"Buddhism of Russia (Narthang Bulletin) №1 (1992)" - читать интересную книгу автора

VI. News form Communities.

1. "Center for Studying Philosophy and Psychology of the Far Eastern Mahayana Buddhism", being a part of the School of Philosophy and Sociology in the University of St. Petersburg, begins a two-year course of paid instruction, starting from October 1992. The program includes studying Chinese, Sanskrit, Buddhist texts and History of Buddhism, etc. On the 3-5 of June of the present year the center held a conference: "The Far Eastern Buddhism: its History, Philosophy and Psychology". The address: 199034, St-Petersburg, Mendeleev Line 5 (the faculty of philosophy, room No 130), tel. 218-94-22. (A.I.Migunov, E.A.Torchinov, K.Y.Solonin)

2. The religious community "The Light of Dharma" (chairman V.A.Druzhinin) is guided in its activities by traditions of the Chinese Buddhist School "Chan". At present the community has no Teacher-Holder of the Tradition. In April of this year the community and the abovestated center declared their intention to set up the St-Petersburg cultural and scientific society "Fo Guang" ("The Light of Buddha"). Similar societies exist in various countries of Asia and in the USA. The society having been founded, broad publishing activity is to be put into practice. The address: 197183, St-Petersburg, Primorskiy Av. 15. The address of the center may be used for correspondence as well (correspondence should be addressed to A.V.Shevchenko in this case).

3. The religious union "Buddhist House" has been founded in St-Petersburg. It aims at joining the efforts of representatives of various religious schools and foundations of Buddhism and of organizing spiritual guidance from the highly skilled Teachers. By now the study of Dharma, Tibetan language and meditation has already begun. Besides, the publishing department has been formed in "Buddhistic House".

In the nearest future the union plans:

- to invite Teachers for instruction for practice in Dharma;

- to create a retreat center in the envivons of St-Petersburg;

- to set up a Buddhist library;

- to develop cooperation with Buddhist centres in Russia and abroad;

- to render help and support to the Tibetan people.

The address for contact:

191014, St-Petersburg, Vosstaniya St. 32-27, O.Borisov; tel. (812)-272-07-27.

4. The "Mahasangha" community has been organized in Donetsk, representing the Zen-Buddhism of Korea. The community is being guided by the Reverend Vong Meng Sunim, a monk of the Korean Buddhist order "Chodya" and Director of the international Buddhist center in Seul "The Lotus Lantern". A 5-day retreat, with 45 people participating, was organized and help by the community under his and the Reverend Muzhing Sunim's leadership. The address of the community: The Ukraine, Donetsk 00, Postysheva St. 80/23; tel. (0622) 93-49-75. Chairman of the community council, Filonenko S.S.

5. The religions union "Ak-Burkan" ("The White Burkan", or "Buddha of the Future") was formed in Gorno-Altaisk in 1991. Its aim is to revive the Altaic Buddhism, which is similar to the early Tibetan one. The address: 659700, the Republic of Altai, Gorno-Altaisk, Bolnichnaya St. 35-6, Sanashkin A.M.

6. The Dzogchen Community (Ganjeel) of the Republic of Byelorus has been organized in Minsk. The community does not confine itself to the Dzogchen tradition exclusively. The address: 2200-18, the Republic of Byelorus, Minsk, Odintsova St. 29-35, tel. (0172) 57-71-58, Malahovsky R.M.

7. The Buddhist community of Chernigov has presently no registered name and is following the traditions of the Northern Buddhism. The address: 250008, the Ukraine, Chernigov-8, Desnyaka St., 61-1, Andrienko O.A.

8. The Buddhist Community of Estonia was registered in 1988. Its main purpose is mastering all the traditions of the Tibetan Buddhism. In this connection Tibetan language is being studied in the community, texts are being translated, collective rituals and meditations are practised. The community is ready for cooperation. It has established links with the Buddhistic centres of the Kagyu School in Sweden. The address: EE0009, Estonia, Tallinn, Pillu St. 114/3, Peeter Vahi (tel. 0142-596-685).

9. On the 8th of May 1992 the Dzogchen community "Randolgar" was registered in Buryatia. It was formed three years ago by Dzogchen followers, the teaching having penetrated to Buryatia as a result of preaching by Namkhai Norbu Rimpoche, a contemporary master. Community's goals are studying and practising Dzogchen, Tibetan Buddhism, as well as mastering such as art, medicine, and so on. Buddhistic texts are being translated in the community, the Tibetan manner of painting ("tangka") has been mastered. The Dzogchen Community (Gangjeel) "Randolgar" is ready to cooperate with all the interested persons and organizations, it maintains links with many Buddhist and Dzogchen communities and centres all over the world. The address of the community: 671454, Buryatia, Novokizhinginsk, Tayojnaya St., 25 (Sidorov Serafim Alexandrovitch).

10. The Buddhist center "Karma Legshei Ling" (St-Petersburg) was registered in February 1991. This was preceded with a few visits of lama Ole Nydahl. Ole Nydahl is the Dane who never thought about Buddhistic path until he turned 28. But his meeting with H.H. the 17th Karmapa - the spiritual head of the Karma-Kagyu school - has transformed his life completely. Spreading the Tibetan Buddhism among the Westerners having settled all over the world became his mission. Ole Nydahl has founded over one hundred Buddhist centres in Europe, America, Australia and other parts of the planet. He is a direct disciple of H.H. the Karmapa.

During last two years Ole Nydahl visited Ukraine, Povolzhye and Siberia. About 20 Buddhistic centres were set up in these regions. Recently he visited Russia again. More details will be contained in the next issue.

The Karma-Kagyu school attaches the most importance to meditative practice and devotion to the Teacher. The main line of succession for this school is: Buddha Vajradhara, Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarapa and Karmapa.

The official address of the St-Petersburg Buddhist Center "Karma Legshei Ling": 191028, St-Petersburg, Mohovaya St. 14.

Telephones: 296-34-68, or 230-68-28