The message reads, in part:
“I cordially greet you and all participants in the events celebrating three landmark events in the life of Russian Buddhists – the 260th anniversary of the establishment of the institute of the Pandito Khambo Lama of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia and the unveiling of a monument to the recognition of Buddhism in Russia and Tsogchen-dugan, the largest Buddhist temple in Buryatia.
The establishment of the institute of the Pandito Khambo Lama largely determined the development and growth of Buddhism as a traditional religion in our country. Since then, this post has been held by the most deserving, respected and wisest leaders of the Buddhist community. All of them shared a desire to serve people, patriotism and concern for the preservation of the rich historical and cultural heritage of their ancestors and their indigenous customs and traditions.
I am confident that the new temple and the monument to the recognition of Buddhism in Russia will become a recognised centre of religious and spiritual life for Buddhists in Russia and other countries, as well as a major landmark and a jewel of Buryatia.”