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MONGOLIAN BUDDHIST ORGANIZATIONS: SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES
Unlike traditional monastic organizations, main purpose of these NGOs are to
disseminate and promote religious doctrines rather than engaging in religious congre¬
gations. These organizations support activities of traditional Buddhist monasteries,
however, their activities are relatively independent. There is no significant difference
in ranking, strict religious regime and order in the organizations, and these organi¬
zations are usually managed by reputable leaders rather than professional monks.
Clear support and promotion of religion
Main objectives are actively directed at public not engaging in religious congregations
Fig. 4. Main characteristics in religious NGOs®
Religious NGOs are voluntary based and are aimed mainly at supporting monaste¬
ries for disseminating and promoting religious doctrines. These organizations are
independently managed from the monasteries, and financial and economic instabi¬
lity is common among these organizations. From the analysis of the activities and
relevant documents of religious NGOs, mission of the organizations are commonly
formulated as follows:
— to dessimate Buddhist doctrines to public in non-traditional ways (lecture,
religious-art entertaining activities, etc.)
— to represent the common interests of members, to build and support their co¬
operation, and create opportunities for free exchange of information, opinions
and experiences
— to organize social and humanity activities
— to protect Buddhist traditions from the influences of other religious streams
— to support the church in strengthening Buddhist views in the society
Thus, Buddhist NGOs focus on disseminating Buddhist doctrines and teachings and
carrying out charitable and social activities based on these views.
In some circumstances, such organizations cannot be regulated in accordance with the Mongolian law
on State and Church relations. In this case, these organizations must register with the General Authority
of State Registration and get approval for conducting activities in accordance with Mongolian law on
non-governmental organization.
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