Russian Interest in Indian Spirituality

Russia has a long history of interest in Indian
spirituality, dating back to the 19th century. There are several reasons why
Russians have been drawn to Indian spirituality:

1. Theosophical Society: The Theosophical Society, founded by Helena
Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott, was a major influence in introducing Indian
spirituality to the Western world, including Russia. The society’s emphasis on
Eastern spirituality, mysticism, and the unity of all religions resonated with
many Russians.

2. Nikolai Roerich: Nikolai Roerich, a Russian artist and mystic, was
deeply interested in Indian spirituality and spent several years studying and
traveling in India. He became fascinated with Tibetan Buddhism and the concept
of Shambhala, which he believed was a real place.

3. Russian esotericism: Russian esotericism, which emerged in the late
19th and early 20th centuries, was heavily influenced by Indian spirituality.
Russian esotericisms such as Vladimir Solovyov and Sergei Bulgakov were drawn
to Indian mysticism and philosophy.

4. Soviet-era interest: During the Soviet era, India’s spiritual
traditions were seen as a way to promote international cooperation and cultural
exchange. Many Soviet intellectuals and artists were interested in Indian
spirituality as a way to challenge Western cultural dominance.

5. Perestroika and glasnost: The reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika
and glasnost policies led to a greater openness to foreign ideas and cultures,
including Indian spirituality.

6. Yoga and meditation: The 1970s and 1980s saw a surge in interest in
yoga and meditation in Russia, largely due to the efforts of Russian yogis and
meditation teachers who traveled to India to study with Indian masters.

7. Rise of new age movement: The 1990s saw the rise of the new age movement in
Russia, which emphasized personal growth, spirituality, and Eastern mysticism.
This movement was heavily influenced by Indian spirituality.

Russian Interest in Indian
Spiritual Leaders:

1. Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on yoga,
meditation, and the importance of self-realization resonated with many
Russians.

2. Paramahansa Yogananda: Teachings on kriya yoga and his book
“Autobiography of a Yogi” had a significant impact on Russian
spirituality.

3. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation
technique became popular in Russia in the 1970s and 1980s.

4. Sri Aurobindo: Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy of integral yoga and
his emphasis on spiritual growth and self-realization have influenced many
Russian spiritual seekers.

photo-the hindu

Russian interest in Indian
culture extends beyond spirituality to include:

1. Indian classical music: Indian classical music has been popular in Russia
for many years, with many Russian musicians studying with Indian maestros.

2. Indian dance: Indian classical dance forms such as
Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been popular in Russia for many years.

3. Indian cuisine: Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular in
Russia, with many restaurants serving traditional Indian dishes.

4. Indian philosophy: Indian philosophical traditions such as Vedanta,
Yoga, and Sankhya have been studied by many Russian scholars.

In conclusion, Russian interest in Indian spirituality is
rooted in a complex mix of historical, cultural, and philosophical factors that
have evolved over time.