The datsan of Tunkinsky valley

The history of Buddhism in Tunkinskaya valley originated in ancient times. First here appeared the Tibetian monls-redcapers. Their mission was rather successful. But gradually in the valley, as well as everywhere in Buryatia, the northern branch of Buddhism doctrine became widely spread.

Accordingly to the date of appearance the first was the Datatsan "Tushite". Later there appeared the Datsan "Bodkhi-Dkharma" in Arshan. During the struggle against religion these temples had been destroyed, the process of their revival began in the 90-is of XX century.

Now there are 4 Datsans, 2 Bunkhans (chapels) in the valley and 3 stoopas of Buddha have been established. The Buddhist doctrine again has become an important part of spiritual life of local population.

At the same time the Tunkinskaya valley is interesting for its wonderful combination of pre-Shaman religion, Shamanism and Buddhism. It attracts guests of Tunka, among whom are tourists, holiday-makers and those who come here on business or to visit their relatives. All great khurals are conducted in these Buddhist temples including Maidari Khural, one of the largest Buddhist prayers devoted to Buddha of the future global period. The main event is a circular procession of believers with a figure of a horse or a white elephant. Ancient Buddhist attributes are kept in some Buryat families of the Tunkinskaya valley. And the image of Buddha (Burkhan) is always placed in the most honored northern part of a house.

The Datsan "Tushite"

The Datsan was built in 1817. During struggle against religion it had been destroyed and restored anew in 1990. Its first name was "Dechin-Darzhaling". For a lonf time this datsan was the main Buddhist temple responsible for the spread of the doctrine in the Tunkinskaya valley. The unique Buddhist treatise "Ganzhur" in gold binding was kept in it. Lamas of the datsan participated in all important religious events. They established a cult construction "Zhalsan" in the district of "Burkhan-Baabai". Until 1924 Tsyretor-Lama, the former prior of Tamchinsky Datsan lived init., he was famous for many od his activities , first of all, he was the last oracle in Buryatia who had got education in Neychunsky monastery of Tibet, also he had served in the Cossak troopes participating in suppression of "boxing revolt" in China in 1910. Nowadays his son Buyyantuev Shagdar Nyadbatovich lives in Khoytogol. He is a prominent spiritual practician, the expert of the unique combination of three doctrines : the pre-Shaman religious doctrine, Shamanism and Buddhism. Supported by the Lamas of the Datsan one more Datsan was built in the place of Khoymory by an outstanding figure of Buddhism, Agvan Dorzhiev.

At present the Datsan "Tushite" is the basic temple of a Buddhist community in the Tunkinsky region , carrying out the activity to support the doctrine and the construction of new cult constructions. The head of the community is Lama Danzan Haybzun Samaev, the head of the International Buddhist fund "Akhallar". The name of the fund "Akhallar" consists of the initial letters of the words meaning the major Buddhist principals: Akhimsa- the principal of non-violence, Altruism- disinterested service to the doctrine, Aryuun- the concept of purity of consciousness and cleanliness of mother-nature. Lama Samaev initiated the construction of Dugan in Shumak, the Datsan –academy in Vyshka ( the Tower) is being constructed. The main purpose of this activity is the revival of spirituality, an explanation to people of bases of Buddhism.

The revival of Buddhism in Tunka and the building of cult construction need financial means which are difficult to collect leaning only on believers and Lamas. The Prior of the Datsan "Tushite" , Oshor-Lama appeals to those who is aware of the importance of spirituality, the doctrine of the Buddhism, the purity of nature and prosperity of people to assist in this revival. For those who is ready to render this help, account the Datsan is denoted.

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The Datsan "Bodkhi Dkharma"

The Datsan is located in a picturesque place 500 meters far from the resort of Arshan at the bottom of the ridge. The road leads to it from the resort. The Datsan "Bodkhi-Dkharma" has inherited the traditions of the unique Khoymorsky Khandagataysky datsan built by the outstanding Buryat religious figure , the educator-Agvan Dorzhiev in 1897, as the prototype of the St.-Petersburg Buddhist monastery. The place for the Khandagataysky Datsan was chosen by Agvan Dorzhiev not far from the sacred palce "the Throne of Chingis-Khan". In this curriculum vitae he wrote:" Local mountains spirits prefer this "white side" and have clearly shown some positive signs of their presence." The Khandagaysky datsan had been destroyed during the period of fight with religion and was not restored anymore. The Datsan "Bodkhi'Dkharma" carries out all ceremonies according to the Buddhist canon. One can get here the Indian medicine and medicines made from local raw material and to order the prayer. The Datsan is regularly visited by the groups of tourists.