Key Aspects of Buddhism Integration into the Russian Education System

Introduction . The growing interest in Buddhist education is linked to the geopolitical shifts and civilizational transformations currently taking place in the world, which necessitate viewing it through the lens of multipolarity, given the role of Buddhist nations for Russia. The aim of this article is to identify the distinctive features of the integration of Buddhism into the modern Russian education system. The article identifies types of interaction between religion and education and sets out to demonstrate that the integration of Buddhism and secular education represents a new form of contemporary interaction. Materials and Methods . The methodological foundation is a systems approach, which allows us to view religion and education as social systems that interact with one another. A structural-functional approach is applied to study the integration of religion and education. General scientific methodology is employed in the form of analysis, synthesis, deduction, and abstraction. A post-secular paradigm, pioneered by J. Habermas, is applied to examine the relationship between the religious and the secular. Results . Modern education is characterized by the active integration of religion, which shapes the spiritual and moral foundations of the individual. Buddhism is no exception; its teachings, by their very nature, constitute a continuous educational process that has historically been carried out in monasteries. At the same time, modern Buddhist education is also concentrated in institutions established at datsans. Several vectors of development in Buddhist education are noted. The first aspect is traditional spiritual Buddhist education; the second is the study of Buddhism as part of secular disciplines; and the third is the integration of Buddhist and secular educational institutions. The study presents an example of the integration of Buddhism and education at the Dorzhi Banzarov Buryat State University, where a bachelor’s program in Buddhist philosophy is being implemented for the first time in collaboration with a Buddhist university. Discussion and Conclusion . At present, there is a consistent government strategy aimed at supporting and promoting the development of Buddhist religious organizations, as well as advancing Buddhist educational discourse. This policy is implemented through a range of measures, including financial support, a legislative framework, and assistance in institutionalizing Buddhist educational programs.