This qualitative research has three objectives, namely: (1) to study the origins of Theravada Buddhism in Russia, (2) to study strong and weak points of Theravada Buddhism in Russia, (3) to study opportunities and threats of Theravada Buddhism in Russia, and (4) to present possible ways to strengthen Theravada Buddhism in the country. Theravada Buddhism was introduced in Russia about two decades ago and showed a rather little development since the first Theravada monks came from abroad. Although there is an enduring interest for non-traditional religions in Russia, Theravada Buddhists face challenges and limitations in propagating the teaching due to certain factors, internal and external, which were analyzed in the present research based on in-depth interviews and works of contemporary religious scholars. As a result, the research suggested four development strategies, which can be applied by Theravada Buddhists depending on what seems more suitable for their current situation, in order to propagate the Buddha’s teaching more efficiently.

Among the four strategies, which were developed based on the method of SWOT-analysis, two can be considered “active” in using strengths and opportunities of external environment, while the other two can be seen as “defensive” and directed at mitigating the adverse events of the environment. The active strategies (A and C) are primarily focused on cooperation: with separate groups of Theravada Buddhists – in order to organize greater projects and event, with communities belonging to various Buddhist schools – to represent the unity of Buddha’s disciples and cover the shortfall of resources, with representatives of Russia’s traditional religions – to represent Theravada Buddhism as a part of Russia’s multi-religious society, and, finally, with organizations of traditional Theravada countries, that could help to fill many shortages in education of Russian Buddhists. The defensive strategies (B and D) comprise dealing with political and cultural trends which may be considered obstructive for dissemination of Theravada Buddhism in Russia. Cultural xenophobia, anti-missionary laws, and attempts to represent certain religions as an integral part of ethnical and cultural identity already in the near future may become a challenge that requires careful examination and consideration.

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