History: The Second Spread

Mongolian Empire: 13th –mid 14th century

During the Mongolian Empire, Buddhism was mainly practiced in the court of kings and later Buddhism was promoted as the state religion in Yuan Dynasty (1280-1368). Though some Tibetan and Mongolian historical sources inform that Chinggis Khaan (1162-1227) sent a letter to Tibetan Sakya Lama Sachen Gunga Nyingpo (1092-1158) and issued a decree on tax exemption for Tibetan Monasteries but that historical event is not commonly agreed. Whatever was the fact, the Chinggis Khaan and his successor kings were famous for their religious tolerance and support of Tibetan Buddhism. It is evidenced by Ugudei Khaan’s (1229-1241) decree to erect a magnificent stupa in Khar Khorum city, the capital city of Mongolia, and invitation from the Mongolian military general Godan, the son of Ugudei Khaan, to Tibetan Sakya Pandida Gunga Gyaltsan (1182-1251). Later Tibetan Karma Bakshi (1204-1283) was invited to the court of Munkh Khaan (1251-1258). The founder of Yuan Dynasty, Khubilai Khaan (1215-1294) promoted Tibetan Pagpa Lama Lodoi Gyaltsan to the post of state teacher in Shand city in 1264. From that time “patron and priest relation” between Mongolian kings and Tibetan lamas was established. The support of Buddhism by Mongolian great kings was due to Mongolian policy of effective and unified rule over their conquered countries, great tolerance for different religions and spiritual need of new religion replacing old age shaman belief and practice.