Here are the main Russian Buddhist monastic options (ordination + precept-based practice). I grouped them by region and noted next steps for ordination.
Buryatia (Tibetan—Gelug)
- Ivolginsky Datsan (BTSR HQ, Ulan-Ude area). Largest monastic center in Russia; has a Buddhist university and resident sangha. Ordinations are conducted under the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia (BTSR)—contact BTSR for candidacy and blessing. ru.wikipedia.org
• English site: ivolgdatsan.ru/english (also has RU). ivolgdatsan.ru - Aginsky Datsan & Aginsky Buddhist Academy (Zabaykalsky Krai). Major education + monastic complex; their FAQ directs prospective novices to apply via the BTSR / Pandito Khambo Lama’s office. www.buddhistdoor.net
- Rinpoche-Bagsha Datsan (Ulan-Ude). Active Gelug monastery with resident monks and public practice. Contact the administration for monastic pathway. www.buddhistdoor.net How to proceed (Gelug/Buryatia): Write to BTSR / Ivolginsky Datsan press center to request guidance and a blessing for novice training (common path before full ordination). aginskydatsan.ru
Kalmykia (Tibetan—Gelug)
- Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni (Elista; Central Khurul). Central monastery of Kalmykia with ordained monks; recognized hub for monastic life and daily rites. Contact the khurul administration for ordination requirements. en.wikipedia.org
Tuva (Tibetan—Gelug)
- Ustuu-Khuree (Chadan, Kyzyl region). Historic monastery rebuilt; active religious–cultural center. For ordination, inquire locally (often coordinated with Buryatia/Kalmykia). en.tuvaonline.ru
Saint Petersburg (Tibetan—Gelug)
- Datsan Gunzechoinei. Oldest Tibetan temple in European Russia with resident lamas; primarily a city temple. They can advise but ordinations are typically arranged via the larger monastic centers above. en.wikipedia.org
Theravāda in Russia
Theravāda monastic communities in Russia are minimal; Russian speakers commonly pursue novice/full ordination abroad (e.g., Thailand, Sri Lanka) and then return. Russian-language guidance exists for prerequisites and process. www.theravada.su
Women’s ordination note
Tibetan monasteries in Russia generally offer getsulma (novice) training for women; full bhikṣuṇī ordination usually requires coordination with lineages abroad (e.g., Dharmaguptaka). thubtenchodron.org
What to do next (all are Russian-speaker friendly)
- Write to BTSR / Ivolginsky about becoming a novice (послушник/хуварг): include age, background, health, and motivation. aginskydatsan.ru
- If you’re near Kalmykia, contact the Central Khurul administration for their ordination track. ru.wikipedia.org
- Visit a local datsan (e.g., Rinpoche-Bagsha, Datsan Gunzechoinei) for interview and referral. www.buddhistdoor.net If you want, I can draft a concise Russian email template to request ordination at BTSR or the Central Khurul.