Geshe Yonten Lodoy (Sergey Vladimirovich Kirishov) was born in Kalmykia, holds the rank of Gelong (the highest level of monastic ordination), and received his monastic education in India at the Drepung Gomang Buddhist Monastery-University.

In 2018, he was appointed Administrator of the Central Khurul of the Republic of Kalmykia, known as the “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni.” From 2019 until January 2024, he headed the administration of this Khurul.

In October 2023, he was awarded the title of Geshe at the Drepung Gomang Monastery in India.

Geshe Yonten is a Member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and the Public Chamber of the Republic of Kalmykia, as well as a member of the Council of the Moscow Buddhist Community.