Exploring the Evolution of Buddhism in Estonia: From Holiness to Soviet-Era Opposition
In the heart of Eastern Europe, a unique spiritual movement emerged during the Soviet occupation of Estonia. Buddhism, traditionally not a religion with a significant presence in the region, became a beacon of cultural and spiritual resistance.
The Estonian Buddhist Brotherhood, known as Taola, was established in 1982 by Vello Väärtnõu in Tallinn. This self-funded organization, composed of members who worked as boilermen during Soviet times, played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to Estonia.
Taola's roots can be traced back to Brother Vahindra, a renowned Estonian philosopher who adopted Buddhism following the efforts of Brother Vahindra (then known as Karl Tõnisson). Born in the small Estonian town of Põltsamaa, Brother Vahindra was among the very first Westerners to embrace Buddhism as a monk.
Inspired by Brother Vahindra, each member of Taola specialized in a different field of Buddhist studies. Notably, Linnart Mäll, a student of Uku Masing, played a significant role in translating many foundational Buddhist texts into Estonian.
Taola's impact on Estonia was significant, with the construction of the first stupa in the country at the summerhouse of artist Jüri Arrak in Pangarehe, followed by three more in the village of Tuuru between 1984 and 1985. The group maintained close ties with the Ivolga Monastery in Buryatia, Siberia.
Despite the limited number of people officially identifying as Buddhists – 1,145 according to the 2011 census – it is estimated that the actual number of members in organized Buddhist communities is roughly five times smaller. This suggests a more widespread interest in Buddhism than the official figures indicate.
The appeal of Buddhism as a form of resistance came from its emphasis on inner freedom, compassion, and nonviolent transformation. In a time when strict control over Orthodox Christianity and other widely practiced religions was enforced, smaller religious communities, including Buddhists, could function as quiet communities of dissent.
Brother Vahindra's life serves as a testament to this quiet resistance. He travelled to Asia with his only devoted disciple and never returned to Estonia, eventually settling in Yangon, Myanmar, where he was held in high regard and declared a bodhisattva after his death. He also became the first Estonian to visit Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
In summary, Buddhism in Estonia during Soviet occupation served less as an institutional religion with public presence and more as a form of quiet resistance. It offered spiritual alternatives and preserved inner autonomy amid wider repression of religious and cultural life under Soviet rule. Although Estonia does not have a deep indigenous Buddhist tradition, the spread and practice of Buddhism during Soviet times contributed to a broader constellation of non-conformist cultural and spiritual resistance in the region.
- The members of the Estonian Buddhist Brotherhood, or Taola, gained knowledge in various fields of Buddhist studies, with Linnart Mäll translating foundational texts into the Estonian language as part of their educational-and-self-development and lifelong-learning.
- Estonia, despite the limited number of people officially identifying as Buddhists, shows a more widespread interest in Buddhism than the official figures indicate, suggesting a quiet yet substantial portion of the populace leaning towards this spiritual movement.
- Taola established close ties with the Ivolga Monastery in Buryatia, Siberia, enhancing the security and independence of their religious community amid the pervasive control over Orthodox Christianity and other religions during Soviet rule.
- Taola's construction of stupas in Estonia, notably the first stupa at artist Jüri Arrak's summerhouse in Pangarehe, served as physical symbols of their influence in propagating Buddhism and fostering learning and lifelong-learning in Estonia.
- In the face of strict repression of religious and cultural life, Brother Vahindra, a prominent figure in Taola, and his devoted disciple embarked on a journey to Asia, embodying the spirit of quiet resistance by seeking knowledge, self-development, and inner freedom in the heart of Buddhist tradition in places like Yangon, Myanmar, and Lhasa, Tibet.
