The current situation and development trends of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia

Abstract

Since the 16th century, the dge-lugs-pa (Gelug sect) of Tibetan Buddhism has been spread widely in Mongolian regions, gradually permeating the ideological and social lives of the Mongolian people. This has imbued Mongolian people’s politics, economy, culture and art with profound Tibetan Buddhist characteristics. Meanwhile, due to specific reasons such as the different history of inheritance, the different language and culture of the believers, and the different degrees of social development in the regions where Mongolian are located, after hundreds of years of localization, Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolian regions also has strong Mongolian characteristics, which significantly differentiate it from Tibetan Buddhism in Tibetan areas. Therefore, if we want to understand the inheritance and development of Tibetan Buddhism, we should also pay attention to the current situation and development trends of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia. Although the belief in Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia has evidently weakened compared to its prosperous dissemination over the past few centuries, it still occupies a main position among religious beliefs in the region. As the primary religious faith of Mongolians in Inner Mongolia, Tibetan Buddhism continues to play a role in preserving and inheriting traditional culture, while offering unique functions and contemporary values in constructing Mongolian identity and imparting ethical and moral education. Currently, in the process of development of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia, there are many problems, such as the low level of ability among monastic talents, the lack of unity and harmony within monk team, the inadequate standardized management of monks, and the inaccurate dissemination and promotion of Buddhist teachings. This paper analyzes the manifestations and causes of these issues, and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions to solve these problems, so as to provide intellectual support for the healthy development of Tibetan Buddhism in Inner Mongolia.