Representations of the land of bliss of Sukhavati (according to the Oirat manuscript from the Scientific Archive of the KalmSC of the RAS)

The collection of written monuments of the Scientific Archive of the KalmSC of the RAS presents works that allow researchers to identify and describe various cults of deities of the Buddhist pantheon and the practices associated with them. Particular attention is drawn to a handwritten collection in Oirat “todo bichig” (“Clear Script”) called “Sukhvadiyin oroni bayidal keyiged irel tobci xurangyu” (A short collection from the description of the country of Sukhavati and good wishes’), which describes the paradise country of Buddha Amitabha. The auspicious lines about being born in Sukhavati appear in many Buddhist texts. Described manuscript has not yet been translated and has not been the object of research. The purpose of the article is to analyze the structure and content of this collection, involving material from sutras and other genres, which describe the land of bliss Sukhavati, reflecting the cult of Amitabha. Based on the analysis of the content of the Oirat manuscript, such structural elements as 1. a concise description of the country of Sukhavati, 2. recommendations on how to pray to Amitabha, and 3. good wishes for receiving birth in this country are established. The reviewed text of the handwritten collection is a vivid example of the fact that the Kalmyk Buddhist clergy sought to preserve and popularize the teaching by describing various cults and practices as an example. It also testifies that Kalmyk believers, followers of Mahayana Buddhism, knew the cult of worshiping the Buddha Amitabha, and also practiced taking a birth vow in his heavenly region of Sukhavati.