The Great Mongolian Balloon Adventure
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Buddhist Archeology in Mongolia: Zanabazar and the Géluk Diaspora Beyond Tibet
Buddhist Archeology in Mongolia: Zanabazar and the Géluk Diaspora beyond Tibet Uranchimeg Tsultemin, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Uranchimeg, Tsultemin. 2019. “Buddhist Archeology in Mongolia: Zanabazar and the Géluk Dias- pora beyond Tibet.” Cross-Currents: East Asian History and Culture Review (e-journal) 31: 7–32. https://cross-currents.berkeley.edu/e-journal/issue-31/uranchimeg. Abstract This article discusses a Khalkha reincarnate ruler, the First Jebtsundampa Zanabazar, who is commonly believed to be a Géluk protagonist whose alliance with the Dalai and Panchen Lamas was crucial to the dissemination of Buddhism in Khalkha Mongolia. Za- nabazar’s Géluk affiliation, however, is a later Qing-Géluk construct to divert the initial Khalkha vision of him as a reincarnation of the Jonang historian Tāranātha (1575–1634). Whereas several scholars have discussed the political significance of Zanabazar’s rein- carnation based only on textual sources, this article takes an interdisciplinary approach to discuss, in addition to textual sources, visual records that include Zanabazar’s por- traits and current findings from an ongoing excavation of Zanabazar’s Saridag Monas- tery. Clay sculptures and Zanabazar’s own writings, heretofore little studied, suggest that Zanabazar’s open approach to sectarian affiliations and his vision, akin to Tsongkhapa’s, were inclusive of several traditions rather than being limited to a single one. Keywords: Zanabazar, Géluk school, Fifth Dalai Lama, Jebtsundampa, Khalkha, Mongo- lia, Dzungar Galdan Boshogtu, Saridag Monastery, archeology, excavation The First Jebtsundampa Zanabazar (1635–1723) was the most important protagonist in the later dissemination of Buddhism in Mongolia. Unlike the Mongol imperial period, when the sectarian alliance with the Sakya (Tib. -
Mongolia: Land of the Blue Sky June 3- 14, 2019
MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE BLUE SKY JUNE 3- 14, 2019 One of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Mongolia still retains its natural beauty of diverse landscapes and habitats relatively intact along with its well-preserved unique nomadic culture. The open countryside of Mongolia is awe-inspiring, and all sense of urgency seems to dissipate into the famous Mongolian blue sky. Featuring one of Mongolia’s magnificent natural wonders, the Gobi Desert, and the historical highlight Kharakhorum, this trip offers a special opportunity to travel back in time to the untouched land of Genghis Khan and hospitable nomads. Discover the incredible scenery, diverse wildlife, ancient history, and traditional culture of Mongolia on this adventure-packed journey. GROUP SIZE: Up to 15 guests PRICING: $7,995 per person double occupancy / $9,550 single occupancy STUDY LEADERS: Andrew Berry, Lecturer on Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. Born in London, Andrew Berry has a degree in zoology from Oxford University and a PhD in evolutionary genetics from Princeton University. Combining the techniques of field biology with those of molecular biology, Berry’s work has been a search for evidence at the DNA level of Darwinian natural selection. He has published on topics as diverse as giant rats in New Guinea, mice on Atlantic islands, aphids from the Far East, and the humble fruit fly. At Harvard, he currently co-teaches courses on evolutionary biology, on the development of evolutionary thinking, and on the physical basis of biological systems. & Naomi Pierce, Hessel Professor of Biology and Curator of Lepidoptera in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. -
Zanabazar (1635-1723): Vajrayāna Art and the State in Medieval Mongolia
Zanabazar (1635-1723): Vajrayāna Art and the State in Medieval Mongolia Uranchimeg Tsultem ___________________________________________________________________________________ This is the author’s manuscript of the article published in the final edited form as: Tsultem, U. (2015). Zanabazar (1635–1723): Vajrayāna Art and the State in Medieval Mongolia. In Buddhism in Mongolian History, Culture, and Society (pp. 116–136). Introduction The First Jebtsundamba Khutukhtu (T. rJe btsun dam pa sprul sku) Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar is the most celebrated person in the history of Mongolian Buddhism, whose activities marked the important moments in the Mongolian politics, history, and cultural life, as they heralded the new era for the Mongols. His masterpieces of Buddhist sculptures exhibit a sophisticated accomplishment of the Buddhist iconometrical canon, a craftsmanship of the highest quality, and a refined, yet unfettered virtuosity. Zanabazar is believed to have single-handedly brought the tradition of Vajrayāna Buddhism to the late medieval Mongolia. Buddhist rituals, texts, temple construction, Buddhist art, and even designs for Mongolian monastic robes are all attributed to his genius. He also introduced to Mongolia the artistic forms of Buddhist deities, such as the Five Tath›gatas, Maitreya, Twenty-One T›r›s, Vajradhara, Vajrasattva, and others. They constitute a salient hallmark of his careful selection of the deities, their forms, and their representation. These deities and their forms of representation were unique to Zanabazar. Zanabazar is also accredited with building his main Buddhist settlement Urga (Örgöö), a mobile camp that was to reach out the nomadic communities in various areas of Mongolia and spread Buddhism among them. In the course of time, Urga was strategically developed into the main Khalkha monastery, Ikh Khüree, while maintaining its mobility until 1855. -
The Great Naadam Festival of Mongolia 11 Day Tour to Ulaanbaatar, Elsen Tasarkhai, Karakorum, Hustai National Park Day 1 05 Jul 2019 Sydney Beijing Karakorum Museum
The Great Naadam Festival of Mongolia 11 day tour to Ulaanbaatar, Elsen Tasarkhai, Karakorum, Hustai National Park Day 1 05 Jul 2019 Sydney ñ Beijing Karakorum Museum. Overnight at camp Naadam Festival is the biggest Tonight you fly with Air China from Sydney Munkh Tenger or similar. to Beijing. festival in Mongolia. In the Day 5 09 Jul Karakorum Hustai opening ceremony of the Day 2 06 Jul Beijing ñ Ulaanbaatar National Park Meal: B/L/D Meal: D Today, we drive back towards Ulaanbaatar Naadam Festival, we will Arrive in Beijing early in the morning then with an overnight at Hustai national cheer on the dancers, athletes, take a connecting flight to Ulaanbaatar, park. The national park is surrounded by the capital of Mongolia. You are met at mountains, and is made up of thick pine wrestlers, archers, horse riders the airport after customs formalities and forests and lush meadows, which are home transferred to your hotel. The remainder of and musicians. Tour around to the Przewalski endangered wild horse the day is at leisure. Check in at 4* hotel in "Takhi" and other wildlife. Arrive at the ger Ulaanbaatar city, wander the city center for 2 nights. camp by lunch. We then trek through the national park to spot endangered Takhi on the grassland, sleep in Day 3 07 Jul Ulaanbaatar Elsen wild horses in the afternoon. Optional traditional Gers, devour Tasarkhai (Bayangobi) horse ride. Overnight at a Ger. Meal: B/L/D Mongolian barbecue in the After breakfast, we travel overland for 4 Day 6 10 Jul Hustai Ulaanbaatar grasslands, and experience hours westward towards Karakorum and Meal: B/L/D break your journey at the picturesque We drive to the east to Ulaanbaatar, and the joy of Mongolia! Bayan Gobi sand dunes also known as after arriving start the city tour. -
The Great Naadam Festival of Mongolia
The Great Naadam Festival of Mongolia 10 day Tour to Ulaanbaatar, Elsen Tasarkhai, Karakorum, Hustai National Park & Hustai Day 1 05 Jul 2018 Sydney ñ Beijing Empire and today, you still can see remnants Naadam Festival, the biggest Tonight you fly with Air China from Sydney to of the long standing walls that encircle festival in Mongolia. In the Beijing. Overnight flight. the city. This afternoon visit the newly established Karakorum Museum. Overnight opening ceremony of the Day 2 06 Jul Beijing ñ Ulaanbaatar at Camp Munkh Tenger or similar. Naadam Festival, we will Meal: D cheer on the dancers, athletes, Arrive in Beijing early in the morning then Day 5 09 Jul Karakorum Hustai take a connecting flight to Ulaanbaatar, National Park Meal: B/L/D wrestlers, archers, horse riders the capital of Mongolia. You are met at This morning’s drive takes us to the Hustai and musicians. Tour around the airport after custom formalities and National park, where Takhi wild horses graze Ulaanbaatar city, wander transferred to your hotel. The remainder of peacefully with the other wild life. Upon the day is at leisure. Check in at 4* hotel in arrival at the camp we will have lunch. The on the grassland, sleep in the city center for 3 nights. national park is surrounded by mountains, traditional Gers, devour thick pine forests and lush meadows which Mongolian barbecue in the Day 3 07 Jul Ulaanbaatar Elsen are home to the Przewalski endangered Tasarkhai Meal: B/L/D wild horse "Takhi" and other wildlife. Watch grasslands, what a joy and After breakfast we depart to the west a documentary and visit the small museum. -
Searching for Antidotes to Globalization : Local Insitutions at Mongolia’S Sacred Bogd Khan Mountain
SEARCHING FOR ANTIDOTES TO GLOBALIZATION : LOCAL INSITUTIONS AT MONGOLIA’S SACRED BOGD KHAN MOUNTAIN by David Tyler Sadoway B.E.S. Hons. Co-op (Urban & Regional Planning), University of Waterloo, 1991. Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Resource Management in the School of Resource and Environmental Management Report No. 291 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY April 2002 This work may be reproduced in whole or in part. ii Approval page iii A b s t r a c t The Bogd Khan Mountain (Uul) is a sacred natural and cultural site—an island-like forest-steppe mountain massif revered for centuries by Mongolians. This sacred site is also a 41, 651 hectare state-designated ‘Strictly Protected Area’ and a listed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of global significance (1996). Bogd Khan Uul is adjacent to the nation's capital, largest and fastest growing city—Ulaanbaatar. This case study employs an inter-scale research frame to draw linkages between current resource management problems at Bogd Khan Uul while at the same time examines the capacity of local, national and multilateral institutions to address these. In the process the research provides a glimpse of centuries old Mongol traditions—human ingenuity shaped by understandings that have co-evolved with the cycles of nature. The study provides contemporary insights into the dramatic changes that affected Mongolia and its institutions during its tumultuous global integration in the final decade of the second millennium. The study’s inter-scaled Globalocal Diversity Spiral (GDS) framework focuses upon Bogd Khan Uul site-specific issues of forest and vegetation over-harvest, animal overgrazing and problematic tourism development; and key contextual issues of material poverty and local traditions. -
Mongolian Art Expedition Buddhist Art
MONGOLIAN ART EXPEDITION BUDDHIST ART With Guest Lecturer Uranchimeg Tsultem View of the Erdene Zuu monastery. Photo by Munkhzaya Purevdorj Trip dates: July 1-10, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY Mongolia is a place with rich cultural and natural heritage. Buddhism came to Mongolia as a result of three big waves, lasting from the times of Xionnu or Hunnu in the 3d century BC and past the times of the Great Mongol Empire. In 1578 during the third wave it came from Tibet when Altan Khan has proclaimed Sonam Gyatso, a leader of a rising Gelug lineage a Dalai Lama – leader of all Buddhists. In return he himself was recognized as a direct descendant of Chinggis Khaan himself. Since then Buddhist monasteries have sprung around Mongolia in many numbers and by the early 20th century have reached 4000 in number. During the 300 years of history, Mongolian artisans have created thousands of masterpieces, established own school of Buddhist art and have been recognized throughout the world as a Buddhist nation with its own distinct differences. Join Dr. Uranchimeg Tsultem on this eye opening expedition through central Mongolia and learn about different forms of Buddhist art and Mongolian content. Visit ruins of ancient cities and monasteries once towering the steppes of Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar city. Meet the modern day nomads roaming the vast steppes of Mongolia, whose lives essentially have not changed for over several millennia. MAP ©All rights reserved. Mongolia Quest 2019 ABOUT THE GUEST LECTURER Uranchimeg (Orna) Tsultemin is a renowned scholar of Mongolian art and culture. She was born and raised in Mongolia and obtained her Ph.D. -
Fullday City Tour.Pub
2018.10.26 Daily Excursion Full Day City Tour Ulaanbaatar (Улаанбаатар), also known as Ulan Bator or simply just UB, is the capital of Mongolia. With a population of around 1.3 million, it is the largest city in Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar is located at about 1,350 metres (4,430 ft) above sea level, slightly east of the center of Mongolia in a valley of Tuul River at the foot of the mountain Bogd Khan Uul, which is also one of the Photo: Jan Wisgten oldest reserves in the world, being protected by law since the 18th century. Owing to its high elevation Ulaanbaatar is the coldest national capital in the world. The city was founded in 1639 as a nomadic Buddhist monastic center and in 1778 it settled permanently at its present lo- cation. Before that, it changed location twenty-eight times. It is the country’s cultural, industrial and financial heart, the center of Mongolia’s air, road and railway network, connected by rail to both the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia and China. For business and pleasure trips, you will find yourself coming to the city at least once. Photo: Ana Nordenstahl Destination Gandantegchinlen Monastery: The Gandantegchinlen Mon- astery is a Mongolian Buddhist monastery in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar that has been restored and revitalized since 1990. The Tibetan name translates to the "Great Place of Complete Joy". It currently has over 150 monks in resi- dence. It features a 26.5-meter-high statue of Avalokiteśvara. It came under state protection in 1994. The monastery was constructed by order of the 5th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu in 1809. -
February 2017 Why You Need to Visit Mongolia
The untouched landscapes and glimpses of nomadic life are reason enough to want to visit Mongolia. But there’s a unique itinerary from Nomadic Expeditions this summer that could inspire you to put the country at the top of your travel checklist. Mongolia: Spiritual and Cultural Awakening is a rare look at the country’s Buddhist roots, thanks to an illustrious pair of hosts: Tibet House founder and renowned scholar Robert Thurman, the first Westerner to be ordained as a monk by the Dalai Lama, and Mongolia-born Baasan Lama, the head abbot of Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s oldest monastery. On a two-week itinerary that will include central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, the group will also stop at Erdene Zuu to meet Baasan Lama; they’ll also take part in guided meditations with him at his own hilltop retreat. We asked Baasan Lama to give us a backgrounder on his country’s complex relationship with Buddhism and to share his thoughts on the importance of compassion during even the most tumultuous times. This interview was translated in part by Jalsa Urubshurow, founder of Nomadic Expeditions. What makes Mongolia such a unique place to visit? Mongolia is beautiful and untouched. I’ve traveled the world and haven’t found a place that feels more wild and spiritual. A lot of other countries are cutting down trees and killing animals and insects. That isn’t happening as fast in Mongolia. What should we know about Buddhism in Mongolia? Mongolia has been a democratic country since 1990, so everyone can practice religion freely now. -
History of Mongolia
History of Mongolia Chinggis (Genghis) Khan created the first unified Mongol nation in the 13th century. He and his descendants built an empire that stretched from Korea to Hungary, the largest continuous land empire ever known. His grandson, Khubilai Khan, founded the Yuan Dynasty in China in 1279. The Mongol Empire began to fragment in the early 1400s; Mongols retreated to their homeland. Returning forces clashed with the Oirad Mongolian tribe and civil war ensued. Dayan Khan’s imperial forces defeated the Oirads around 1500. War between the loosely confederated Mongolian nobles in the 1600s led the Khalka Mongols to ally themselves with the Manchus of China. The Manchus, who established the Ch’ing Dynasty in China, eventually dominated all of Mongolia. Southern Mongolia became Inner Mongolia (now part of China), and present-day Mongolia was Outer Mongolia. The Manchus dominated the nation through the nobility and the church, but local fiefs (called banners) had a fair amount of autonomy. By 1911, when the Ch’ing Dynasty collapsed, the Mongol-Manchu alliance had dissolved and the Mongols declared independence. Because the head of Buddhism in Mongolia, Bogd Khan, was the only unifying political and religious figure in the country, a theocratic monarchy was established under his leadership. It ended in 1919 when the Chinese invaded. They were driven from the capital by the White Russian Army in 1921, but the Red (Bolshevik) Army allied with Mongolian national hero Sukebaatar to liberate the country in1921. After Bogd Khan died in 1924, Mongolia was declared a Communist people’s republic. The Communists destroyed the nobility and Buddhist monasteries. -
Diplomatic Relations Between Russia, China and Mongolia: the Creation of the Mongolian People's Republic, 1881-1924
Western Oregon University Digital Commons@WOU Student Theses, Papers and Projects (History) Department of History 6-12-2020 Diplomatic Relations between Russia, China and Mongolia: The Creation of the Mongolian People's Republic, 1881-1924 Jeffery Pittsenbarger Western Oregon University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/his Part of the Asian History Commons, Diplomatic History Commons, and the Political History Commons Recommended Citation Pittsenbarger, Jeffery, "Diplomatic Relations between Russia, China and Mongolia: The Creation of the Mongolian People's Republic, 1881-1924" (2020). Student Theses, Papers and Projects (History). 278. https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/his/278 This Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the Department of History at Digital Commons@WOU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Student Theses, Papers and Projects (History) by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@WOU. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]. Diplomatic Relations between Russia, China and Mongolia: The Creation of the Mongolian People's Republic, 1881-1924 Jeffery Pittsenbarger History 499: Senior Seminar Dr. David Doellinger Dr. Elizabeth Swedo June 5, 2020 1 Abstract Beginning with an agreement between China and Russia in 1881, Mongolia was faced with a series of unfair treaties that prevented them from becoming independent from China. This thesis examines the agreements and treaties made between China, Russia and Mongolia between 1881 and 1924 to illustrate how the Mongolian People’s Republic formed as a direct result of unfavorable diplomatic relations between the three nations. -
Transmongolia
TransMongolia Itinerary Day 1 - Ulaanbaatar You are met on arrival at Ulaanbaatar and transferred to your hotel. Please note that the itinerary may vary due to local conditions, but always with your best interests in mind. After lunch visit Gandantegchinlin Monastery and the National Museum of Mongolian History. Built in 1809, the Gandantegchinlin Monastery (formerly known as the Gandan Monastery) is a Day 3 to 7 - along the Sacred Mountain Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery located in Ulan Bator. Its name is of Tibetan origin and can be For the next five days, you ride between cliffs and translated as "Great site full of Joy". Several hundred dunes, along the Khogno Tarna Sacred Mountain, a monks currently reside there. The National Museum of region seldom visited by tourists. Mongolian History tells the story of the country, from Heading north, you keep the cliffs of the mysterious prehistoric times to today. Khogno Tarna Mountain on your right. The Ovgon Dinner downtown and overnight at the hotel. Khiid Buddhist monastery, located on this mountain has a tragic history; all the monks were killed and the temple destroyed by the troops of Galdan Boshigt Khan in 1640; the temple was rebuilt later, but destroyed once again during the communist regime in 1937. At the end of the communist period, in the mid- 1990s, the temple was rebuilt again, and you will have the opportunity to visit it during your first day on horseback. You may also enjoy a different riding experience with a camel ride in the dunes of Bayan Gobi. Day 2 - to Karakorum After breakfast you transfer to Khogno Khan Park, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way.