Экологические инициативы буддийских деятелей Бурятии: актуальные проблемы, локальные решения

Abstract

The article gives a review and analysis of the contemporary environmental initiatives of Buddhist leaders of Buryatia. The environmental condition of the Baikal region is of great importance not only for Russia but also for the whole world as the lake Baikal contains about 19 % of the world potable water supply. However, the ecological situation in the Republic of Buryatia is not that favourable. Nowadays, there is a tendency for the growing role of the religious leaders in the environmental problem solving. The Buddhist leaders of Buryatia in line with the given tendency also contribute to the development of the environmental thinking of the society, using arguments based on the fundamental ideas of Buddhist philosophy. Taking into account the cultural and historical characteristics of Buryatia, the Buddhist Sangha suggests quite unique and practical ways of improving the ecological situation in the republic that are of interest to researchers.