Buddhism in Mongolia after Socialism: Continuity, Change,and Modernity

Abstract

This work examines the rise and development of Mongolian Buddhism as a Mongolian tradition, as

well as the challenges and issues it faced following the democratic revolution of 1990. After decades of religious

prohibition under state socialism, Mongolians began searching for a renewed sense of national identity in the

post-communist era. With the fall of the Communist Party, they turned to key cultural and historical symbols

that had defined their heritage before the advent of communism, most notably, Chinggis Khan and his Golden

Lineage, along with Mongolian Buddhism. This study is structured into two main sections. The first provides a

brief historical overview of Mongolian Buddhism, tracing its origins and early development. The second focuses

on its resurgence after 1990, highlighting the role of Buddhism in shaping Mongolia’s post-socialist identity. It

explores how Mongolians are actively redefining their national identity within a modern society and their efforts

to rebuild Buddhism as a genuine Mongolian tradition. Additionally, this work examines the pivotal role Tibetan

scholars played in the revival of Buddhism in Mongolia. The analysis sheds light on the intertwined destinies of

Mongolian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions in the contemporary era.