The message reads, in part:
“The implementation of this landmark and historically significant initiative became possible thanks to the constructive unity of Russia’s Buddhist community and its desire to preserve the enduring values of this ancient religion, which have served to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding among people for many centuries.
I am confident that the new monastery will become one of the main Buddhist religious, cultural and educational centres in Russia, and that it will help believers, primarily young people, access the priceless spiritual and moral legacy handed down by their ancestors.”