On September 20-23, 2015, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, Elista, hosted the international forum "Buddhism in the Dialogue of East and West Cultures: Past, Present and Future", dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Central Hurul (Buddhist Temple) of Kalmykia"Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha".

The majority of the population of Kalmykia profess Galug Tibetan Buddhism. During the period of struggle in the USSR with religions and clergy, all Buddhist temples in Kalmykia were closed, and then destroyed. During the Great Patriotic War, the Kalmyks, like representatives of some other peoples of the USSR, survived deportation to Siberia, and after returning from the second half of the 1950s, they found that not a single Buddhist temple remained on their territory. Only in the 1990s did restoration work begin, and to date there are 27 churches and monasteries operating in the republic.

Kalmykia's main Buddhist temple, the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, was built on a site blessed by the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit to the republic in 2004. Now it is the largest Buddhist temple in Russia and Europe. Here is the residence of the Supreme Lama (shajin Lama) Kalmykia-Telo Tulku Rinpoche, who is recognized as the reincarnation of the Indian saint Tilopa (928-1009), as well as one of the highest lamas of Mongolia - Dilov-hutukhta B. Jamsrangava (1884-1965). The community of Central Khurul consists of fully ordained monks. Khurul regularly hosts not only religious rituals and teachings, but also educational work, seminars and lectures.¹

One of the central ideas of the 2015 forum was the dialogue of East and West cultures, the dialogue of religion and science-ideas that are actively implemented by the Dalai Lama and Telo Tulku Rinpoche. These ideas are supported by government agencies, academic and public circles.

The forum was attended by Russian and foreign scientists who discussed the results of Buddhist and Tibetological research, their interaction and mutual influence with such areas as religion, science, education, art, and medicine.

The 2015 forum was organized by the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia, the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha ,Kalmyk State University, the Kalmyk Institute for Humanitarian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow), the Save Tibet Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural and Philosophical Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism (Moscow), and the National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia.

Welcoming speeches were delivered by Shajin Lama Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia A. M. Orlov, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences V. P. Androsov, Cambridge Buddhist art specialist R. Beer, and other officials, lamas and scholars.

Then, in front of the hurula building, a long Tsam dance ritual was performed by 28 monks of the Dzongkar Chode Tibetan Tantric monastery in India.,

BADMAEV Valery Nikolaevich-Doctor of Philosophy, Head of the Department of the B. B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University, Elista.

Sergey L. KUZMIN-Candidate of Biological Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences; ipe51@yahoo.com.

Mergen ULANOV-Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of the B. B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University, Elista.

Tatiana L. SHAUMYAN-Candidate of Historical Sciences, Head of the Center for Indian Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, tshaumyan@gmail.com.

¹ Documentary film "The Golden Abode of the Buddha" / / http://savetibet.ru/2015/09/21/zolotaya-obitel-buddy.html.

founded in 1277 on the border with Nepal. In Russia, the Tsam mystery was performed only for the second time.²

After offering flowers to Shakyamuni Buddha in the prayer hall of the Central Hurul, a solemn opening ceremony of the forum and a plenary session were held in the conference hall. The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, honorary representative of the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and the CIS countries, Telo Tulku Rinpoche, spoke about the difficult path of development of Buddhism in Kalmykia, that the understanding of the importance of reviving religion and spirituality by a wide circle of the population did not come immediately, about complex organizational and technical issues that had to be almost "from scratch". decide on the revival of religion in the republic. The speaker noted that the current forum can be considered a kind of continuation of the international conference "Buddhism in a Changing World", held in Ulan-Ude in 2014.

Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (Dharamsala, India), spoke at the plenary session and stressed the importance of understanding Buddhist teachings, not just performing rituals for believers. Director of the Tibeto-Mongolian Cultural Center in Bloomington (USA) Arj Rinpoche, Kamba Lama of the Republic of Tuva Lopsan Chamza spoke about the development of Buddhism in the republic. The secretary of the Diocese of Elista and Kalmykia, Father Alexey, noted that the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Central Khurul coincides with the 20th anniversary of the diocese, but in fact the process of reviving Orthodoxy and Buddhism in Kalmykia began simultaneously. He stressed the importance of mutual understanding between Buddhists and Orthodox Christians. R. Bira (Great Britain), a well-known artist and recognized authority in the field of Buddhist art, was heard with interest. Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences V. P. Androsov noted the expediency of searching for points of contact between Buddhism and science, the value of Mahayana teachings becoming the property of those who study Buddhism in different countries. The head of the Department for the Study of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, im. Jae Tsongkhapi R. Thurman (USA).

Experts in various fields spoke at the breakout sessions. In total, more than 40 scientists came from India, Mongolia, China, the United States, Great Britain, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Germany, as well as from different regions of Russia - Buryatia, Tuva, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities. The meetings were held in three sections.

The section "Tibetological and Buddhist Studies: History and Modernity" was a continuation of the round table "Historical and spiritual ties of Tibet with Russia, India and Mongolia", which was first held on November 12, 2014 at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences ³. The section is headed by V. P. Androsov and N. L. Zhukovskaya.

Arja Rinpoche, Abbot of Kumbum Tibetan Monastery, who currently heads the Tibeto-Mongolian Cultural Center (Bloomington, USA), spoke about the center's activities and international contacts, as well as the current state of Buddhism in the West.

N. L. Zhukovskaya, Head of the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies at the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow), reviewed the history, development and current state of Buddhism in the Eurasian steppes. The report of L. L. Abayeva (Ulan-Ude) "Buddhist theory of compassion and universal responsibility in the Mongolian world"was similar in subject matter. The data presented by the speakers indicate not only the interaction of various religions in the Mongolian world, but also the ancient history of Buddhist communities on its territory.

S. L. Kuzmin (Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences) in his report "The role of Buddhist theocracy in the formation of the statehood of Mongolia" showed that the theocratic structures of Mongolia, closely connected with Tibet, played a crucial role in the formation of the statehood of independent Mongolia in the first half of the XX century. The discussion of the state of Buddhism in various territories was continued with a speech by I. R. Garry (Ulan-Ude), dedicated to the history and modern development of the world.

² Buddhist monks performed 12 sacred dances in Elista / / Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 24.09.2015 // http://www.rg.ru/2015/09/20/reg-ufo/misteria.html#/11245_33b3c25a/1/.

³ Round table "Historical and spiritual ties of Tibet with Russia, India and Mongolia" / / http://video.ivran.ru/tibel.

Head of the Tibetan community in Buryatia U. Omakaeva (Elista) made a report on "The first steps of restoring Buddhism in Kalmykia in the post-Soviet period: construction of khuruls and visits of Buddhist priests". We also note the reports of D. S. Zhamsueva (Ulan-Ude) "Religious and religious sites of the Tibetan Autonomous Regions of Eastern and Central Tibet and the ARVM of the PRC ⁴ at the present stage (based on the materials of the 2013-2014 expedition)" and T. B. Badmatsyrenova (Ulan-Ude) "Institutional integration of the Buddhist community", D. V. Ayusheeva (Ulan-Ude).G. S. Dorjieva (Ulan-Ude) devoted her speech to the contribution of Lharamba A. Dorjiev to the training of the highest level of the Kalmyk clergy .

A number of reports were made on philology and source studies. A.V. Zorin (IVR RAS, St. Petersburg) spoke about the rare Mongolian edition of the Tibetan collection "Sungdui", its composition, possible origin and known copies. The topic of R.N. Krapivina's presentation (IVR RAS, St. Petersburg) is "Methodology for studying the philosophical Buddhist text in the Tibetan language". V. P. Androsov analyzed the history of studying the text of the "Guhya Samaja Tantra" in Buddhology. D. N. Muzraeva (Elista) made a report "handwritten collections in the Tibetan and Oirat languages as a source for studying Buddhist translated literature." The report of B. A. Bicheeva (Elista) "The plot of' visions of hell ' in old Kalmyk literature "was devoted to literary subjects.

Forum participants also addressed the problems of interaction and mutual influence of Buddhism and Russian religious and literary traditions. For example, A. A. Burykina (Moscow) made a report "Notes on the history of Buddhist terminology in the Russian literary language of the XIX-XX centuries". D. D. Amongolonova (Ulan-Ude) considered the relationship of religions in tsarist Russia: "Orthodoxy and Buddhism in Buryatia" by A. S. Ryazhev (Tolyatti) E. P. Bakaeva (Elista) spoke about the missionary work of pietists and Gernguters in the first half of the XVIII century. She introduced the audience to the ethnic specifics of the image of the White Elder deity among the Oirats of Mongolia and Kalmyks of Russia and traced current trends in the iconography of Mongolian Buddhism (based on the materials of a field expedition in the Ubsunur aimag of Mongolia). T. N. Shaumyan (Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences) made a presentation on "Tibetology in Russia in the context of historical contacts between Russia and Tibet".

Section " Buddhist values and issues of education, upbringing, ethics "(moderated by Professors of Kalmyk State University V. N. Badmaev and M. S. Ulanov). Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, spoke about the relationship between Buddhism and modern science. V. G. Lysenko (Moscow) made a presentation on" The place of philosophy in Buddhism: the history of the issue and the current state". I. S. Uranbayeva (Ulan-Ude) made a presentation on "Distinctive features of Buddhist philosophy: the" emptying "of ontology as a way of liberation". O. P. Guttenldocher (Kazakhstan) spoke on the topic "Buddhist values in the secular education system". M. K. Aubakirov, a scientist from Kazakhstan, presented the report "Buddhism in school education". A. S. Usacheva (Moscow) touched upon the topic "Buddhist values and current tasks of education". S. I. Zhimbeyeva (St. Petersburg) presented a paper entitled "Returning to the roots - a difficult road". E. A. Alexandrova (Moscow) studied the socio-psychological features of religious expression in modern Russia (on the example of Buddhists). Kuvaeva (Yekaterinburg) made a presentation on "The Institute of Religious Specialists among the laity on the example of Buddhist organizations", and A. N. Ovshinova (Elista) highlighted the issues of the philosophical tradition of Buddhism. L. V. Namrueva and M. S. Ulanov made presentations on "Religiosity of the rural population of Kalmykia (analysis of the results of sociological research)" and "Buddhist values and modern Economy", respectively.

Section " Buddhist Culture and Art: Traditions and Modernity "(moderated by I. N. Muchaeva and S. G. Batyreva, Director of the National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia). R. Beer (Great Britain) made a report "Buddhist Art and Iconography: past, Present and Future". A. A. Terentyev (Chief Editor of the National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia). In his report "Towards Studying the iconography of Sri Chakrasamvara", published in the journal "Buddhism of Russia", St. Petersburg, he outlined the problems of studying iconography

⁴ ARVM of the People's Republic of China - Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Sri Chakrasamvara. L. Klasanova (Sofia University, Bulgaria) made a presentation "Dakini travelers in the space between East and West". S. G. Batyreva (Elista) addressed the topic "The Image of Nature in the iconography of Buddhism". Yu. I. Elikhina (St. Petersburg) "Two Kalmyk paintings from the State Hermitage Museum collection", B. M. Namaraeva (St. Petersburg) "On the Buddhist exhibition from the Hermitage in Kalmykia", A. M. Shustova (Moscow) "Dorzhiev, the Roerichs and the Buddhist Temple in St. Petersburg", etc. were devoted to the problems of art.

In addition to these sections, the forum included a round table on Buddhist Medicine and Astrology. It was led by moderator of the Central Khurul Sh. B. Tserenov and Minister of Culture and Tourism of Kalmykia Kh. B. Elbikov. Buddhist medicine practitioners Dawa-Ochir Ganzorig (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)-"History of traditional medicine development and its state in the conditions of modern Mongolia", S. G. Kukeev (Elista) - "Aspects of nutrition and seasonal lifestyle in traditional medicine", A.V. Ovshiev (Elista) - " Application features in the practice of theoretical principles of traditional medicine". Astrologer Sanan-gelyung (S. Matvenov) made a report "Buddhist astrology: myths and reality".

On the last day of the forum, an expanded meeting of the Inter-Religious Council of Kalmykia was held in the Great Meeting Hall of the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Kalmyk and Elista Diocese and the 10th anniversary of the Central Hurul "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha". The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Telo Tulku Rinpoche, and Archbishop Justinian of Kalmykia and Elista emphasized that both faiths strictly adhere to the canons of their respective religions and work together for the benefit of interreligious harmony in the republic.

For the first time, a meeting of the Inter-Religious Council of Kalmykia brought together Buddhists and Orthodox Christians from three Russian regions: Kalmykia, Tuva and Buryatia, which are united by the experience of living together for several centuries. On behalf of the executive and legislative authorities of the Republic of Kalmykia, the meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia B. V. Badmaev, Deputy Chairman of the People's Hural (Parliament) of the Republic N. E. Nurov, Chief Federal Inspector of the Republic A. V. Belyaev, Minister of Culture and Tourism Kh. B.Elbikov, Head of the Elista city administration S. V. Rarov. Bishop Feofan of Kyzyl and Tuva and Director of the Library of Tibetan Archives Geshe Lhakdor also spoke.

A number of cultural events were held within the framework of the forum. Its participants took a sightseeing tour of Elista, visited the National Museum of Kalmykia, the museums of the Central Khurul and the Kalmyk Institute for Humanitarian Studies, the monument "Exodus and Return", the memorial museum "Repressed, but not Broken", dedicated to the deportation of Kalmyks in 1943-1944. Folk ensembles performed and a concert of Kalmykian art masters was held at the B. Basangov National Drama Theater.

The forum clearly showed that religion and science do not oppose each other, but successfully interact, bringing knowledge to a qualitatively new level. The participants expressed their readiness to further deepen inter-confessional dialogue and strengthen cultural ties in the light of common spiritual values. It was noted that the dialogue of religions in their identity and uniqueness, when each of them contributes to the world cultural fund, social development based on the ideals of humanism, freedom and justice, leads to the spiritual strengthening of peace and harmony. According to the forum participants, Buddhism rejects the theory of "clash of civilizations" and advocates integration and positive dialogue between cultures and civilizations in the interests of all mankind. In their speeches, it was repeatedly noted that Kalmykia is becoming the most important center for the development of Buddhism in Russia.

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