Actual problems of buddhist studies in the researches of scientists of the Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

The article analyzes Buddhist studies conducted by scientists of the Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The issues of the emergence and formation of the institution itself, its main divisions of the institute and the activities of the leading scientists of the institute related to collecting, cataloging and studying written monuments that are kept in the funds of the unique Center of oriental manuscripts and xylographs are considered. The contribution and results of the researches of philosophers, historians, ethnographers, literary critics and linguists engaged in the study of traditional religious culture, rites and rituals, Buddhist philosophy, as well as the features of the socio-political processes of the development of Buddhism in Russia and the countries of Central and East Asia are examined. The legal status of the Buddhist church, monasteries and clergy is considered on the basis of the analysis and translation of a number of archival documents and sources in the Mongolian language, and a brief assessment of the current state, role and influence of the Buddhist church, culture and traditions on society is given. The history of translation activities, in particular, the translation of the Buddhist canon into Mongolian from Tibetan, is highlighted. Attention is drawn to the methods and means of electronic cataloging of written monuments in the Tibetan and ancient Mongolian languages, archival documents developed at the institute, as well as methods for digitizing multimedia sources of technotronic information. It is noted that modern Buddhist monasticism, as well as lay Buddhists in Russia, maintain loyalty and trust in relation to the institutions of state power and law at a fairly high level. The place and role of ethnicity in the historical past and modern social processes are studied, a new view of the key moments of the ethno-political history of the Buryat people in their inextricable connection with the general development of Russian statehood and society is substantiated. It is concluded that the Buddhist studies conducted by scientists of the IMBT SB RAS are aimed at solving urgent problems in the field of religious relations, cultural and social development, and international relations.