Lubsan Samdan Tsydenov the visionary from Buryatia
Lubsan Samdan Tsydenov: The Dharma King of Buryatia
Lubsan Samdan Tsydenov was a charismatic Buddhist master and visionary from Buryatia in Siberia. He was born at a time when Buddhism was flourishing in the region. However, as he had foreseen challenging times ahead, he did not let the favourable circumstances blind him. When the Russian civil war broke out, Tsydenov’s decision to establish a Buddhist theocracy in the Kizhinga (Kudun) Valley and to declare himself as the Dharma King protected tens of thousands of men, women, and children.
Although the move was ultimately unsuccessful and Tsydenov was imprisoned multiple times, he is still remembered today by the people of Buryatia as a true Dharma King and a national hero.
Tsydenov was known for his intense concentration and meditation practice. One day, the abbot instructed him to go to a distant pasture to search for a mare and bring it back. However, Tsydenov was so engrossed in his contemplation on the nature of suffering that he walked past the animal without even seeing it. When he returned to the monastery empty-handed, Tsydenov said to the abbot: “I went to the pasture, as you told me, but there was no horse.” [Source: tricycle.org] Those who heard this answer recognised it as either an echo of emptiness (shunyata) or a reflection of self-discipline.
Respect for Tsydenov among the lay devotees in the region grew. He continued his studies at the residence of Pandito Khambo Lama, the designated spiritual leader of the Buryat Buddhists. When he was 35 years old, Tsydenov passed his Geshe examinations, the equivalent of a Doctorate in Philosophy. Jayagsy Gegen bestowed the Yamantaka tantric practice on Tsydenov at his request.
There is so much more to be said about Tsydenov, his visions, his works, his meeting of the Tsar of Russia and his untimely tragic end. He is one of the great learned Buddhist masters of Mongolian origin and did his best to do many reforms. He will be remembered as a true inspiration and his hardships in life can be something we learn from.
To read more about this interesting man’s life and enjoy the many pictures: https://bit.ly/2Qmp4TX
Buryatia within the Russian Federation
Republic of Buryatia’s flag
A lady of Buryatia
Buddhist stupa with backdrop of snow mountains in Buryatia
Buryatia lake Baikal
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Lubsan Samdan Tsydenov was a monk who briefly ruled as a dharma king in Buryat region of 19th century Russia. He was destined to be a monk, lived as a Buddhist lama, and later that he became a king. His life story is strangely imposing, even monumental and quite miraculous . He ruled Buddhist kingdom in such a tumultuous, hopeless, and violent climate for a short term as the Russian civil war broke out. Sadly he was imprisoned a couple of times , trying to protect thousands of women, children, and men then, following the principle of combining the religious and secular principles. Finally, he disappeared into the brutal chaos of the early 20th century.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interesting life story of a Buddhist master and visionary where the people of Buryatia regard him as a true Dharma King and a national hero.
Lubsan Samdan Tsydenov was a charismatic Buddhist master and visionary from Buryatia in Siberia. He was born at a time when Buddhism was flourishing in the region. However, as he had foreseen challenging times ahead, he did not let the favourable circumstances blind him. When the Russian civil war broke out, Tsydenov’s decision to establish a Buddhist theocracy in the Kizhinga (Kudun) Valley and to declare himself as the Dharma King protected tens of thousands of men, women, and children.Although the move was ultimately unsuccessful and Tsydenov was imprisoned multiple times, he is still remembered today by the people of Buryatia as a true Dharma King and a national hero. Despite of many setbacks, he will be remembered as a true inspiration and his hardships in life can be something we learn from. Thank you Rinpoche and writers for sharing this inspiring story ???