Religious thought among the Mongols during the reign of Genghis Khan: a paradigm of peaceful coexistence.

Abstract

The research explores the religious thought of the Mongols at the onset of their state during the reign of their emperor, Genghis Khan, and throughout the period of their ascendancy, which was rooted in a collection of prevailing beliefs. These beliefs emerged and evolved from rituals and myths, becoming increasingly complex over time. The Mongol society did not adhere to a single unified religion; rather, its various factions embraced a range of faiths, including Shamanism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. The Mongols were characterised by a notable degree of religious tolerance, showing no fanaticism towards any particular faith.

Furthermore, the study examines the fragility of the religion upon which Genghis Khan initially relied—Shamanism—which proved unable to withstand the influence of other religions due to its syncretic nature, being a blend of magic and myth. Hence, this research endeavours to trace and comprehend the Mongols’ religious mindset and to shed light upon its dimensions.