Buddhism in Poland

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The roots of Buddhism in Poland can be found in the early 20th century in the nation's connections to the origin countrieso of the religion, like China, Japan, and Korea. After World War II, primarily expatriate Poles joined various Buddhist groups and organizations. Since the breakdown of the Eastern Bloc, Buddhism has been able to develop further in the more tolerant athmosphere. The estimated number of Buddhists in Poland lies around 5,000.

Today all of the principal schools of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana (Zen and Jodo Shinshu), and Tibetan Buddhism can be found in Poland. Western movements like the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order are also active in the country. Umbrella organizations like the Buddhist Mission (Misja Buddyjska) and the Buddhist Union of Poland unite more than two dozens groups of Buddhists. The Vajrayana-centers of Lama Ole Nydahl are by far the most popular with over 40 groups.

In May 2000, the XIV. Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso opened a Buddhist department in the Pomeranian Library in Szczecin.

[edit] References

• This article incorporates text translated from the corresponding German Wikipedia article as of September 24, 2006.