Buriat people are thought to be descended from Mongols who moved north to escape the rule of the Mongol Empire because of similarities in facial features and language.
Today, Buriats have incorporated Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese elements into their culture. Russians arrived in Siberia in the 17th century and did little to destroy the culture until the 20th century when they introduced communism. A large percentage of Buriats live in the lowlands along the Russia-Mongolia border.
Because they were once part of the USSR, some Russian Buriats migrated to other Soviet Socialist Republics in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
Today, colorful Buriat clothing of bright blue, red, green and orange silks and brocades is only used for festivals. On a daily basis they wear standard Western clothing including shawls and felt hats.
Buriat society was founded on the clan or lineage, and a man's home, his political position, inheritance, and status were largely determined by his clan membership. Traditionally, marriages were arranged by parents, forming alliances between clans, since members could not marry within their own lineage. A bride could also be obtained by abduction, with or without her consent. Today, most marriages are initiated by the couples, themselves. Buriat people love music, folk dances, chess and sporting events.
In 1818, the first Protestant missionary began work among Buriats. The work lasted 22 years. After that time, the laborers were few. Buriat people are now Siberia's largest Buddhist group. Those residing east of Lake Baikal are devout followers of the Dalai Lama. They are "lamanistic" Buddhists, although they include some aspects of their old Shamanistic heritage. They have much more of an Asian influence in their beliefs. The Buriat west of Lake Baikal has had more of a Russian influence.PRGRPHThey practice a primarily Shamanistic religion called Burkhanism. They are preoccupied with the spirit world and call upon monks and lamas to alleviate evil spirits through divination, oracles, sorcery, mediums, and astrology. They can obtain merit by spinning prayer wheels, reciting mantras, and daily walks around shrines.PRGRPHIn a Tibetan Buddhist "scapegoat ritual," the sins and misfortunes of one individual or community are placed upon an image of dough, which is then thrown away in some wild or uninhabited area. Occasionally, a domestic animal (often a goat) is selected, symbolically laden with guilt, and sent out to be killed by whoever finds it. This analogy is a cultural bridge that can be used to introduce the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Buriats are Tibetan Buddhists living in a Muslim land. They need gospel workers who will take Christ to them in a culturally sensitive way. Fortunately, there are some Buriats in Uzbekistan who are faithful Christ followers.
Pray for Buriat disciples in Uzbekistan to make more disciples.
Pray the Buriat people will have a growing hunger for truth; Jesus is the personification of truth.
Pray for Buriat leaders in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Christ no matter what the cost.
Scripture Prayers for the Buriat, Russian in Uzbekistan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buryats
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-mobilization-ethnic-minorities-buryat-1.6605501
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2022/05/05/everything-here-smells-like-the-dead-now
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
