Shaivism in Russia: origins and modern time

Introduction . The relationship between Russia and India has always been considered not only as one of the elements of strategic cooperation, but also as the basis for the unity of the fundamental values of the two societies. In recent decades, many cultural and religious organizations based on the philosophical and religious traditions of Indian culture have emerged in Russia. There is a growing number of people who are interested in the spiritual aspects, philosophy and practices of yoga, which are developing in the context of Hinduism. Hinduism includes ancient and contradictory customs and values that reflect the accumulated experience of the epochs to a greater extent than the events of any decade or century. Due to cultural and religious integration, modern people increasingly choose a religious tradition that is not typical of their ethnic group. One example of such a choice is the ancient, pious, and sometimes ascetic and eccentric tradition of Hinduism, Shaivism. Materials and methods . The theoretical and methodological basis of the article is based on works on the philosophy of culture and philosophical anthropology devoted to the study of the essence of East Indian religiosity in the Russian socio-cultural space. Results . Hinduism, as one of the main religious movements of India, is divided into three main directions – Vishnuism, Shaktism and Shaivism. These directions of Hinduism are recognized as equivalent. Each of the directions has its own sacred texts, symbols and rituals. Nevertheless, we consider it advisable to explore one of the most ancient philosophical and religious teachings of Hinduism – Shaivism. In turn, we observe the veneration of the Hindu god Shiva in Russia in multiple neo-orientalist cults. But at the same time, Kashmiri Shaivism is one of the most progressive branches of Shaivite teachings. Works on Kashmiri Shaivism continue to attract the attention of scholars specializing in the historical perspective of Indian philosophy, as well as religious scholars and experts on Oriental religious texts, demonstrating their importance and attractiveness to a wide range of researchers. Discussion and conclusions . Indian culture has developed philosophical and spiritual ideas within the country over the centuries, resulting in a unique synthesis of traditions, beliefs and customs. This diversity has been expressed in a wide range of religions such as Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and, of course, the multifaceted Hinduism.