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MONGOLIAN BUDDHIST ORGANIZATIONS: SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES
5. Undertaking research studies. Conducting research studies in Buddhist philoso¬
phy and knowledge, writing, translating and publishing scriptures.
6. Restoration and protection of heritage. Restore monasteries, customs and tra¬
ditions.
These activities can be ordered in terms of their importance as follows:
Enlightening, building awareness and dissemination
Undertaking research studies
Social and humanitarian activities
Restoration and protection of heritage
Protection and conservation of nature and
environment
Practice and performance of religious rituals
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Fig. 5. Types of social works carried out by Buddhist NGOs.
Findings of the study reveal that primary purpose of Buddhist NGOs (about 85
percent of total organizations) is to contribute to build of humane and compassio¬
nate social environment, and improve ethics and consciousness of the communities
through Buddhist teachings and doctrines. Study of Buddhist philosophy is the se¬
cond most important purpose of these organizations. One third of the organizations
surveyed stated that writing, translating (from Tibetan to Mongolian language) of
Buddhist teachings, philosophy, and literature, and publishing simplified books for
the lay public as primary goals of their social activities. Of total organizations sur¬
veyed, 22 percent worked to provide assistance to low income and vulnerable social
groups including orphaned children, female-headed households and single fathers
to improve their livelihood. Religious rituals, which usually considered as the most
important activities for Buddhist monasteries, accounted for the lowest percentage
(only 4.1 percent).
Among these organizations surveyed, we have chosen as a case study the “Rejoice
in Your Virtue,” a NGO that has been operating successfully for a long time.
“Rejoice in Your Virtue” NGO was founded by five members in 2001 with the aim
to contribute to the community to reduce the harms resulting from people’s wrong
livestyles and habits by inheriting and spreading traditional mindset and Buddhist
philosophy. The NGO has been conducting its activities continously for sixteen years.
Main focus of the organization is as follows:
— To represent common interests of its members, develop and support their co¬
operation, and create opportunities for free exchange of information, opinions
and experiences.
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