Tatyana Lidzhieva, About Gal Tyalgn and Clan Rituals

Abstract

Tatyana talks about her understanding of clan rituals. According to her, Buddhism explains the working of the world. Buddhism also teaches us about the existence of several realms. By performing clan rituals people make offerings to the spiritual protectors of their land, their clan and families. Tatyana herself did not participate in any clan ritual. She says that such rituals should not involve alcohol or meat offerings. There is a belief that if one feeds spirits with meat, they would demand more. In Kalmykia, during national holidays, people put meat offerings to gods. Tatyana herself does not do this. She says that it would be better to offer sweets or dairy products instead of meat.