Ubush describes karma as an energy field. In Buddhism, he carries on, one is advised to have positive thoughts and spiritual calmness. Expensive things could be useful, but to be sad about not having them is not worth the anxiety. Ubush advises – enjoy what you have. The Kalmyk word for life is zhirgl, which literally means ‘happiness’. Therefore, the Kalmyks try to live their lives as happily as possible. It is forbidden to laugh at night, because this act may lead to one losing his/her karma. Karma can be accumulated by honorable deeds, for example by feeding dogs, helping people etc. Merit (buyn) is a positive energy. People can increase their merit with the help of special prayers. According to Ubush, merit is something that is real and which is possible to accumulate. The notion of karma, in contrast, is more difficult to explain, insists Ubush. According to him, the Kalmyks, as a nation, have decreased their communal karma by fighting wars for other peoples. As a result, the Kalmyks have suffered a lot. On the other hand, the Kalmyks have a strong sense of fairness and persistence, and try to help others.