D.Natsagdorj: Buddhism should be perceived from the correct perspective

Trans. by B.DULGUUN

Mongolian Buddhist temples and the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office are planning to organize Dashin Naadam–Khuree Tsam at Khui Doloon Khutagt Field from August 8 to 9.
During this smaller Naadam festival, visitors will have the opportunity to watch the traditional Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery. On top of this, many religious activities will be held in conjunction with the festival.
Khambo Lama (Buddhist archbishop) from Manbadatsan Temple, D.Natsagdorj, clarified some detail about this event in the following nterview.
The Dashin Naadam–Khuree Tsam 2015 will start very soon. Mongolians scattered all around the world are anticipating this event. Many people seemed to be glad that religious traditions and historical customs are returning. Can you share your comments on this?
The Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office, City Council, all Buddhist temples and monks in the country have joined together to organize Danshig Naadam and Khuree Tsam activities at a national level.
Through this event, we will help people learn about the history of Buddhism and understand the meaning and significance of Danshig Naadam, which originated from when High Saint Zanabazar was five years old. Mongolians will begin taking action to introduce Mongolian heritages and culture to the public, as well as the world in the future. I’d like to encourage everyone to actively participate in the events to be held from August 8 to 9 and get a spiritual reading.
Within the scope of Dashin Naadam–Khuree Tsam, 500 monks will gather at Chinggis Square for spiritual readings for the peaceful life of all Mongolians and the world, pray that everything we wish for during our daily lives would come true and that everyone may stay healthy and live a long life. The virtuous power of many monks united is truly great. Also, Jakhar Tsam and Khuree Tsam (religious dances) will be demonstrated to the public. Monks specially trained for performing these dances at the Gandantegchinlen Temple will be holding them.
Mongolia was globally recognized through Ulaanbaatar. The beginning of this is connected to High Saint Zanabazar. The reason the Ulaanbaatar authorities decided to support our initiation for this event is deeply related to the Mongolian history. Mongolians should understand this event from the correct perspective.
Completely inaccurate information is being disclosed, but you shouldn’t worry about them. Peace and unity is necessary because this event was created by the spirit and power of the public. Moreover, those two days will introduce and increase the knowledge of Mongolians and foreigners about Mongolia’s Buddhism as well as heritage and culture. This will allow people to carry the correct understanding and become the root for opening up to spirituality.
On August 8, we will worship the Ochirvaani Deity for the good and wellbeing of Mongolians. We’re all working hard to support these events and make them happen. I’d like to welcome everyone to be part of these amazing spiritual events and learn more about Buddhism, as well as Mongolian heritage and culture.
You said that the tradition of performing Khuree Tsam will be restored. Can you explain its meaning to the readers? Doesn’t the Gandan Monastery and Dashchoilon Temple annually perform Khuree Tsam dance?
All spiritual readings and activities of Mongolian Buddhist temples were closed from 1937 to 1938. The dance wasn’t done since then until around 10 years ago, when Dashchoilon and Gandantegchinlen Temples recovered the dance and began performing it properly. Khuree Tsam is not only a special book that’s aimed for the goodness of Mongolians and everyone else in the world but also a prosperous deed that’s connected to the arts. The moves that the monks perform while spiritually reading the book are all related to meditation. Therefore, it’s a very special and important act. People in this field, as well as monks are talking about how important it is to have Khuree Tsam registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Center in the near future. I’m sure this issue will be settled eventually. Khuree Tsam is an extremely significant heritage of Mongolia’s Buddhism. It’s essential to promote it globally.
Another thing I’d like to underline is that the name Danshig of Danshig Naadam should be preserved just the way it is now. Currently, there are two to three temples holding Danshig Naadams, but the way they’re organizing them isn’t compliant to the traditional ways and customs.
The Ochirvaani Deity, responsible for Mongolia, will be worshipped during Danshig Naadam. Can you tell us what the significance of worshipping Ochirvani is?
Many Buddhist scriptures have declared and approved that the indestructible and mighty Ochirvaani looks after Mongolia. In fact, people meet each other through fate, which means that we also created the closest nexus to Ochirvaani through fate. When 1,000 gods of the good times come, Ochirvaani sits next to all of them.
Mongolia has a saying, “The state will revere religions and religions will respect the state”. Yet some people are questioning why the state and religious organizations are uniting to organize a Naadam. Can you tell us why the event is happening in cooperation with a state organization?
Actually, Mongolians should understand one thing. Since the Communist Repression, over 1,000 temples were destroyed. Everyone probably knows how much each deity in those temples is valued in monetary terms internationally. Yet, has Mongolia supported or helped Buddhist temples even once during these years? Mongolia didn’t. Everyone is aware of this fact. Hence, people shouldn’t be saying these nonsense or criticize. In the end, every other nationality supports and provides investment to Buddhist organizations. Yet, Mongolians aren’t able to do the same. In other words, Mongolians only destroyed it rather than investing and flourishing it. People should stop spouting all sorts of things and just participate in the virtuous act. Also, Buddhism shouldn’t be misunderstood. The state is also obliged to look after Mongolia’s Buddhism, its temples, and the people involved with the religion. On behalf of every monk and Buddhist people, I’d like to pass our sincere gratitude to the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar for supporting the Dashin Naadam–Khuree Tsam 2015.
Even though Buddhist people are telling people to not view Buddhism from the wrong perspective, there are people who are intentionally spreading incorrect information such as the rumor that Danshig Naadam is a celebration that celebrates the loss of Mongolia’s independence.
Starting from children to elders, everyone wanted independence 200 years ago. As a matter of fact, Danshig Naadam is a good will event that resolved conflicts between Mongolia’s many lords of different provinces and helped them reach a unified view. Therefore, understanding about this event shouldn’t be distorted. Distortion is achieved by intellectuals with small and narrow minds. If the wiser people aren’t able to distinguish the truth and follow these less intellectual people, Mongolians will have become the most stupid people. We have to distinguish the false from the truth.
In general, the first thing the public should appreciate is the fact that we have so much freedom. The second thing to appreciate is having the right to freely worship and have a religion. Lastly, people should start supporting and encouraging good will and good deeds.

Source: http://www.news.mn/content/219273.shtml