Folk healing methods in V. Nurov's novel "The White-Bearded Elder"

Lidzhiev Mingiyan Alekseevich ORCID: 0000-0002-5113-7766 PhD in Philology Associate Professor; Department of Kalmyk Literature and Journalism; B.B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University 358000, Russia, Republic of Kalmykia, Elista, Nikolay Mitirovich Ochirov str., 19 mingiyan75@mail.ru Other publications by this author

Lidzhieva Dzhirgal Mingiyanovna ORCID: 0000-0002-7571-9998 Graduate student; Institute of Kalmyk Philology and Oriental Studies; Kalmyk State University named after B.B. Gorodovikov 358003, Russia, Republic of Kalmykia, Elista, Nikolay Mitirovich Ochirov str., 19, 19 lidzhieva-dz14@mail.ru

Introduction

Among the outstanding poets in Kalmyk literature since the middle of the XX-beginning of the XXI century, the work of Vladimir Dordjievich Nurov represents a large and original phenomenon. The work of an outstanding master of the word represents major artistic achievements, and the poet himself is a bright and peculiar personality. His works captivate the reader with the freshness and novelty of sensations, the pulse of time, attention to the traditions of ancestors, to the folk foundations of existence, to spiritual origins. They open the way to a modern understanding of the relationship between man and history, man and nature, filled with worries about human fate and faith in the moral elevation of man.

The work of V. Nurov is the object of close attention and study by literary critics and researchers: A.Sh. Kichikov, A.V. Badmaev, R.A. Dzhambinova, V.D. Purveev, D.B. Dordjieva, R.M. Khaninova, etc. In their works, the poet's work is analyzed as a whole. They note that his native land, its nature, history, the fate of the people, language and culture occupy a central place in his work ^{[5, p. 278]}. Critic V.D. Purveev, speaking about V. Nurov's poetry, emphasized that "the individuality of artistic search is clearly felt in the desire to develop poetic traditions, study the way of life, thoughts and feelings of his contemporaries, master the riches of his native language and discover the beauty of the word" ^{[8, p. 118]}. In the work of R.A. Dzhambinova, the lyrical and epic works of V. Nurov are analyzed. The author says that "the poetry of Vladimir Nurov is innovative", in his works the author "thinks about the meaning and purpose of poetry, the role of the poet in the modern world" ^{[4, p. 184]}.

Vladimir Nurov's poetry, as an important component of his creative heritage, occupies a significant place than prose and drama. In recent years, V. Nurov has pleased readers with interesting stories, stories that aroused great interest among readers. The prose works "The Story of Childhood" (Bichkndk tsagin tuk), "Happiness of Bova" (Boovan tavsn khov), "The White-bearded Elder" (Cahan sahlta kogsh) demonstrate the author's skill in creating vivid images and deep plots. These works not only enrich the Kalmyk literature of the XXI century, but also contribute to the development of the literary language, reflecting current topics and problems of our time.

The main part

For the first time, V. Nurov's novel "The White-Bearded Elder" (Cahan sahlta kogsh) was published on the pages of the literary, artistic and socio-political magazine "Light in the Steppe" (Teegin Girl) in 2012-2013. A separate book, V. Nurov's novel "The White-Bearded Elder" was published in 2022. With great artistic skill and authenticity, the novel describes the events taking place in Kalmykia and Russia during the years of Stalinist repression (1930s), the dispossession of hereditary livestock breeders as "enemies of the Soviet government" and their deportation to Siberia. The characters of the novel, overcoming incredible difficulties and humiliations, defend their human dignity with honest work, talent and moral principles, and win the respect and recognition of Siberians.

The novel "The White-Bearded Elder" is multifaceted in genre terms and is close to historical and social. Compositionally, the work consists of 27 chapters. The actions in the novel take place in the Kalmyk hoton Bug, and then in the village of Gremyachy in the Znamensky district of the Omsk region, to which the dispossessed families were unjustly exiled, the main characters of the novel: astrologer Champel Nimeev, chiropractor Jav Dorjiev, his son Nadvid and Bata Garyaev ^{[7, p. 110]}. Instead of Badma Nimeev, having taken over all the cattle belonging to his brother, his younger brother, astrologer Champel Nimeev, who was educated at the Buddhist monastery of Cherya Khurul, goes to Siberia. Thus, by sacrificing himself, he saves his older brother's family, his nephews, from certain death.

From the first page of the novel, the author shows the image of the main character of the novel by astrologer Champel Nimeev. "Chomple kogshe keduhin kun medhsh. Enuna nasna uls mana Buhu hotnd uga. Egl ulst zurhach kogshe nasnan turshart tusan kurgusn en. Mantsin Ketsin nutgt enug es meddg kun giҗ uga. Kogshag khotna uls tsugtan tevchn. Orun bolhn ulan zandn modn erk ergulad, maan umshad, ukha tunkhad, zamlad suuna. Emchnr nokd bolҗ es chadhla, ermdgt uls kogshahur irtskhan. Tusan Kurgҗ chadhdan zurkhach nokd bolna ^{[7, p. 7]}. "No one knows how old the Elder is. Of his peers, there is no one left in our hoton Buhu. The zurkhach astrologer helped ordinary people throughout their lives. There is probably no one in the Manych ulus of Kalmykia who would not know him. Everyone respects the elder in Haughton. Every morning, sitting in the lotus position, fingering the red sandalwood rosary, prays and reflects. If doctors are unable to help, then sick people go to zurhachi" [Subscript].

Among the Kalmyks, people who were engaged in the treatment of a certain type of disease or using a certain method of treatment stood out. In relation to them, terms denoting the mode of action were used. Emchi (Buddhist lama-healers), who, by virtue of belonging to the spiritual estate and literacy, enjoyed the greatest authority, depending on their level of education. Folk healers, to whom the experience of empirical healing was inherited, also had extensive practice and were revered by people.

In the novel "The White-Bearded Elder", the main characters astrologer Champel Nimeev and chiropractor Jav Dorjiev had extensive knowledge in the field of health care and distinguished a large number of diseases, they stood out among the rest of the population for their literacy, knowledge of religious literature and acted as experts in folklore, the history of the people. In the novel, they are characterized as people of high moral qualities, they have such traits as cheerfulness, resourcefulness, kindness, courage, determination, modesty, selflessness, commitment to religion. Throughout the entire action of the novel, they helped everyone with their abilities, treated people and animals.

In one of the episodes of the novel, after a casual conversation and acquaintance, Peter Protasov asked Champ Nimeev where he studied to be an astrologer and what diseases he could cure people from. To which Champel replied that he helps people with the power of his abilities. He doesn't cheat anyone, he doesn't take money. He studied for ten years at the Buddhist Theological Academy at the Kalmyk Temple. "Protasov todan khalahad, kun ugahin medchkad, kelan: – Nand migraine gem amr ogchahmn uga. Zarmdan yir ikar tolha ovdn. Tegad tanas surkhar sedlev: nokd bolҗ chadkhmbt ugavt giҗ. Chomp zovar tagchg suuҗahad, ild kelv: – Peter Nikolaevich, mel hudl kelҗ chadshgov. Omn iim gem emnҗ uzad ugav. The zug... of a fool. Mini cheadle kurch baah, es kurch baah medgdh... Tana durn. Kemr sedkl tuschakhla, Emnҗ bolana, – ghihad en mishav.

– Tiim durn baen. Buru es gihla, Chompl Bembeyevich, ekled emntn, – ghihad, en zvshelv. – Na, san. Ek turun bolҗ tana nurh shinҗlhar sedlev. En bench deerturgur kevttn, – ghihad en hanzan shamlad, sham oordhad, nurhna yasn bolhin hurhdarn darҗ burtqv. Zarm nurhna yasin en chidlan harhad darv. Nurhna yasn kird ghihad, ormdan suuҗah bolҗ medgdn. – Nurhna zarm yasd ormasn kondrsn temdg en. Kemr ter yasig ormdn es suulhla, tolha bas ovdh zovt. Tana tolhan ovdlhig uga kehv giҗ kelҗ chadshgov. Dav zuurar ovddgin Uura bolana, Peter Nikolaevich, – gyhad en tolhad massage ken Baә, tarn session keҗ baә medgdad baә. Amend NMR CC ar big Champlin CIR-srg s bahm... Champlin chiru humharad, chinan-chidln aldrad, nurhin bokchihad efa. Tolhan ovdkuras getlsn Protasov agchmin dund tvknad, taalvr bichkn met, surklad untv ^{[7, pp. 82-83]}. "Protasov looked around, making sure that no one was there, and asked. – I have a migraine. Sometimes headaches. Can you help? Champel sat in silence and said sincerely: "Pyotr Nikolaevich, I will not deceive. I've never had to before. But... you can try. Whether my strength is enough, it will be seen, your will. If you wish, you can get medical treatment," he smiled. – There is such a desire. If you don't mind, Champ Bembeyevich, help me," Protasov agreed. - OK. First of all, let's examine your back. Lie down on the bench," he rolled up his sleeves, brought the lamp closer and began to examine it. Sometimes it pressed on the spine. There was a crunch. – This is a sign that individual vertebrae are shifted... If it is not put in place, headaches are possible… I can't guarantee that the pain will stop completely, but the pain should go away for a while, Pyotr Nikolaevich," he explained, doing a head massage... and conducting a hypnosis session. The amount of energy Champ was expending was evident from his face. He looked very tired. Protasov, relieved of his illness, calmed down and fell asleep like a baby" [Sidenote].

V. Nurov's novel "The White-Bearded Elder" really covers important aspects of the life of two generations, as well as raises topical social and personal problems. The work explores in detail the contradictions that the characters face, presenting both individual stories and broader social contexts.

The special attention paid to traditional methods of treatment allows not only to preserve the cultural heritage, but also raises questions for the reader about the combination of traditional medicine and modern approaches. The study of these methods presented in the novel may be very relevant, given the growing interest in alternative medicine and integrative approaches in healthcare.

The analysis of the presented cures can help to identify which of them have retained their effectiveness, and which could be adapted or rethought in the light of modern medical knowledge. This creates a rich ground for interdisciplinary research connecting literature, culture and medicine, and highlights the importance of interaction between different knowledge systems for understanding human health and well-being. The novel really arouses interest in such research and deepens the dialogue between generations.

The novel describes in detail another case when Peter Protasov's son was in trouble. The boy, caught in the stirrup when falling, was dragged by the horse for several miles. He was in serious condition and could not be taken to the district hospital. Champel Nimeev and Java Dordjiev were invited to help with great belittlement. "CVG helck, HN har gesig halon BLR taatd kid, NAND avch of IRT, – GID calcd, ceiling hanzen SAML. Shirktarkan neg kiihar uuchkad, neg moslsn baedltahar kovun khorahur orv. Peter Nikolaevich avch irsn taazta har gesigav shovhrad, asahasn tsevrlv. Ovkinn ogsn sur-zorgan, kuchan khurahad, kodlmshan eklv. Protasovar dem awad, kovun kolesn avn eklad, talkhm Bol odsn, arsndan ar torch baah yasin ormdn tavad, har gesar eklad shirlv. Tsug suzgan, bilgan, arun sedklan Huraҗ kuchndҗ baәavin har kolsn khooҗad askhrad baev. Kovun irgln, Wuhan-segan uga. Chomple zogsl uga maan umshad, khonkh tsokn Baә, Җavin ndarn orҗ baә eklun kolsin archv. Tsag-bolzgan marchҗ, sumsin tamin amn deerbхх квв ә ә ә ә әавававававававав,,,,үш,,,, бәәәәәәәвввв м м м м м м м м м м м,үәәәәәәввввв м м м м м м м м м м,ө бәәәәәввввв м м м м м м м м м м.,ө.әәә.................,ө......... Enun haran, sonr chikn, hurdurn orsn met, bulhrsn, huhrsn chimgn bolhin uzҗ, ormdn tavҗ uglv" ^{[7, pp. 112-113]}. "After examining the boy, Jav asked for mutton intestines in a basin. He separated the small intestines, peeling the mixture and mucus with his fingers. With Protasov's help, he started with his feet... putting the shattered bones in place with his fingers, wrapping his limbs with a small intestine. His hands worked confidently. Java, putting all the energy, strength, talent and feelings on his fingertips, then flooded his face, eyes ... the boy only moaned. The fingers of his hands were the eyes of Java. They acted on intuition precisely. Champel, intently reciting prayers, began to wipe the sweat from Java's face with a towel. Jav, fighting for the life of a child, forgetting about time and fatigue, fingered every bone, glued, wrapped his limbs with warm, mucous intestines" [Subscript].

In Kalmyks folk medicine, there are two main methods of treatment: drug therapy and non-drug therapy. Medicines are divided into vegetable, animal and mineral. Kalmyk doctors knew up to 3 thousand medicines. Those who used medicines in the treatment were called emch, chiropractors – step, massage therapists – barach, specialists in wound treatment – sharhch, midwives – ek bolsn ee, shamans, "knowledgeable" – bo, udh, medlhch. The latter, being specialists in healing magic, were treated with a spell (domch), a spell (tarn) ^{[3, p. 165]}.

Kalmyks widely used medicinal products of animal origin in traditional medicine: skin, bones, horns, fat, brains, bile, liver, kidneys, heart, blood, raw meat. Various natural remedies: copper, silver, sand, salt, silt mud, clay, ash, mineral water, etc. The novel "The White–Bearded Elder" by V. Nurov really emphasizes the importance of folk healing methods practiced by the main characters - astrologer Champel Nimeev and chiropractor Dorjiev Jav. Their skills and knowledge become not just tools to help others, but also symbols of a deep connection with the cultural traditions and spiritual truths of the Kalmyk people. By sharing their healing stories, the characters create a lively atmosphere in which tradition and modernity are intertwined. This element allows readers to better understand how relevant folk practices are in the context of the modern world, where many people are looking for alternative ways to health and well-being. In addition, such stories strengthen trust in traditional healers and demonstrate how the connection between man and nature, as well as knowledge passed down from generation to generation, can have a real impact on people's lives.

Conclusion

Thus, the analysis shows that the traditional folk medicine of the Kalmyks is widely represented in V. Nurov's novel "The White-Bearded Elder" and represents a peculiar and unique set of ideas that combines both rational and practical knowledge based on the analysis of cause-and-effect relationships between health and disease, methods and methods used in the treatment and the results of their application, as well as knowledge that is inaccessible to rational understanding. The latter often appeared in a mythologized form and were actualized in certain periods, being realized in traditions and rituals. It should be noted that the traditional medicine of the Kalmyks is not only an important source of knowledge on the history and culture of the Kalmyk ethnic group, but also has a rich, time-tested healing experience and potential for integration with official medicine.

V. Nurov's novel "The White-bearded Elder" really has significant significance in Kalmyk literature. The vivid images and deep plots created by the author not only attract the attention of readers, but also allow them to better understand the cultural and social aspects of the life of the Kalmyk people. The work touches on important topics such as identity, traditions and modernity, which makes it relevant and in demand in modern literary discourse. It inspires not only readers, but also future writers, discovering new ways of dealing with tradition and innovation in literature.