Buddhism has shaped Mongolian culture, spirituality, and national identity across centuries, undergoing three significant waves of introduction. First brought to Mongolia from India in the 6th century, Buddhism’s influence strengthened during the 13th century and flourished in the 16th century as Tibetan Buddhism became a unifying force and symbol of nationalism.
In 1578, Abtai Sain Khan, a prominent Mongolian leader, invited a high-ranking Tibetan monk to Mongolia, initiating an era of religious devotion and national unity. During this period, Altan Khan, a powerful nobleman, bestowed the title “Dalai Lama” upon the Tibetan spiritual leader, a term meaning “Ocean of Wisdom.” This honor cemented the relationship between Mongolia and Tibetan Buddhism, leading to the construction of Mongolia’s first monastery, Erdene Zuu, in 1586.
One of Mongolia’s most influential religious figures, Zanabazar, known as the “Undur Gegeen” became the country’s spiritual leader in the 17th century. A direct descendant of Chinggis Khaan, Zanabazar promoted Buddhism’s spread, leading to the construction of more than 2,000 monasteries by the 20th century. With over 40 percent of the male population becoming celibate monks, these monasteries evolved into vibrant cultural centers with schools for art, and astronomy, fostering both religious and intellectual life.
By the 1930s, under the influence of Stalin, the Mongolian government launched an anti-religion campaign that destroyed over 700 monasteries and drastically reduced the number of practicing monks from 15,000 to just a few hundred. Precious artifacts were transported to the Soviet Union and melted down, yet many Mongolians secretly preserved their Buddhist beliefs. Family altars displayed images of Buddha alongside Lenin, and religious treasures were hidden, waiting for safer times.
With the collapse of communism and democracy in the 1990s, Buddhism experienced a powerful revival. More than 155 monasteries were reopened, and the ancient faith was rekindled in both urban and rural Mongolia. Today, around 50% of Mongolians identify as Buddhists, with 39% unaffiliated, 3% following Islam, 3% practicing traditional Mongol shamanism, 2% identifying as Christian, and 0.4% following other religions.
Buddhism’s legacy in Mongolia remains a testament to its resilience, playing a vital role in Mongolian art, education, and cultural identity. It continues to inspire a deep spiritual connection in Mongolian life, balancing traditional practices with modern influences and contributing to a unique cultural heritage admired worldwide.
Buu (Shaman) – Shamanism in Mongolia is a profound spiritual practice rooted in the belief that all beings—humans, animals, plants—are animated by conscious souls. Central to shamanism is the shaman, an individual with the unique ability to connect with the spirit world through trance states, practicing healing, divination, and guidance on behalf of their community.
Archaeological evidence indicates that Mongolian shamanism dates to the Neolithic period. By the 13th century, shamanism was the dominant religious system among the Mongol tribes. Shamans played powerful roles during Chinggis Khan’s reign, performing rituals to invoke weather magic, secure victory in battle, and gain favor for the warriors. However, the influence of Tibetan Buddhism began to spread in the 16th century, gradually reducing the prominence of shamanistic practices.
The democratic transition in the 1990s marked a period of revival for shamanism. Facing rapid economic and social changes, Mongolians began to seek a renewed sense of cultural identity, and shamanism emerged from the shadows as a symbol of true Mongolian heritage. New generations of shamans came forward, reawakening their ancestral spirits, often trained by elder shamans to carry on traditions that had been suppressed during the communist era. In 1996, a Shamanic Center was established, and today, Mongolia has over 20,000 registered shamans and ten institutions dedicated to this ancient practice.
At the heart of Mongolian shamanism is the veneration of Eternal Heaven and Mother Earth, connecting all beings across three realms: the 99 heavens, the 88 levels of earth, and the sunlit world of living beings. During ceremonies, shamans use rhythmic drumming, dance, and song to summon their spirit helpers. Through trance, they interact with ancestral and nature spirits, seeking solutions to illness, personal challenges, and community concerns. This ancestral legacy serves as a bridge between the natural and spiritual realms, embodying Mongolia’s enduring respect for the forces of nature and family harmony.
Today, Mongolian shamanism is not only a spiritual practice but also a testament to the resilience of Mongolia’s cultural identity, offering a unique glimpse into a tradition that balances ancient wisdom with the dynamic realities of modern life.
