasingly aware of the significance of re-establishing the lost holy places on the territory of Tuva.
“Buddhists and community organizations are actively initiating collections of donations and offerings, first of all for re-building the “Ustuu-Khuree” temple, - said the Kamby-Lama. – This is truly a national project, which is supported by the leaders of the republic and our famous countryman Sergei Shoigu.”
The Administration of the Kamby-Lama notes that among the first who brought donations for the interior equipment of the monument of Buddhist architecture were members of the government.
“The action “Ustuu-Khuree” is an act of conscience, - explains Sholban Kara-ool. It is the conscience of the authority. During the years of rule of evil, not a single monastery was left in Tuva. They were destroyed by the authorities, and many of the clerics were repressed. That is why I think that my colleagues considered it their moral debt to show personal help in the re-establishment of the continuity of the temple “Ustuu-Khuree”.
The administration of the Kamby-Lama of RT specifically notes the necessity of finishing all the work in the spring of next year, because they are sincerely hoping that His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV will be able to visit Tuva next year.
|
Culture 
