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Aiakova Z. “Take Care of Your Stomach More than Your Eyes”: Buryat Food and Drinks in the Context of Mirror of Wisdom by Lama and Educator E.-Kh. Galshiev

Z. Aiakova
V. R. Filippov Buryat State Agricultural Academy
Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation
ORCID: 0000-0002-7332-5952
E-mail: azhargal@yandex.ru

 

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ABSTRACT. The article examines the food system of the Buryats in the context of their daily and religious life. The Mirror of Wisdom by Lama E.-Kh. Galshiev (1855–1915) presents food as a vital necessity that has moral and spiritual meanings. The Mirror of Wisdom is a set of secular and religious rules for laymen. It is a vivid example of how Buddhist values, which determine the spiritual and social foundations of Buryat life, are incorporated into their everyday practice. Drawing on the Buddhist texts, Lama Galshiev offers particular guidelines for everyday behavior and religious life in an accessible and detailed manner, including dietary practices. The book reflects historically developed ideas about food consumption and the character of the Buryats as people. The Buryats believe that the way of living and the dietary system create a connection to the outside world. The guide’s author discusses the need for mindful eating, eating in moderation, and being generous with treats. Today, this seemingly mundane component of culture, i.e., food and drinks, continues to be a significant element of Buryat ethnic identity.

 

KEYWORDS: the Buryats, The Mirror of Wisdom, Lama Galshiev, Tsongkhapa, food and drinks, long life

 

DOI 10.31250/2618-860 0-2024-1(23)-133-147
UDC 641.55/.56 (=512.31)

 

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