Source: The Buddhist Channel/Russia Today
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=3,7404,0,0,1,0
Russia's republic of Kalmykia is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the dominant religion. Temples were destroyed there during the Soviet era and Buddhism went into decline. But in a new age of tolerance, the steppe region is enjoying a religious renaissance.
Temples, Buddha statues and pictures of the Dalai Lama abound in Kalmykia's capital Elista.
Its Temple of Buddha Shakyamuni is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe. Visible from every part of the city, it serves as a giant centre piece around which life in the tiny capital revolves.
Specialist painters from Tibet are painstakingly redecorating the temple’s interior - a process that could take another four years.
Across the republic, Kalmykian and Tibetan monks work side by side.
Abbot Anja Gelong says: “Buddhism is such an important part of our lives here. Everyday, anyone can come to the temple and meet with any monk to talk about anything they want.”