Religion in Mongolia – Buddhism and Shamanism
Religion in Mongolia
Religion in Mongolia – Today more than half of Mongolians still believe in Tibetan Buddhism which is the main religion. Also Shamanism is still existing and one of the important beliefs of Mongolian.
BUDDHISM in Mongolia
Although Buddhism first arrived in Mongolia as early as 2nd century BC, it became widespread later in the 16th century since then has been the main religion in the country. Undur Gegeen Zanabazar (High Saint Zanabazar), the historic en-lightener of Mongolia, spread Buddhism in Mongolia.
Mongolian costumes, ritual instruments, methods for making statues of gods, and the composition of chants stand out from other Buddhist countries. For instance, Mongolian mantras are styled differently from Tibetan mantras, and their harmonies sound like Mongolian folk songs with beautiful melodies.
In the 17th century, the peak period of Buddhism in Mongolia, the nomadic and Buddhist schools of medicine were brought together to create great advancement. This period in time is called the “Golden Era” in the history of Mongolian science of medicine.
Buddhism in Mongolia has attained its own unique characteristics, adopting an original way of thinking and the rich traditions of nomads to be identified as “Mongolian.” Modern day Mongolians exhibit great religious tolerance, too. It may be because they consider religious beliefs and doctrines as wisdom, and they have deep respect towards any source of knowledge and wisdom. Mongolians can always find something in common with other religions or spiritual beliefs and their own ideology.
SHAMANISM in Mongolia
Shamanism, one of the oldest religious beliefs still exists among Mongolians today in a close relationship with an original ideology that values an existence congruent with nature and Tengrism (the belief to worship the sky). Tengrists believe the sky, earth, nature, and spirits of their ancestors guard and bless all people. Therefore, they aspire not to disturb the ecological balance, and live a sacred life, cultivating their spirituality, valor, and intellectual powers.
Costumes and ceremonies of shamanism are truly astounding. Mongolians believe that shamans’ guardian spirits remain in their costumes, which have specific traditional ways of being made and worn. Mongolian Shamans differ slightly between each ethnic groups. It is noteworthy that some practices of shamanism have been adopted by Mongolian Buddhism and have created a symbiosis throughout the history.
More about Travel Buddies
“Travel Buddies” is an expert team of professional and dynamic individuals which ensures that your trip to Mongolia is unique and renders you a lifetime experience. Have all the opportunities to explore the country using different tour packages available on the site. You may also opt for tailor-made tours of Mongolia.
If you are an adventurous soul, you can go for adventure travel with the Travel Buddy Mongolia trips that feature discovery of the mainland in the Jeep. Hiking and trekking tours in the most cost-effective manner have been designed for you.
If simple sightseeing appeals to you the most, you can choose the tour that is designed for the same.
The cultural trips would help you get across the ages-old cultural heritage of the country.
Be a part of nomadic life (temporarily) and peek-a-boo with the culture you might have been fascinated with, viewing in some movies.
Horseback riding, camel safari, winter tours to the National Parks, across the Gobi desert will help to experience the freezing weather of the country which goes to -30° in the winter.
Be tour ready for the best Mongolia tours with Travel Buddies!