Buddhism in Mongolia

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Buddhism in Mongolia

Buddhism in Mongolia refers to the religious practices, beliefs, and institutions of Buddhism in the country of Mongolia. Buddhism has played a significant role in the cultural, spiritual, and political life of Mongolia for centuries.

History

Buddhism was first introduced to Mongolia during the time of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. The religion gained prominence under the rule of Kublai Khan, who established the Yuan dynasty in China and promoted Buddhism as a state religion. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition, particularly the Gelug school, became the dominant form of Buddhism in Mongolia.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Buddhism experienced a revival in Mongolia, largely due to the efforts of the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, and the Fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso, who was of Mongolian descent. The establishment of the Jebtsundamba Khutuktu lineage further solidified the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia.

Soviet Era

The Mongolian People's Republic, established in 1924, saw a period of severe repression of Buddhism. Under the influence of the Soviet Union, many monasteries were destroyed, and thousands of monks were executed or forced to renounce their religious practices. The Stalinist purges of the 1930s were particularly devastating for the Buddhist community in Mongolia.

Post-Soviet Revival

With the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent democratization of Mongolia in the early 1990s, there has been a significant revival of Buddhism. Monasteries have been rebuilt, and religious practices have been openly resumed. The Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar has become a central hub for Buddhist activity in the country.

Practices and Beliefs

Mongolian Buddhism is characterized by its adherence to the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. Rituals, meditation, and the study of Buddhist texts are central to the practice. The use of thangka paintings, mandalas, and prayer wheels are common in Mongolian Buddhist rituals.

Notable Figures

• Zanabazar - The first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and a prominent religious leader and artist.
• Bogd Khan - The eighth Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and the last theocratic ruler of Mongolia.

Related Pages

• Tibetan Buddhism
• Gelug
• Dalai Lama
• Mongol Empire
• Gandan Monastery
• Zanabazar
• Bogd Khan