During the Soviet period at least 1,250 temples in Mongolia were closed, most of them were destroyed, and monks were disrobed, which was a cataclysmic event for Buddhism in the country. Since the 1990s attempts have been made to rebuild and reopen some of the major monasteries.
This film looks at some of these temples, and examines their history, culture, legacy and their current work in Mongolia. We look at around eight of the major monasteries now operating in Mongolia, with arial shots, examinations of their structure and their interiors.
It is quite a wonder that the religion survived at all given the persecution of the monks and laity, but it is now in revival stage. It says a lot about the resilience of the country and its people. Now once again more than 1/2 the population identify as Buddhist.
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to see an album of screenshots click here