Religious Bodies Politic

Discover the intricate interplay between transnational religion and politics in Anya Bernstein's insightful book, Religious Bodies Politic. Published by The University of Chicago Press in 2013, this compelling work dives deep into the lives of the Buryats, a cosmopolitan community in Siberia that practices Buddhism within a semiautonomous republic of Russia. Spanning 280 pages, Bernstein expertly reveals how the Buryat community has utilized Buddhism to navigate significant political shifts throughout their history. Through rich analysis and vivid storytelling, this book contextualizes the cultural and social fabric of a unique religious group, making it an essential read for those interested in Buddhist monasticism, religious orders, and the dynamics of social life in contemporary Russia. Whether you're a scholar or simply curious about the intersections of faith and politics, Religious Bodies Politic offers profound insights into how belief systems adapt in the face of changing political landscapes.