Kalmyk State University discusses preservation of Buddhist handwritten heritage

Within the walls of B. B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University, a scientific and educational seminar was held dedicated to the study of the handwritten heritage of the Buddhist clergy of the XX century. The event became part of a project to catalog, research and translate Buddhist texts in Oirat, preserved in the eastern regions of the republic. The initiative was supported by the Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research.

The main purpose of the meeting was to popularize unique monuments of writing on Todo Bichig, as well as to discuss modern methods of working with ancient manuscripts. The conversation was attended by scientists, clergy, journalists, students and members of the public.

The seminar program combined theory and practice. During the scientific and information block, the participants learned about the activities of the pre-revolutionary khuruls and got acquainted with reviews of manuscripts found in the eastern regions of Kalmykia. Particular attention was paid to the biographies of famous gelungs.

The practical part was held in the format of a master class on the archaeographic description of Oirat manuscripts. The event ended with a discussion about the importance of preserving Buddhist culture.