The legend of the origin of the Tibetans and the rules of moral behavior set forth in “Mani-kambum”

The article examines the work “Mani-kambum” - one of the texts dedicated to the cult of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who in Mahayana Buddhism personifies boundless compassion. The image of Avalokiteshvara had a huge impact on the spiritual life and culture of a number of Eastern countries. In China he is known as Guanyin, in Japan as Kannon, Tibetans call him Chenrezi (from Tib. spyan ras gzigs), in texts in Mongolian languages he is referred to as Aryabala and Khonshim bodisad. This image is especially revered by the Russian peoples who traditionally profess Buddhism (Kalmyks, Buryats and Tuvans). “Mani-kambum” consists of three parts, the first of which includes thirty-six stories containing biographies and legendary accounts of the deeds of Avalokiteshvara, taking various forms and manifestations. The purpose of the article is to use the material of the Oirat translation of this Tibetan monument to consider the features of the presentation of the main provisions of Buddhist teachings addressed to the inhabitants of the Land of Snows (i.e. Tibet). In addition, trace the origins of the legend about the origin of the Tibetans. The need to convert the ancestors of the Tibetans prompted the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara to miraculously create a young man with a beautiful appearance, who introduced the inhabitants of Tibet to the basic tenets of Buddhist teaching regarding moral behavior (abstaining from the Ten Sins, committing the Ten Virtues, the teaching of the six paramitas). These examples provide not only theory, but also practical guidance on what kind of life should be led.