The Head of the House of Romanoff sends a letter to the 24th Pandito Khambo Lama, D. Ayusheev, thanking him for his hospitality during her recent trip to Buryatia

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

To the 24th Pandito Khambo Lama,
D. Ayusheev

Very Reverend Pandito Khambo Lama,

With all my heart, I thank you for the warm welcome you extended to me during my visit to Buryatia.

Visiting the Ivolginsky Datsan and meeting you and other clergy and students have left a deep and lasting impression in my heart.

Being present in the Palace of the 12th Pandito Khambo Lama, D. Etigelov, gives one a reverent sense of the continuing presence in our modern life of a man who spoke with the Holy Royal Passion-Bearer Emperor Nicholas II, and who sincerely loved him and kept his unshakeable loyalty to him at a sorrowful and difficult moment in the history of our country.

I was deeply touched by your precious and symbolic gift.

The connection between the Russian Imperial House and the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia, which was never broken and is now visible for all to see, will always serve to strengthen the unity of Russia, the preservation of our multinational culture, and the friendship between our people regardless of their ethnic, religious, or social differences.

I very much appreciate your profound understanding, wisdom, openness, sensitivity, and love for the people. I feel sure that our meeting was the beginning of a friendship and collaboratoin, which will yield many positive things in the future.

Please convey my thanks to the Buddhist clergy and pilgrims, and to the participants of the sporting events and art exhibitions I attended at the Ivolginsky Datsan, and to all those who shared with us the joy of being together in the wonderful land of Buryatia.

I wish you, Very Reverend Pandito Khambo Lama, good health, many years, and physical strength, and I assure you of my genuine favour and deepest respect,

H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

Madrid, August 7, 2014