Buddhism in the context of state-religion relations in Russian society

The article analyzes the state-religion relations, their types and current state. We have defined the essential characteristics of such terms as “state-confessional relations”, “state-church relations”, “state-religion relations”. It has been revealed that the term “state-religion relations” has the highest scientific certainty; therefore there is a need for its use in scientific research. We have paid attention to such type of relationship as a “symphony of authorities,” which is one of the characteristic for Russian society today. The article analyzes the place and role of Buddhism in the focus of state-religion relations. Based on P. Bourdieu’s conception on the existence of active actors in the religious field - religious organizations, we have revealed the place of Buddhism. The Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia appears to be one of these actors. We have consistently analyzed and proven this thesis, and exemplified it by the activities of the religious organization, its leader, position in society and the attitude of government authorities.