On the History of the Theory of Community of Buddhist Teaching and Communist Ideology

In his article, Dr. Sinitsyn analyzes the main aspects of the genesis of the theory of commonality of Buddhism and Communist ideology in the first half of the 20th century. There are considered ideas designed by the apologists of this theory, including those of the 'atheist character' of Buddhism, it's 'materialistic' and 'scientific basis', anti-capitalist directivity, and commonality of views of Buddha Shakyamuni and leaders of the World communist movement, first of all, Vladimir Lenin. There is provided an analysis of measures of counteraction implemented by Soviet and Communist Party bodies towards development and spread of the theory of commonality of Buddhism and Communist ideology, which continued up to the total destruction of the Buddhist confession in the end of 1930s.