Notes on the Survival of Buddhism in Communist Mongolia (1921–1989)
Notes on the Survival of Buddhism in Communist Mongolia (1921–1989)

Author(s): Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Byambaa Ragchaa
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Mongolia; Buddhism; communism; political persecution; religious practice
Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses how Buddhism survived in Mongolia from 1921 to 1989 regardless of the communists’ attempts to destroy it. It starts with a short account of the destruction of Buddhist institutions and mass repression and the condition of Buddhism after the battle: the remains of Buddhist heritage and the attitude of the Mongolian state to Buddhism. Then follows information about Buddhist institutions during the Mongolian People’s Republic and methods of Mongolian Buddhists to continue the religious practice – examples from Gandantegchenlin Monastery and depiction of some individual practices are provided, as well as a description of Buddhist rituals conducted in secret. Finally, as an epilogue, the revitalization of Buddhism, which started with the democratization process in Mongolia at the end of 1989, is briefly characterized.

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