Buddhism in the sociocultural space of Kalmykia: current status and trends
https://doi.org/10.47370/2078-1024-2025-17-4-54-66
Abstract
Introduction. The article examines the current status and main trends in the development of Buddhism in the sociocultural space of Kalmykia from the late 20th to the first quarter of the 21st century. The main objective is to comprehensively analyze and illuminate the history of Buddhism in Kalmykia today, as one of the fundamental values of the national culture of the Kalmyk people. The role and influence of traditional faiths in maintaining stability in the region, as well as their relationship with government bodies and public organizations, have been analyzed.
The materials and methods. The study utilizes retrospective, comparative historical, and problemchronological methods, as well as an interdisciplinary approach based on archival, legal, and scholarly sources.
The research results. It has been revealed that despite the repressive policies of the Soviet regime, the closure of khuruls (monasteries), and the absence of bagshis and gelungs (Buddhist teachers and clergy), Buddhism persisted as an integral part of the ethnocultural identity of the Kalmyk people. The outstanding role of Zaya-pandita in spreading Buddhism among the Volga Kalmyks and the entire Mongolian-speaking world is demonstrated. The collaboration of the modern Buddhist Church of Kalmykia with the domestic and international Buddhist community and its contribution to strengthening mutual understanding, peace, and harmony between peoples is analyzed.
Discussion and conclusion. Buddhism plays a key role in strengthening interfaith harmony, the spiritual and moral education of youth, and the preservation of national culture. Its integration into the modern sociocultural space of Kalmykia demonstrates a steady trend toward further development and institutionalization.
Keywords
Russia,
Kalmykia,
history,
Buddhism,
religion,
repression,
government authorities,
interfaith interaction
Supporting agencies: The research was carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences for 2025, state registration number 125011200150-2.
About the Author
N. G. Ochirova
Federal Research Center, Southern Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences
Россия
Россия
Nina G. Ochirova, PhD (Political Science), Leading researcher
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For citations:
Ochirova N.G. Buddhism in the sociocultural space of Kalmykia: current status and trends. Vestnik Majkopskogo Gosudarstvennogo Tehnologiceskogo Universiteta. 2025;17(4):54-66. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.47370/2078-1024-2025-17-4-54-66
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