Oldal 139 [139]
OCR
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 congregations. 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 organizations 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 monasteries for disseminating and promoting religious doctrines. These organizations are independently managed from the monasteries, and financial and economic instability 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 cooperation, 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. 137
