Kalmyk lunar calendar. Start in science
Kalmyk calendar The Kalmyks, like the peoples of East and Central Asia, had a lunisolar calendar of a twelve-year animal cycle. For the first time among the Mongol-speaking peoples, including the Oirats, the calendar was introduced in the 13th century by Emperor Kublai. Like any calendar, it is based on the basic unit of time – the day, followed by the week, month, year, century. The astronomical basis of the lunisolar calendar was observations of the movements of the Moon around the Earth (month), the Earth around the Sun (Earth year), and Jupiter around the Sun (orbit equal to 12 Earth years). Camel milk is very thick, fatty, healthy food, and does not sour for a long time in the heat. A drink reminiscent of kumiss was prepared from it. The camel saved the nomad from the cold; very warm clothes were made from wool.
The central khurul “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” has released a lunar calendar for the new year 2017. This is a colorful poster calendar. It marks and indicates the dates of Buddhist holidays, as well as important Buddhist fasts, where each of these lunar days is associated with the activity of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, in particular, Shakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, Green Tara, protectors (shakyusn). The calendar was compiled by the clergyman of the khurul Anja-gelung .
The Kalmyk khurul has been producing New Year's lunar calendars in the form of a poster for many years. Since 2009, the permanent compiler of the calendar has been Andzha-gelyung (Andzha Khartskhaev), who for several years was the rector of the main Buddhist temple of Kalmykia. Before him, the calendar was prepared by the clergyman Gen Lodoy, a former administrator of the Central Khurul. Thus, this calendar has its own history and traditions.
The current calendar is the ninth in a row prepared by Andjoy-gelung. All his calendars are published according to a single model: the poster is dominated by yellow and red colors, in the upper part in the middle there is an image of some deity (bodhisattva), to the right and left of it there are columns of text with information about this image, at the bottom of the poster - the calendar itself (here, for ease of perception, the lunar and generally accepted Gregorian calendars are combined).
It should be noted that the images of holy images on the calendar are borrowed from the painting of the prayer hall of the Central Khurul.
The new 2017 calendar depicts the wrathful Bodhisattva Vajrapani (in Kalmyk: Ochirvani Gegyan), the embodiment of the strength, power and might of the Buddhas of three times (past, present, future). Vajrapani has an angry appearance, but he represents an enlightened mind and is therefore completely free from anger. Below his image is a short mantra:
OM VAJRAPANI HUM PAD.
The accompanying text says: “Reciting the Vajrapani bodhisattva mantra with sincere good intentions helps to overcome various ailments, misconceptions, brings self-confidence, strong support in any endeavors, determination, determination, increases a person’s strength and capabilities.”
The 2016 calendar depicted Avalokiteshvara (in Kalmyk: Aryabala Burkhn) - the bodhisattva of endless love for all living beings, the embodiment of the compassion of the Buddhas of three times. Below the image is the most famous mantra:
OM MANI PAD ME HUM.
Let us recall that the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara in our world is His Holiness the 10th Dalai LamaIV.
The 2015 calendar depicted Manjushri (in Kalmyk: Manjushri Gegyan) - the bodhisattva of transcendental wisdom, with the help of which the true nature of things is comprehended. Below his image is a short mantra:
OM ARA PATSNA DI.
It should be noted that lunar calendars produced by the Central Khurul are in demand not only among residents of Kalmykia; they are readily purchased by guests of the republic, tourists, and residents of neighboring regions, since these poster calendars are convenient for practical use. Our calendar shows lunar days (with corresponding days in the Gregorian calendar) that are important for Buddhists, gardeners and all those who plan their affairs according to lunar days. Favorable, partially favorable and unfavorable days are indicated here, and days suitable for cutting hair are highlighted. According to astrology, it is believed that hair cutting should be done on certain days, otherwise a person, along with his hair, will deprive himself of good luck. This continues until he cuts his hair again, but on the right day.
Many people often call the khurul to ask on what date the national holidays Zul, Tsagan Sar will be celebrated, when the holy month of Urs Sar begins, and to inquire about other dates and days. Having at hand the calendar published by the Central Khurul “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”, you will know all the necessary dates and significant days.
The Kalmyk national holiday Tsagan Sar, according to lunar calculation, in the coming 2017 falls on February 27 according to the Gregorian calendar. In 2017, we will celebrate another folk (and religious) holiday, Zul, on December 12 (and this year, we remind you, very soon - December 23). The blessed month of Urs Sar will begin on May 26th and will last until June 24th. During this month, people traditionally visit the places where their ancestors lived in order to make offerings to the deities, protectors, spirits of the area, and their ancestors, and to perform rituals.
The lunar calendar indicates the days of Buddhist fasts - Buthan Dyarkin odr (day of White Tara), Otch Manlan odr (day of the Buddha of Medicine), Syakyusnya odr (day of the patron protector), Burkhn Bagshin odr (day of Buddha Shakyamuni). Burkhn Bagshin Odr should not be confused with the birthday, enlightenment and passing into parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni, which will be celebrated on June 9 in the new year. The four Buddhist fasts mentioned above occur every month; according to the lunar calendar they have an almost fixed date, while according to the Gregorian calendar they have a wandering date. According to the lunar calendarhAn Dyarkin Odr falls on the 8th (occasionally on the 9th), Otch Manlan Odr - only on the 15th, Syakusnya Odr - only on the 29th, Burkhn Bagshin Odr - only on the 30th of each lunar day month. On these significant days, believers visit khurul, read and repeat the appropriate mantras and prayers, and keep a certain fast.
Below are the texts of the mantras (in Russian transcription) that need to be read on the corresponding Buddhist days: the Green Tara mantra - in Nohan Dyarkin odr, the mantra of the Medicine Buddha - in the Otch Manlan odr, the Okon-Tengr mantra - in the Syakyusnya odr (the goddess Okon-Tengr is one of the patron protectors), the mantra of the Shakyamuni Buddha - in the Burkhn Bagshin odr. Reciting mantras is very beneficial for everyone.
Green Tara Mantra:
OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOOHA
Medicine Buddha Mantra:
OM NAMO BHAGAVATE BESCHADZE (GURU) BEDURYA PRABHA RAZAYA TATHAGATAYA ARAHATE SAMYAK HIMSELF BUDDHAYA TADYATHA OM BESCHADZE BESCHADZE MAHA BESCHADZE BESCHADZE RAZA SAMUNG GATE SVAHA
Mantra Okon-Tengr:
JOE RUCKMO JOE RUCKMO
JO JO RAKMO TUN JO KALA RAK CENMO
RAKMO AJA TA JA TUN JO
RULU RULU HUM JO HUM
Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha:
OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNIYE SOOHA
Returning to the image on the new calendar of the bodhisattva Vajrapani (Ochirvani Gegyan), it must be said that he is the keeper of the secret Teachings of the Buddha, and is also considered the patron saint of the Mongol-speaking peoples, including, of course, the Kalmyks. Buddha Shakyamuni gave him all the texts and instructions of the Tantric tradition.
In the sutra tradition, Vajrapani is considered one of the "eight heart sons" (closest disciples) of Shakyamuni Buddha and is depicted in a peaceful form. In the Vajrayana (Secret Vehicle) tradition he is depicted in a powerful wrathful form.
These questions were answered by the astrologer of the Central Khurul of Kalmykia in Elista “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” Sanan Matvenov
A rather mild, favorable year awaits us all. It is especially good for those involved in agriculture and construction. The land will be extremely fertile and the livestock will be healthy. In general, many positive results are expected in any good deed. In fact, you never know exactly what lies ahead. Therefore, try to accumulate Buin throughout the year and become wiser towards others and yourself.
“Before you read the forecast, I would like to warn you that astrology only tells 40% of the future. Whatever the next year may be for you, you can always make it successful on your own and with the right behavior,” says the astrologer himself.
Mouse
A calm year that does not pose any threat to life, so feel free to travel. A very good year in material and financial terms. Work, a major purchase or construction will be successful. Try to spend more time with friends and help them. But lifting weights this year is undesirable - take care of your back. In general, no injuries are expected, but minor ailments may occur. Take more vitamins and prevent colds.
Rite: read the texts of the Medicine Buddha, Zungdu
Luck: 5
Health: 4
Cow
A favorable year in many ways. It is good for long trips, treatments and active sports. There are no losses in material and financial terms. True, luck can fail a little. Don't despair, everything is compensated by diligence. Go towards your goal, despite the obstacles, and everything will definitely work out.
Although 2017 is good for you, it is unfavorable for your friendly hen, which means you may worry about your loved ones. Try to help them.
Ritual: offering of the “Golden Drink”, Serjm (Serzhem)
Luck: 2
Health: 5
Tiger
The year of the monkey was unfavorable for you, but now only luck and joy await you. Spend the year actively, go on a long journey, and don’t be afraid of an intensive course of treatment. The time of homebodying is over, if you are invited to a party - go ahead!
This year, implement all your plans and prepare new ones.
Luck: 5
Health: 5
Hare
Be friendly, avoid conflicts, both in the family and in the external circle of communication. Talk less about your plans. Eat less fatty foods and follow a diet. Avoid long trips. The coming year will be difficult for you, so try to stick to these tips.
Ritual: texts “Tsagan shukrta nom” (Sagaan shukherte), “Deltsin tsemo puntin”
Luck: 3
Health: 4
The Dragon
A favorable year in all respects. You will have good luck in finances, health and travel. However, although the dragon has a kind soul, he is often quick-tempered, which can hinder him.
Rite: throughout the year, and throughout your life, try to recite the text “Drag the Tsigpa.”
Luck: 5
Health: 5
Snake
A good and enjoyable year. Go on long journeys and lead an active lifestyle. There are no losses in material and financial terms, although luck may let you down a little. But don’t despair, everything will be compensated by your diligence.
Go towards your goal, despite the obstacles, and everything will definitely work out.
Ritual: due to their distrustful nature, snakes sometimes find it difficult to join the team. The ritual “Har Keln Kerghch” (hara hele amanay haryuu) will help to avoid conflict situations.
Luck: 2
Health: 5
Horse
Calm, good year. There are no threats to life, but pay close attention to your health. Take care of your back and keep your lower body warm. It is worth noting that of all the signs of the eastern horoscope, the horse is the best and most faithful friend. She usually spends more time on others than on herself. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and spend a few days alone with your thoughts.
Rite: read the texts of the “Medicine Buddha”, Zundgu
Luck: 4
Health: 5
Sheep
Favorable, positive year. Luck in material and financial terms and in personal relationships. Sheep born in the year like to go to extremes. They should listen to the advice of their elders.
Luck: 5
Health: 5
Monkey
Favorable, good year. Spend it as actively as possible, implementing all your plans. A good time for an intensive course of treatment. Good luck awaits you in material and financial terms.
Those born in the year of the monkey always have a lot of energy, but they rarely finish things, so you should develop determination.
Luck: 5
Health: 5
Dog
The year of the chicken will be very successful for you, unlike the next one, so have time to fulfill all your plans. For women, however, this year is not entirely good. There may be health problems, mood swings, a difficult year for childbirth. Be as calm as possible and avoid conflicts.
Rite: recite the mantra “Sosor Dangma”
Luck: 4
Health: 4
Pig
You will probably have the best year ever. A good time for weddings, building new relationships, you will not need financial support and only good luck awaits you along the way. However, skin diseases are possible.
The main thing is not to be nervous and beware of burns.
Luck: 5
Health: 4
Chicken
Usually your year is less favorable than others. It is advisable to avoid distant travel, fearing mountains and rivers. Avoid complex operations, carefully monitor your health. I advise you not to make large purchases, but rather save for a more successful year. There may be stress in the external and internal circle of communication.
To reduce the negative impact of the year, make offerings more often, recite mantras, and do charity work.
What awaits representatives of the year of the chicken of different ages:
12 years
There may be metabolic disorders, so proper nutrition is important. It is worth reducing physical activity, be careful with active sports, bruises are possible.
Rite: attend the general service, especially the prayer service to the defenders of the Dharma, Syakusn Morgul (sakhyuusan murgel).
24 years
The year is contrasting: sometimes a black stripe, sometimes a white one. It is undesirable to engage in construction; injuries associated with height are possible. Do not take financial risks, avoid dubious transactions.
Rite: “Tsagan shukrta nom” (Sagaan shukhertyn nom)
36 years
Unfavorable year for financial situation. Take care of your personal belongings on a long trip and avoid conflicts at work. Beware of litigation during the year. Ritual: “Tsagan shukrta nom.”
48 years old
The year is not as difficult as for others, but luck may forget about you. Kimmern flags will help remind her of herself.
Ritual: “Heart Sutra.”
60 years
It's also a pretty quiet year. Health and finances will remain positive. However, visit places with heavy energy less often. This may cause depression.
Rite: recite the text “Drag Tsigpa”
72 years = 12 years
Any calendar is compiled from the basic unit of time based on the movement of the planets: day, week, month, year. The movement of the planet Moon around the Earth occurs in 29.5 days, which make up a month. The Earth moves around the Sun in 365 days, or 12 months, which make up a year.
The planet Jupiter revolves around the Sun within 12 years, i.e. Jupiter's circle around the Sun is divided into 12 equal parts, for 12 years. According to the eastern calendar, each of the 12 years (parts) of the circle of Jupiter has the name of a specific animal, which constitutes the animal cycle of the calendar. The Kalmyk calendar begins with the year of Leopard.
1. Leopard - lion.
2.Tuula - hare.
3. Lu is a dragon.
4.Moha - snake.
5.M?rn - horse
6. Kh?n - sheep.
7. M?chn - monkey.
8. Taka - chicken.
9. Nokha is a dog.
10. Gakha is a pig.
11. Khulna - mouse.
12. Ykr - cow.
The 12 months have the same animal names: December - leopard, January - tuula, February - lu, March - Moha, April - m?rn, May-kh?n, June - m?chn, July - taka, August - noha, September - Gakha, October - Khulna, November - ?kr.
Among the animals whose names indicate the years, there is no camel, such an important animal in the economy of nomads. It served as transport. Before the invention of the cart, nomads transported property from place to place on camels. The animal fed the nomad with meat and milk.
Camel milk is very thick, fatty, healthy food, and does not sour for a long time in the heat. A drink reminiscent of kumiss was prepared from it. The camel saved the nomad from the cold; very warm clothes were made from wool.
The camel had to be included in the name of the years. But the mouse prevented the camel. There is a legend about how the mouse came into the name of the year. When the 11 year animals were named, there was one year left for the camel. The mouse began to argue and began to demand that it also be included in the names of the years. The dispute was to be resolved the next day in this way: whoever sees the rays of the rising sun first, the year will be named after him.
The camel, the tallest animal, was sure that it would be the first to see the rays of the sun. But the mouse was outwitted. She climbed up the camel's leg to the top of his head and was the first to scream that she saw the rays of the sun.
According to the eastern calendar of the animal cycle, 12 years are divided into five elements of nature: fire, earth, iron, water, wood. This is repeated five times, forming 60 years, a century according to the Eastern calendar.
In the annual cycle, the seasons change at regular intervals.
Since ancient times, the peoples of the world have developed a tradition of celebrating the change of season; calendar holidays of winter, spring, summer, and autumn arose. For different peoples, they almost coincide in time, but they have different names and are celebrated differently. The spring holiday among the Slavic peoples is Maslenitsa, among the Kalmyks - Tsahan cap; the holiday of summer - Trinity, among the Kalmyks - Yp cap, Worship of nature, the holiday of autumn among the Slavic peoples - Spas, Intercession and other holidays, among the Kalmyks - Usn Arshani t?klhn - worship of life-giving moisture-water. Winter holidays among the Slavic peoples are Christmastide, Christmas Eve, religious holidays are the Nativity of Christ, the baptism of Christ, among the Kalmyks - Zul.
The Kalmyk holiday Zul also has two meanings: according to the Buddhist religion, Zul is celebrated as the birthday of Zunkawa or Zonkawa (Dzonkawa), the reformer of Buddhism in Tibet, the founder of the Buddhist sect of the Yellow Caps, in contrast to the ancient religion of shamanism, who wore red hats. Zunkava was born in 1357, died in 1419.
Zunkawa introduced some mandatory rules for everyone, which all Buddhists had to observe, and eight of them are mandatory for all people: live cleanly, do not steal, do not take the life of any living creature, i.e. do not kill, do not lie, do not drink wine, do not overeat, especially at night... There are even more of these norms of behavior and prohibitions for Buddhist clergy - 253.
Zul is popularly celebrated as the end of one year and the beginning of another, a new year. On this day, each person receives one year of age, becoming one year older.
Zul is celebrated on the 25th of Ykr Sara, i.e. November according to the Kalmyk calendar. This date does not coincide every year - Zul may be celebrated earlier or later. Since according to the European calendar a month has 30, 31, 28 days, and according to the Kalmyk calendar all 12 months have 30 days. In fact, we have already said that the Moon circles the Earth in 29.5 days. Because of this, a difference arises. number of days of the year. To regulate this difference, according to the Kalmyk calendar, extra days of the month are added, “davkhr?dr” (double days), or, in order not to indicate unfavorable days of the calendar, they are not indicated at all, they are noted as “tasrkha?dr” (interrupted days) . Thus, according to the Kalmyk calendar, there may be double numbers, for example, two days in a row may be designated by one number, or some numbers may not be designated at all, for example, after the 6th the 8th may immediately appear. From these extra days, an extra month is collected after a certain time. This happened in 1992, it turned out that there were 13 months in the year, so the celebration of Zula was pushed back from the end of November to the end of December. With the onset of “Zul,” 1992, the year of the monkey (“m?chn?il”) ends, and 1993 begins, the year of the chicken, “taka?il.”
P. Alekseeva, librarian of KIGI RAS
"Izvestia of Kalmykia", 1992
Khurul Library