Buddha’s classroom

During the 1920s, Buddhist Mongolia underwent a period of so-called “religious cleansing.” During this time, most monasteries were burned down, and many monks were killed. With the political changes of the 1990s, religious freedom was restored, and Buddhism began to awaken once again. Since then, a reformed form of Buddhism has been established in the country. Monks and nuns are now allowed to marry, have children, and lead a more earthly life.

Curious about why young people choose a religious path, I spent some time at the largest religious educational centre in the Gandan Monastery, in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.