Transnational Buddhist Religious Networks in Russia and South Korea: A Comparative Analysis

The article attempts to conduct a comparative analysis of transnational Buddhist religious networks in Russia and South Korea, using Buddhist religious organizations and communities that are not considered traditional for these countries as case studies. We find that in Russia, Buddhist organizations promoting Western interpretations of Buddhism are developing and are also characterized by active digital engagement. By contrast, in South Korea, national Buddhist communities founded by representatives of Southeast Asian countries are emerging; in addition to their religious functions, they also provide social support for their compatriots.