Damba Ayusheev
Russia·Vajrayana Buddhism·Male·21st century
Damba Ayusheev is the 24th and current Pandito Khambo Lama, serving as the head of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. Born in the Soviet Union, he rose through the ranks of Buddhist academia and monastic life before being elected to lead the Sangha. He is known for his support of traditional values, his pronouncements on contemporary geopolitical events, and his leadership in religious and interfaith councils.
Key Facts
- ›He is the 24th and incumbent Pandito Khambo Lama, presiding over all Buddhists in Russia.
- ›Ayusheev graduated from Zanabazar Buddhist University with a qualification in Tibetan Medicine.
- ›He was appointed Shireete Lama (abbot) of Baldan Breybun datsan, the first to be revived after the Soviet Union's fall.
- ›He has served on the Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations under the Russian President.
- ›Ayusheev has expressed support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating Buddhists are fighting for the 'Russian world'.
- ›His views on Buddhism in Buryatia are described as 'anti-urban', promoting traditional values and rural lifestyles.
Important Relationships
- President of Mongolia (award)
- President Vladimir Putin of Russia (award)
Bursomon Village, Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky, Kukursk Secondary School, Agin-Buryat Autonomous Okrug, Aginskoye, Aginsky Datsan, Ulan-Bator, Mongolia, Zanabazar Buddhist University, Ivolginsky Datsan, Murochi, Baldan Breybun Datsan, Verkhnyaya Berezovka, Ulan-Ude
Monk
Incumbent, Active
About Damba Ayusheev
Damba Badmaevich Ayusheev is a Russian Vajrayana Buddhist monk who holds the significant position of the 24th and incumbent Pandito Khambo Lama. This title makes him the supreme spiritual leader of Buddhists within the Russian Federation. He was born on September 1, 1962, in Bursomon village, located in the far eastern region of the former Soviet Union.
Life and Education
Ayusheev's early life and education laid the groundwork for his spiritual leadership. After graduating from Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky Pedagogical College in 1980, he pursued higher education at Zanabazar Buddhist University in Ulan-Bator, Mongolia. There, he graduated in 1988 with a specialization in Tibetan Medicine. Following his studies, he served as Amchi Lama at Ivolginsky datsan in Russia's far east and later as Shireete Lama (abbot) at Baldan Breybun datsan, which was the first datsan to be revived after the fall of the Soviet Union. He played a role in overseeing the reconstruction of a demolished temple at this site.
Spiritual Leadership
On April 28, 1995, Ayusheev was elected as the 24th Khambo Lama and Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists of the Russian Federation, later known as the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. He was re-elected in 2023, extending his tenure. In this capacity, he presides over all Buddhists in Russia and has been involved in various initiatives, including the organization of sewing shops and workshops. A second residence for the Khambo Lama was established at Verkhnyaya Berezovka, on the outskirts of Ulan-Ude.
Views and Commentary
Ayusheev's views on Buddhism in Buryatia have been described as "anti-urban," promoting traditional values and lifestyles. He has been noted for his critical stance on Buryat shamanism and his views on other Buddhist organizations. In 2022, Ayusheev publicly expressed support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating that Buddhists were fighting for the "Russian world" and defending the country's interests.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Damba Ayusheev born?
Damba Ayusheev was born on September 1, 1962, in the village of Bursomon, in the far east of the Soviet Union. This location is approximately 300 km north of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
What is Damba Ayusheev's primary role in Russian Buddhism?
Damba Ayusheev holds the title of 24th Pandito Khambo Lama and serves as the Chairman of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. In this capacity, he presides over all Buddhists in Russia.
What is Ayusheev's educational background?
Ayusheev graduated from Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky Pedagogical College in 1980. He later entered Zanabazar Buddhist University in Ulan-Bator, Mongolia, graduating in 1988 with a qualification in Tibetan Medicine.
What is Ayusheev's stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?
In 2022, Ayusheev expressed support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He stated that Buddhists are fighting for the 'Russian world' and to preserve their own culture against Western opposition.
What are Ayusheev's views on Buddhism in Buryatia?
Ayusheev's views on Buddhism in Buryatia are described as 'anti-urban'. He criticizes urban life and promotes traditional values and lifestyles, viewing ruralism as valuable and practical.
Related Buddhists
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is a Russian businessman and politician who served as the President of the Republic of Kalmykia from 1993 to 2010. He is widely known for his long tenure as president of FIDE, the International Chess Federation, from 1995 to 2018, during which he significantly promoted chess globally. Ilyumzhinov also gained notoriety for his claims of extraterrestrial encounters.
Emperor Wu of Liang
Emperor Wu of Liang, born Xiao Yan, was the founder of the Liang dynasty during China's Northern and Southern dynasties period. His reign, initially marked by stability and prosperity, saw him champion Confucian civil service exams and patronize the arts. He also embraced Buddhism, banning animal sacrifices and earning the nickname "The Bodhisattva Emperor."
Gyaincain Norbu
Gyaincain Norbu, also known as Chökyi Gyalpo, is recognized by the People's Republic of China as the 11th Panchen Lama. He also serves as the vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. His position is disputed by the Tibetan government in exile, which recognizes Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, a choice made by the 14th Dalai Lama.