President Putin visits Buddhist centre in Buryatia
The Ivolginsky Datsan Buddhist Centre in Buryatia, southern Siberia, received the Russian President as guest. Vladimir Putin noted during his vist that Buddhism plays an important role in Russian Federation. He called it "a kind, humanistic teaching, which is based on love for one another and love for one's country." The President promised that his government will always support Buddhism in Russia.
Lama Damba Ayushev, Russia's leader of traditional Sangha, thanked the President for his visit and kind words. "From the Buddhist point of view, nothing is accidental. You will always be there in history for us," the Lama said.
Buddhism spread in Buryatia as early as the 2nd century BCE. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Buryatia witnessed a revival of Buddhism and has had great impact on the development of culture among the Buryats, regarding art, cooking, literature, medicine and philosophy.
(re-written by Olivia Kroth; source: Voice of Russia)