Buddhism and Monasteries June to October

Monasteries In the early twentieth century, more than a thousand Buddhist monasteries of Tibetan rite stood in southern Mongolia. A century later, there were fewer than two hundred. If we can only deplore the mass disappearances, monasteries spared constitute a substantial portion of a vast architectural developed since the end of the XVI century. The original heritage, a huge wealth, deserves to be studied as well as the cultural inheritance of a nomadic people that because of its weight in the history of Buddhist architecture in the Far East. Placed between two powerful neighbors, Tibet and China, Mongolia is rich in a history built on the myth of prestigious ancestors, nourished by a sensible practice of religions and Buddhism in particular a story based on structures Social torn between nomadic and sedentary. Temples and monasteries "Inner Mongolia" examines the major features of Mongolian Buddhist heritage, both in terms of its spiritual issues, economic or strategic  Buddhisme of Steppes Let's go deep into the heart of Asian steppes, in company of a young lama who will lead you to discover Mongolian Buddhism. How did it appear, what's its evolution, how is a lama's daily life nowadays… Moogii will be your guide along your journey, and will explain to you his dedication to Buddhism in a country with so recent a fast changes, socially, economically and politically. Many religious places have been destroyed under the communism, during the purges of the 30's against intellectuals, and religious institutions. But since the beginning of the 90's there is a resurgence of Buddhism, which has never been totally eradicated. More than 80% of Mongolians describe themselves as Buddhists, temples and monasteries rebuilt are daily visited. You will meet, along your route, lamas practicing traditional medicine, painters, scientists, young people and elders who will give you a unique testimony of their life. This journey brings you also to the heart of the nomadic life, sharing sometimes with herders. Old believes and Buddhism are mixed for years now to fit better with the way of life of these people from the endless spaces, where Life and Natural elements are so strongly linked, more than any other spiritual conviction… A journey to meet other culture, other believes…

Mrs Isabelle CHARLEUX (With the kind permission of Mrs. Isabelle CHARLEUX) - Summary of the book "Temples and Monasteries of Southern Mongolia available on Amazone.fr ").