The Mongol Khaans and Taoism Before and During the Yuan Period Bataa Mishig-Ish16 Abstract The thirteenth century Mongol invasion of China allowed the native religions of China not only to maintain a high level of autonomy, and but also compete with one another for gaining more influence with their new Mongol rulers. The case of Taoism in China was an excellent example. This paper explores the historical relationship of the Mongol khaans and Taoism from Chinggis Khaan’s reign to Ulziitumur’s reign, who succeeded Khubilai of the Yuan period. This relationship was indeed an interesting one as it reveals that spiritual leaders of influential Taoist sects had always sought for ways in which they could elevate the prestige of their Taoist sects and increase their spiritual supremacy over other religions such as Buddhism by gaining the favor of their Mongol rulers. Likewise, the Mongol Khaans realized the importance of the role of native Chinese religions, especially Taosim, in Bataa Mishig-Ish is a Adviser on Religious Affairs to the President of Mongolia, a Director of Office of International Affairs, The National Academy of Governance-Government Agency of Mongolia. (
[email protected]) International Journal of Buddhist Thought & Culturer September 2012, vol. 19, pp. 85‒105. ⓒ 2012 International Association for Buddhist Thought & Culture The day of submission: 2012.6.15 / Completion of review: 2012.6.27 / Final decision for acceptance: 2012.7.6 86 Bataa Mishig-Ish: The Mongol Khaans and Taoism Before and During the Yuan Period effective ruling agrarian China. This historical correspondence of the Mongol Khaans with Taoism can be attributed to personal, spiritual, and political benefits for the Mongol rulers, and spiritual and political influences gained by the Taoists for maintaining their institutional power over other faiths throughout Chinese society.