Buddhism Today - Russian Buddhists' Newly Found Link with Tibet and India by Vijay Kranti

Russian Buddhists' Newly Found Link with Tibet and India by Vijay Kranti……….. Taken from www.phayul.. (Photo 1212251145536Z)

The Dalai Lama has been to Russia five times since 1979. In 1992 he went to all the three Buddhist republics. But in 1991 he could go only to Buryatia. In 1996 he could visit Kalmykia only on a transit visit while flying to Mongolia. In 2004 too he could visit Kalmykia only for a day and half. On one occasion all Russian flights were cancelled just to ensure that Dalai Lama could not stop in Russia on his way to Mongolia. Changed status of Russia vis-a-vis China in the post USSR period has obliged Kremlin to keep the Chinese sensitivities on Tibet and Dalai Lama at top priority.

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Historically, Buddhism was incorporated into Russian lands in the early 17th century.[1][2] Buddhism is considered as one of Russia's traditional religions, legally a part of Russian historical heritage.[3] Besides the historical monastic traditions of Buryatia, Kalmykia and Tuva, Buddhism is now widespread all over Russia, with many ethnic Russian converts.[4]

The main form of Buddhism in Russia is the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, with other Tibetan schools as minorities.[5] Although Tibetan Buddhism is most often associated with Tibet, it spread into Mongolia, and via Mongolia into Russia.