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How did Tibetan Buddhism influence Mongolian cultural life in Inner Mongolia?

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Wide autumn valley with golden grass in the foreground and low, tree-covered mountains of the Greater Khingan Range in the distance under a clear sky. — Inner Mongolia Da Hinggan (Greater Khingan) Range, southeast of Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

Tibetan Buddhism has profoundly shaped the cultural life of Inner Mongolia, leaving a deep imprint on the region's traditions and artistic expressions. The Mongols adopted Tibetan forms in several key areas of cultural development:1

Arts and Architecture: The region’s monastery and temple architecture, religious arts, and liturgical music are heavily influenced by Tibetan models.1
Literature and Language: Scriptural learning and commentary follow Tibetan traditions. Historically, there was a significant effort to translate a large corpus of Buddhist texts from Tibetan into the Mongolian language, which helped establish a literate class.123
Folklore: A substantial portion of Mongol folktales and vernacular literature centers on lamas and religious life, reflecting the integration of Buddhist themes into the daily narratives of the people.1
Social Life: Religious life is deeply woven into the fabric of traditional Mongolian society. Beyond temple festivals, the culture is marked by seasonal celebrations and the Obo (shrine) festival, which remain central to the community's identity.1

While the Mongols adapted these practices to their own distinctive needs, the foundational doctrine, communal organization, and religious aesthetics remain rooted in Tibetan traditions.21