시베리아의 숨겨진 샴발라, 부랴트 공화국 - 시베리아의 불교 중흥 운동을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This study examined the distinct characteristics of the republics in the Buddhist cultural sphere within Siberia, centering around the Republic of Buryatia, which is at the heart of Russian Buddhism. This is a thriving Tibetan Buddhist region and holds a special status within Russia’s Orthodoxy. The similarities and differences that formed during the accommodation process involving the Orthodox and Tibetan Buddhism help one to understand the east-west syncretism within the unique cultural sphere of Russia. During the early twentieth century, Russian scholars had a keen interest in the “Orient.” At that time, they sought to find the origin of the “Russian spirit” and explored the Oriental civilization of Siberia as well as Tibetan and Indian cultures. In this respect, the Tibetan Buddhism in Siberia possesses an important significance to the study of Russian spiritual and cultural history. More specifically, the Zabaikal region has been a vital place for the investigation of Nicholas Roerich, Russia’s representative theosophist. Above all is the Ivolginsky Datsan, symbolic of Russian Buddhism, located in the Republic of Buryatia. Even during the Soviet Union era when there was no religious freedom, this place led the Russian Buddhism, playing a very key role. Moreover, it has taken an important part in defining the ethnic identity of the Buryat tribe and is continuing to expand its influence. A series of recent endeavors such as reconstruction of temples, teaching of Buddhist rites, and restoration vibrantly taking place among Russia’s Buddhist republics, are all a part of Russia’s attempt to find its identity. The restoration of the spirit of Buddhism in Siberia is a process to realize Russia’s Orientalism. It can be said that Siberia’s identity originates from Russian Buddhism, which shares unity with shamanism and Orthodox.