Buddhism in Ukraine

Abstract

The end of the twentieth century is a turning point for many elements of human culture. Religious life is no exception. Thus, in the history of Ukraine, this time has become a period of radical change in existing world-view structures and ideologies, the birth of new ones and the revival of forgotten world-views. Religion has played and continues to play a significant role in this process. Under these conditions, numerous non-traditional religious trends began to emerge and take root on Ukrainian soil, one of which is Buddhism. The time of economic, political and, finally, meaningful and existent uncertainty, which has become a typical, "normal" phenomenon for Ukraine over the past 15 years, has caused among a certain number of Ukrainians to find meaningful stability in their lives and to make sense of it in the realm of unconventional denominations. Not the exception is Buddhism, which every year finds more and more of its adherents among Ukrainian citizens. About 100 Buddhist communities operate in Ukraine today, of which 43 already have official registration and legal personality.