Hambo lama Damba Ayusheev and his role in the present-day Buddhist revival of Buryatia

The paper deals with the personality of Hambo Lama Ayusheev, the head of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia and the key figure of the Buddhist revival in Buryatia. The author focuses on his activities and views stating that he made significant changes in the institutional and legal status of Buddhism in Russia and contributed to the organization of religious education in Buryatia. The author argues that his influence over the public sphere goes far beyond the limits of religion. Showing devotion and loyalty to the Russian authorities, Damba Ayusheev receives support and appreciation from them. He tries to preserve and promote Buryat ethnic identity through the return to traditional economy (stockbreeding) and culture (Buryat language).