Gandan Monastery News Today

In a tale of unexpected spiritual destiny, an 8-year-old boy, A. Altannar, born into a wealthy Mongolian mining family, has been declared the 10th reincarnation of the Bogd, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism.

The naming of a Mongolian lama reincarnate ensures Mongolia will be drawn deeper into the political chess match between China and the Dalai Lama.

He may have to defend the faith in Mongolia against pressure from China’s ruling Communist Party.

In a meeting with Mongolian Buddhists, Shamans, Shintoists, and other religious representatives, Pope Francis said Sunday that interreligious dialogue is “not antithetical to proclamation,” but helps religious traditions to understand each other.

In his speech, Pope Francis twice cited the Dhammapada, the most widely-read Buddhist text that is a collection of sayings of the Buddha.

The Mongolian Speaker also gifted Birla a horse as a ceremonial gift, in keeping with a tradition for dignitaries that dates back many years.

He also witnessed a mini Nadaam festival centred around three traditional games horse racing, wrestling and archery.

If listening to the airline woes of your traveling friends has turned you into an armchair traveler, consider a visit to Mongolia through the photographic lens of Gary Tepfer.

"Buddha is beyond the geographical boundaries, he is for everyone, he belongs to everyone," said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently projected Buddhism as an important and unique part of India foreign policy in the last several years.