Pandito Kamby-Lama Lopsan-Chamzy and His Role in Spiritual Development of the Tuvan People

 Introduction. The year 2024 has witnessed a variety of jubilee events celebrating the 105th anniversary of the institution of Kamby-Lama of Tuva, which gives rise to an increased interest towards the personality of Ven. Lopsan-Chamzy — the first Kamby-Lama of Tuva — and key aspects of his political biography and spiritual path. Goals. The article seeks to introduce Ven. Lopsan-Chamzy to the public and attempts an evaluation of his role in the shaping of Tuvan spiritual life during a most difficult and important period of Tuva’s history. Materials and methods. The comprehensive review of the identified topic is based on a wide range of historical sources housed by the National Archive of the Tyva Republic, Tuvan Institute for Humanities and Applied Socioeconomic Research (Scientific Archives), Center of Oriental Manuscripts and Woodcuts (IMBT SB RAS). Classical Mongolian- and Tibetan-language documents have proved as useful in assessing the scale of Kamby-Lama Lopsan-Chamzy’s influence on Tuvan spiritual development. The paper tends to focus on the first Kamby-Lama’s origin, his spiritual education and guidance in the development of Ustuu-Khuree Monastery, the authority enjoyed by Ven. Lopsan-Chamzy across Western Tuva, and his high spiritual attainments. Results. The study shows the first Pandito Kamby-Lama of Tuva Lopsan-Chamzy was an important historical figure throughout the first quarter of the twentieth century, and remained a highly-educated monk who strictly and honestly observed the once taken vows. His authority and influence extended far beyond the walls of Ustuu-Khuree Monastery and lands of Western Tuva. The very existence of the Tibetan-language Prayer for the Long Life of Kamby-Lama Lopsan-Chamzy compiled by the Fourth Khunchen Kelsang ThuptenWangchuk actually attests to the former’s status as a highly realized spiritual master. Unfortunately, the life that he lived with dignity for the benefit of his people and further transmission of Buddhist teachings in Tuva tragically ended in 1930 as a result of political repression. Nonetheless, his name and exploits were never set to oblivion. On 25 July 2024, Head of the Tyva Republic Vladislav Khovalyg signed a decree on restoring the good name and perpetuating the memory of Ven. Ondar Lopsan-Chamzy, the first Pandito Kamby-Lama of Tuva.

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