Shamanism. Originally, Mongol religion was a form of shamanism, the religious practices of certain native peoples of northern Asia who believed that good and evil spirits pervaded the world and could be summoned or heard through inspired shamans (priests) acting as mediums. Kublai Khan had performed its rituals before his occupation of China.

Tolerance. The Mongol tolerance of foreigners extended to their religions. The early khans supported religious debates at their courts and granted tax exemptions to all religions. Nestorians, Muslims, Christians, and Jews were welcomed. The religious policy of the Yuan (1279-1368) government consecutively supported different sects, following the interests of the moment, and handed over to them the general direction of religious affairs of the dynasty. The Yuan empire, famous for its religious freedom, did not impose Mongol religious beliefs on the Chinese.

Daoism. After the Daoist master...