There is currently an exhibition on Mongolian Buddhism in the World Museum Liverpool by Ms. Barbara Hind

Stunning images of the everyday life of Mongolian Buddhists are on show in this vivid, colourful exhibition of photographs by Barbara Hind.

This accomplished photographer, originally from Knotty Ash in Liverpool, visited Mongolia 16 times between 1994 and 2001. The resulting collection of pictures is breathtaking.

Rich in colour and texture, the images capture intimate moments in the daily routine – from the call to morning worship to individuals in private conversation. They also touch on formal events such as the ordination of monks and the building of a new temple.

Barbara’s talent is to provide a unique insight into a deeply fascinating way of life, in a natural, respectful and unobtrusive way. The photos perfectly reflect the effortless integration of the spiritual and mundane in the lives of the Mongolian Buddhists.

The exhibition was itself shown at the National Museum of Mongolian History in Ulaanbaatar, 2001, where Barbara became the first westerner to be invited to display her work. This gave local people, whose lives she had documented, the chance to see the pictures for themselves.

Barbara says of her work:

“The Mongolian Buddhist images have grown out of my personal association with the monasteries and nunneries I have visited. Through my photographs I try not only to represent my own experience of seeing other people’s worlds but to also try and evoke the people’s experience in those worlds.”

You can see a selection of the images on this website, but be sure to visit the museum to see the glorious display in full colour.

Internet surfers from all over the world can now request special sutras to be recited by the monks of Gandan through the Gandan Website. The feature is specially designed for the large Mongolian communities that live outside of their homeland.

On gandan.mn, see: Ном, айлтгал

There are a few Mongolian influences in the series of Star Wars Movies. First of all there is Queen Amidala of Star Wars Episode I, her senate costume was inspired by a Mongolian traditional garment worn by noble women.
See a comparison of her dress with traditional Mongolian noble dresses. For more information on Mongolian traditional dresses see this article in Mongolia Today.

Another Mongolian influence is to be found in the language of the Ewoks, supposedly a blend of Mongolian, Tibetan and Nepali languages. I didn't have any luck hearing Mongolian words however....

Not so much related to the movies is the visit of one of the actors to Mongolia on a motor trip, where he wanted to adopt an orphanage.

It's there: the Real Mongol Ger Book.
People from previously the Art Hippy Village "Ruigoord", have established the "perhaps most western ger factory" and have gers for sale and rent in the Netherlands. But recently the Godfather of the Dutch ger Froit has written the Real Mongol Ger Book. Plough yourself through a shopping list of warnings and the ever disarming Dunglish, to discover what it is all about...

BY S.UYANGA -
taken from UB POST August 3rd

THE 370TH anniversary of the birth of the first Bogd Khaan Zanabazar was celebrated on July 29 and 30 in Khar Khorin, Ovorkhangai aimag. Several state figures took part in a ceremony presided over by President N.Enkhbayar. In his opening speech Enkhbayar noted the significance of the Soyombo, the state emblem created by Zanabazar, and of Zanabazar’s influential role in Mongolian Buddhism, art and culture. The president described how the Soyombo was one of Zanabazar’s greatest works.
The highly respected symbol describes Mongolian history, tradition, statehood and independence. Enkhbayar explained that Zanabazar used the Soyombo to express his simple teaching that events that happen to a person or people are a direct result of the people’s actions. This in turn was used to express that the increase and decrease in the fortunes of the Mongol nation were due to the Mongolians themselves and it is therefore only the Mongolians who can save themselves from any misfortune.
Zanabazar lived from 1635 to 1723 and was the most important state and religious figure of his time. He is famous for creating the Soyombo alphabet and many magnificent art works including portraits of the Buddha and sculptures of the 21 taras. He was a descendant of Chinggis Khaan and promoted the growth of Buddhism in Mongolia, adjusting the religion to Mongolian traditions.
Some historians have criticized Zanabazar’s close relationship with Manchu occupiers of Mongolia. However, Doctor N.Khavkh countered this in a report he made at a scientific conference organized for the anniversary on July 6, saying that Zanabazar had no choice but to accept the support of the Manchu. He said that historical records show that at that time Russia had become strong and Mongolia was in danger of attack from Buryatia as well the strong influence of Manchu rule.
Khavkh explained that the Manchu Emperor Enkh- Amgalan put pressure on Zanabazar to allow Mongolia to become Manchu territory. However Zanabazar resisted and facilitated the keeping of Mongolia as an independent country yet under the control of the Manchu. Zanabazar played a pivotal role in saving Mongolia from being annexed to any of the powerful nations at that time such as Russia, Buryatia, and China, according to Khavkh.
A danshig Naadam (regional Naadam) event was held in Ovorkhangai to mark the anniversary, with traditional competitions of national wrestling, horse racing and archery.

They used a picture of mine in the Turkish Daily News for an article on Nadaam - unfortunately no credits!

See Mongoluls.Net for the original.