Buddhism Rebounds in Russia Despite Opposition

[rug]

For four generations, the Soviets waged war on Buddhists, sometimes branding them “Japanese spies.” Now, 20 years after the collapse of communism, Buddhism is experiencing a massive revival in its historic areas. Yes, there are Russian Buddhists.

The drums, the bells and the chants are redolent of Asia. But the language spoken between the monks here near the shores of Lake Baikal is Russian.

Ulzutuev Yondon, who teaches philosophy at Ivolginsky datsan, Russia’s main Buddhist monastery, says that when he was studying Buddhism in India, people did not believe he was Russian.

The 25-year old is one of over a million people in post-Soviet Russia who are embracing the Buddhist faith of their ancestors.

http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com/index.php?article=52374&pageid=24&pagename=Society

[Odin2005]

1. Cool!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. Wonder if it's theravada or mahayana (chinese) or both?

Cool, anyway.