BSU bulletin. Philosophy
Bibliographic description:
Social Activity of Buddhism in Russia: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implementation // BSU bulletin. Philosophy. - 2026. №2. . - С. 44-54.
Title:
Social Activity of Buddhism in Russia: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implementation
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The article analyzes the social activity of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia (BTSR), arguing that its initiatives are determined by their nature as social institutions. We address the theoretical and methodological aspects of researching social activity, identifying various sociological approaches to its understanding. The first approach is based on Max Weber's understanding of religion as an active factor in social life. The second approach relates to contemporary representatives of the "theory of religious economy", who consider the activity of religious organizations in the social sphere as competition within a service market. Russian researchers emphasize the importance of state regulation of social activity. We consider an alternative theory of gift exchange as one of the foundational bases for the social activity of religious organizations. It is noted that while Buddhist organizations have
not developed a formalized social doctrine, the theoretical foundations for social activity are inherently embedded in Buddhism and contained within classical Buddhist texts. We also have examined the concept of "Socially Engaged Buddhism". These foundational concepts include compassion and the principle of dependent origination. As highlighted in the article, the Buddhist concept of the "gift" acting as a form of exchange of goods between monks and the laity plays a significant role in shaping social activity. The article demonstrates examples of the BTSR's social activity, with a particular emphasis on education. It also asserts that a process of integrating secular and Buddhist education is currently underway. The analysis allows us to conclude that the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia is an active participant in social activity based on ancient Buddhist teachings, and therefore has a significant impact on social processes today.
not developed a formalized social doctrine, the theoretical foundations for social activity are inherently embedded in Buddhism and contained within classical Buddhist texts. We also have examined the concept of "Socially Engaged Buddhism". These foundational concepts include compassion and the principle of dependent origination. As highlighted in the article, the Buddhist concept of the "gift" acting as a form of exchange of goods between monks and the laity plays a significant role in shaping social activity. The article demonstrates examples of the BTSR's social activity, with a particular emphasis on education. It also asserts that a process of integrating secular and Buddhist education is currently underway. The analysis allows us to conclude that the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia is an active participant in social activity based on ancient Buddhist teachings, and therefore has a significant impact on social processes today.
Keywords:
modern Russian society, Max Weber, rational choice theory, religious theory of gift exchange, reciprocity, religious market, social activity, Buddhist education, socio- logy of religion, Buddhism, Buddhist community.
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Article.pdf