Stretching three kilometers in a narrow, crescent-shaped strip, Ogoy Island is the second largest island on Lake Baikal after Olkhon. It lies in the Strait of Maloye More (Little Sea), its contours mirroring the shoreline. The main reason thousands of people strive to come here every year is not its size, but the spiritual magnet crowning its highest point: the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment, dedicated to the dakini Troma Nagmo.
Stupa Architecture: Symbolism in Stone
The stupa on Ogoy is not a temple or a mausoleum, but a complex architectural structure, every part of which is filled with deep sacred meaning. Its form symbolizes the body of Buddha, seated in the lotus position on a lion`s throne.
The structure of the stupa from bottom to top:
• Base (Lion`s Throne): The stupa rests on a solid square base, symbolizing the stability and solidity of the earth, the foundation of all spiritual achievements.
• Four Steps: Four steps rise from the base, representing the four immeasurable qualities of the enlightened mind: Love, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity.
• Vase (Bumpa): The central, voluminous part of the stupa, resembling a vessel. This is where the main relics are stored. Its form symbolizes the accumulation of merit and wisdom.
• Spire (Harmika): A square or round superstructure on the vase, from which the spire rises upwards. It represents the eyes of Buddha, looking in all directions.
• Thirteen Rings: The spire is crowned by 13 discs, symbolizing the 13 stages on the path to Enlightenment, from the stage of "stream-enterer" to the state of Buddha.
• Umbrella (Chattra): At the very top is an umbrella, personifying protection from suffering and defilements.
• Moon, Sun, and Jewel: The stupa is completed by a small sphere (Moon), a disk above it (Sun), and a flaming jewel at the tip. These are symbols of the absolute nature of mind and the final attainment of Enlightenment.
The stupa was erected in 2005 based on a project by the lama from Buryatia, the renowned architect and artist Buda (Buda) Balzhiyevich Bashkuev. The construction was international: materials were delivered by water, and volunteers from different countries, including Russia, Belgium, and Germany, took part in the work.
Spiritual Mission: Why Ogoy and What`s Inside?
The choice of location for the stupa was not accidental. From the point of view of Buddhist geomancy, Ogoy, like the whole of Baikal, is considered a place of strong energy, possessing special sacred purity. The installation of a stupa in such a place is designed to harmonize the space, eliminate negative influences, and promote peace and well-being throughout the world.
The stupa is dedicated to the dakini Troma Nagmo—one of the most revered female forms of enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism. She personifies primordial wisdom, conquering fear and delusion.
Inside the stupa, in a special "life cavity" within the vase, numerous sacred relics were placed during its consecration:
• Statuettes of Buddhas and deities.
• Sacred mantras, rolled into scrolls.
• Relics (ringsel) of holy teachers.
• About 2.5 tons of Buddhist texts and mantras collected from all over the world, including the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," written in Sanskrit by volunteers.
• An extensive set of items symbolizing well-being (grain, jewels, medicines).
Thus, the stupa is not just a monument, but a full-fledged object of worship, the "body" of Buddha, filled with spiritual power.
Pilgrim Traditions and Etiquette for Tourists
Pilgrims coming to the stupa perform special rituals:
• Circumambulation (Kora): They walk around the stupa clockwise (from left to right). It is believed that this purifies karma and accumulates good merits.
• Prayers and Mantras: During the circumambulation, mantras are chanted, most often "Om Mani Padme Hum," addressed to the dakini Troma Nagmo.
• Offerings: Around the stupa and in special places, pilgrims leave offerings: coins, grain, milk, rice grains, or simply a beautiful stone. One often sees multi-colored ribbon flags, but this is more of a pagan than a Buddhist tradition.
How to behave for tourists who do not practice Buddhism:
• Respect the silence. This is a place of power and prayer, not a noisy touristic area. Speak quietly, turn off loud music on your phone.
• Circumambulate clockwise. Even if you do not chant mantras, the very act of a respectful walk around will be a sign of respect for the culture and beliefs of others.
• Do not turn your back to the stupa. When leaving the immediate area around the stupa, it is customary to move away without turning your back to it as a sign of respect. This is not a strict rule, but a pious tradition.
• Do not defile the place. Do not litter, do not draw on the stones, do not take offerings from other people or ritual objects as souvenirs.
• You can make an offering. If you wish, you can leave a small symbolic offering at the base of the stupa—a coin, a handful of nuts, or simply a beautiful stone from the shore of Baikal. This is a gesture of goodwill and respect.
Where else can you see such stupas?
Stupas of Enlightenment are one of the classic types of stupas in Tibetan Buddhism. Similar, though not identical, stupas can be found throughout the Himalayan region: in Nepal (in Lumbini—the birthplace of Buddha), in India (in Bodh Gaya—the place of his Enlightenment), in Bhutan, and, of course, in Buryatia and Kalmykia in Russia.
Ogoy Island and its stupa are a place where the majestic nature of Baikal is combined with a deep spiritual tradition. Climbing the path to its white silhouette against the backdrop of the endless blue sky, everyone, regardless of creed, feels the positive emotions bestowed by this unique sanctuary on the island.
