Русский
The 3rd International Buddhist Forum, with the theme “The Buddhist World in the New Millennium” has begun in Elista, the capital of the Kalmykia Republic in European Russia. The Republic Flag is depicted above.
Kalmykia is the only Buddhist region in Europe and was originally populated by descendants of the Mongol tribes and other Central Asians making their way West along ancient Silk Roads.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, gave an introductory welcome, saying “It is gratifying that the forum has asserted itself as an authoritative platform, where priests, learned theologians, public figures and politicians from various countries discuss current issues related to the philosophy and practice of Buddhism. This time, the conference is being hosted by the hospitable Republic of Kalmykia, a unique Russian region, where Buddhist teaching is an inalienable part of its spiritual and historical heritage.
A mutually respectful dialogue between traditional world religions is Russia’s true possession and a pledge of its peaceful and progressive development. We are ready to continue sharing this unique experience with our foreign friends and will further help to encourage the cultural and civilisational diversity of the emerging multipolar world order.
I am confident that your meeting will be held in a constructive atmosphere and serve to assert intransient moral orientations and values, maintain inter-ethnic and inter-faith peace and accord, and strengthen humanitarian cooperation.”
The Kalmykia republic covers an area of 76,100 km2, with a population of about 275,000. The population is mainly Kalmyks, a people of Oirat Mongolian origin who are mainly of Tibetan Buddhist faith. Kalmykia has a developed agricultural sector, and well as food processing and oil and gas industries.
The Kalmyk people recognize Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader and Erdne Ombadykow, a Kalmyk American, as the supreme lama of the Kalmyk people. The Dalai Lama has visited Elista on a number of occasions.
Delegations from India, Mongolia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam and other Buddhist countries are attending the event.
The programme includes sessions devoted to:
- The preservation and development of the monastic institution
- Perspective and practice of traditional medicine of buddhist countries
- Buddhism and development of tourism potential
- Debates, workshops, discussions on the role of Buddhism
- Traditional music and dance with 1000 musicians
Further Reading
Russia’s Kalmykia Republic to Host International Buddhist Forum
