On April 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Ivolga datsan, Russia’s main Buddhist temple in the Buryatia republic, where about 20 percent of the population is Buddhist.
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolski / Go to the mediabankOn April 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Ivolga datsan, Russia’s main Buddhist temple in the Buryatia republic, where about 20 percent of the population is Buddhist.
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On April 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Ivolga datsan, Russia’s main Buddhist temple in the Buryatia republic, where about 20 percent of the population is Buddhist.
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolski / Go to the mediabankThe Ivolga datsan was founded in 1945. This year marks the revival of Buddhism in the Soviet Union.
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The Ivolga datsan was founded in 1945. This year marks the revival of Buddhism in the Soviet Union.
© RIA Novosti . Sergei Gouneev / Go to the mediabankPutin promised “100-percent support” for Russian Buddhists, whose number is estimated at 700,000 to 1.5 million.
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Putin promised “100-percent support” for Russian Buddhists, whose number is estimated at 700,000 to 1.5 million.
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolsky / Go to the mediabank“Buddhism plays a significant role in Russia…It has always been that way. It is well known that the Buddhists helped during both world wars,” Putin told the lamas of the Ivolga datsan.
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“Buddhism plays a significant role in Russia…It has always been that way. It is well known that the Buddhists helped during both world wars,” Putin told the lamas of the Ivolga datsan.
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolski / Go to the mediabankThe president described Buddhism as a “kind, humanist learning based on love for others and love for one’s country.”
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The president described Buddhism as a “kind, humanist learning based on love for others and love for one’s country.”
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolsky / Go to the mediabankAccording to Putin, the federal government and regional authorities are “always at [the Buddhists’] disposal and ready to support them.”
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According to Putin, the federal government and regional authorities are “always at [the Buddhists’] disposal and ready to support them.”
© RIA Novosti . Sergei Gouneev / Go to the mediabankVladimir Putin and Lama Damba Ayusheyev, head of the Buddhist Sangha of Russia.
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Vladimir Putin and Lama Damba Ayusheyev, head of the Buddhist Sangha of Russia.
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolski / Go to the mediabankVladimir Putin having tea with the lamas of the Ivolga datsan.
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Vladimir Putin having tea with the lamas of the Ivolga datsan.
© RIA Novosti . Alexei Nikolsky / Go to the mediabankVladimir Putin and Lama Damba Ayusheyev, head of the Buddhist Sangha of Russia.
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Vladimir Putin and Lama Damba Ayusheyev, head of the Buddhist Sangha of Russia.