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MONGOLIAN BUDDHIST ORGANIZATIONS: SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES 5. Undertaking research studies. Conducting research studies in Buddhist philosophy and knowledge, writing, translating and publishing scriptures. 6. Restoration and protection of heritage. Restore monasteries, customs and traditions. 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 compassionate social environment, and improve ethics and consciousness of the communities through Buddhist teachings and doctrines. Study of Buddhist philosophy is the second 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 surveyed, 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 cooperation, and create opportunities for free exchange of information, opinions and experiences. 139
