Reflection on Participating in the Youth Philosophy Camp
Munkh-Orgil's reflections
September 29, 2025
On the first day of this event, I got to know the participants from LOSL, WUISP, and other projects, learning about the activities and objectives of each specific area. I also learned about the activities, artistic works, and the roles of youth and elder councils from representatives of many regions, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Altai, Buryatia, Mongolia, and America. We exchanged ideas about the projects and activities this community will implement over the next two years, and I gained an understanding of how international collaborative projects, programs, and conferences are carried out and how to work together effectively.
September 30, 2025
On this day, I met with the international youth participating in the "Origins" program and we exchanged ideas about creating the "Atlas." We had an open discussion about the unique ways of thinking in each region regarding not just the snow leopard, but also many other types of animals, spirits, protectors, and nature itself. I realized that we have many things in common: common terminology and shared core ideas. Each of us proposed what kind of work could be included in the "Atlas." The artists suggested their drawings, and the filmmakers proposed their film and video concepts. For my part, I offered ideas related to Mongolian legends about animals, traditional music with animal themes, and our traditional customs. From that point on, I began to think more deeply about how my own work, research, and art could unite with these ideas and themes.
September 31, 2025
On this day, I worked with my assigned team to create a piece about the swan. Although everyone proposed many interesting ideas, due to the tight schedule, we used the materials at hand to create a short animation. We read a Buryat legend about the swan, drew pictures by hand to assemble the animation, and used the Mongolian folk song "Khun Galuu" (Swan Goose) for the soundtrack. It was very satisfying to see how the youth from different countries skillfully applied their best talents, working together seamlessly as a team. Through this creative process, I gained insight into the skills I want to learn and develop in the future.
The next task of the day was to write an essay, where each person chose an animal to write about. I wrote my essay on the camel, and other participants told me they found it very interesting. We each wrote in our own languages, embedding our own philosophies, and then used tools like Google Translate and ChatGPT to instantly translate and understand each other's work.
It was incredibly inspiring to me that although each participant in this youth camp has their own primary job and profession, we were all able to come together to plan for a shared artistic vision and future. From the moment a Mongolian person begins to grow and understand the world, they are raised in relationship with nature, growing up close to animals, playing with and befriending them. I believe this is why the Mongolian mindset and beliefs are formed within every person. It is an unwritten rule that artists, through their expression and creative works, become the voice for Mother Earth and the animals, influencing their communities and society as a whole.
Summary of Temuujin's Reflection on his participation at the Philosophy Camp
In his reflection, Temuujin explains that now he truly understands why it is so important to protect snow leopards and has ideas on how he can contribute to the cause. As his contribution to the team's Digital Narrative Atlas entry, he performed a short play about a snow leopard cub on a Mongolian ger, which was the group's chosen theme.
He also shared his knowledge about the deep connection between Mongolian horses and their homeland. He recounted the legend of how the Morin Khuur (horse-head fiddle) was created, explaining why horses instinctively run back to the land where they were born. Finally, he shared what his father taught him about the sacred Mongolian tradition of honoring and consecrating horses.
Nyamaa’s Reflection on the Philosophy Camp
I was so happy when our elder Buyanbadrakh akh told me about the trip to Kyrgyzstan during the summer holidays. We flew through South Korea and arrived in Bishkek in the evening. We were greeted with a very comfortable atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly people. In Bishkek, I had the chance to get acquainted with the national culture and nature; the city seemed very orderly and beautiful.
When I arrived at the philosophy camp, it was fascinating to see young people gathered from so many different countries. The evening, we spent sharing our cultures around the campfire, letting everyone hear the wonderful melody of the Morin Khuur (horse-head fiddle), was truly unforgettable.
During the next days, we learned about the sacred animals, history, and culture of Kyrgyzstan and worked together on the Atlas project. It felt like something out of a fairy tale, watching the participants try to understand one another, create things in a fun way, and write essays together.
The day before we left was very warm and memorable. We said our heartfelt goodbyes, took pictures, and had wonderful conversations. This entire experience is one of the most beautiful memories of my life, and I am sincerely grateful to the people who gave me this opportunity.
Oyunguvaa's Reflection
"Participating in the philosophy camp was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. It was fascinating to meet and interact with young people from other countries. I also gained a deep understanding of how powerful the snow leopard is, how it can be a trusted companion to humans, and how it serves as a symbol for protecting our natural world.
I am so grateful that this journey strengthened my commitment to conservation, my love for Mother Earth, and my respect for our culture and traditions, especially in the mission to protect the magnificent snow leopard. Thank you sincerely to everyone who made this wonderful opportunity possible."
For his contribution to the camp's Digital Narrative Atlas, Oyunguvaa shared his ideas about the significance of sacred species, using the dog as an example of a deeply respected animal companion.
Buyanbadrakh's Reflections on the Digital Narrative Atlas
"From the very beginning, I had the honor of observing, assisting, and advising on the creation of the Digital Narrative Atlas, as well as participating in it myself. It was inspiring to see how quickly and energetically the young artists worked, taking the ideas of the Council of Elders and weaving them into their own creations to show the many sides of existence. First, they listened to the elders' suggestions. Then, they shared the stories they had heard from their own ancestors. As a member of the Council of Elders, I was happy to provide guidance and help them revive these forgotten histories.
In my view, the Atlas we started to create is exceptionally special. The youth formed teams, each one pouring their artistry into the legends of sacred animals, skillfully crafting pieces that could convey deep meaning in just a few minutes. I am proud to have been a part of it and proud of our young people. By gathering diverse information about these sacred species and sharing it, the participants deepened their own knowledge from many different perspectives. It was also commendable how they sought spiritual context for things they didn't understand, asking questions and seeking clarification.
Our team chose to contribute a piece on the origin story of the swan. For my part, I offered spiritual and intellectual support and had the wonderful task of reading the full narrative for our section.
All the young people worked with incredible speed in a short amount of time. I believe they accomplished three main things:
- They received the knowledge and advice of the elders.
- They shared their own local histories and legends, learning a great deal from one another.
- Following this guidance, they created powerful short works founded on traditional knowledge.
Finally, by writing and sharing essays about the sacred animals from their own regions, they significantly expanded their collective Indigenous knowledge. It was a truly successful endeavor."
Khaliun Ganbaatar (Anchik’s) Reflections:
When I first arrived at the philosophy camp in Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan, I didn't fully understand what it meant to create an "Atlas." However, I soon realized that the entire camp was, in itself, the process of making one. The goal was to promote and preserve wisdom and traditions represented through totem and sacred species—not only through the species themselves, but also through song, poetry, film, art, and creativity.
At the beginning of the workshop, Janyshbek from Kyrgyzstan shared information about their sacred species. I was impressed that even though we were from different countries, we all shared a similar knowledge, unity, and deep respect for the concept. Janyshbek also challenged our conventional ideas. Most of us imagine totems as large, powerful creatures like eagles, falcons, or wolves. But he explained that every animal has a spirit—even an ant has its own protective spirit.
The camp continued with us splitting into teams, each choosing a sacred species to build their atlas entry around. My team chose the Swan, because the sacred Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal is a place deeply connected to the swan. Our Buryat participants shared their swan legends, which led to others sharing their own connections. We discovered a swan myth in Kyrgyzstan and swan songs in Mongolia.
Our team, which included a film director, a morin khuur player, and an artist, decided to create a short film about the swan, involving everyone at the camp. What I loved most about this process was how quickly we all came together, united by a single purpose, overcoming differences in language, culture, nationality, age, and gender. It was beautiful to see how we all understood the essence of sacred species and spirituality, even if we expressed it differently.
It was inspiring to see people of different ages and even different religions learning from, understanding, and respecting one another. We quickly unified around a shared understanding of what the atlas could be. Since most of the participants were young, it feels incredibly important that they will carry this understanding forward. The idea of an atlas is not just for the older generation to talk about; it is being shaped and carried by a new, international generation.
I believe that when the atlas is fully realized, it will be a fascinating cultural work. The process of creating it—uniting nature conservation with the preservation of traditional knowledge, spirituality and cultural heritage—is itself the atlas. I loved the idea that instead of claiming ownership over a particular animal, we are showing that these spirits are protected and revered similarly across many different countries.
Buyandozh reflection:
Since we were people united by the spirit of love and protection for animals, as well as by the desire to share and pass on the inspiration we have received, I gladly accepted the invitation to participate in the trip and the camp’s activities.
Regarding the philosophy camp, I was glad that the organizers support the younger generation and their projects. It was interesting to work with peers from other fields, and there was a lot to learn. Although the trip was short, I came back having participated in all the activities, created something, and understood a lot. Since projects of this type had not been held in Mongolia, I didn’t have much experience. Thank you to all the people who gave me this opportunity, believed in me, and went with me.
