Buddhism in Austria

Buddhism is a recognized religion in Austria. Only a few people followed it in 2001, but it is accepted there. Most Austrian Buddhists are citizens. Some came from the People's Republic of China and Vietnam, and many are foreign residents.

Austria, like other European countries, has many Buddhist groups. Vienna, the capital, has the most temples and centers. These temples often follow Tibetan or Japanese traditions. Recently, a special Buddhist area for funerals was made near the Vienna Central Cemetery Vienna Central Cemetery.

Buddhism became an official religion in Austria in 1983. Russia is the only other European country that also recognizes Buddhism as a native religion, along with Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

History

Early years

In the late 1800s, famous thinkers in Vienna like Arthur Schopenhauer and Richard Wagner sparked interest in Buddhism. Karl Eugen Neumann, who met Wagner, decided to become a Buddhist in 1884. He studied ancient languages and translated many Buddhist texts into German before he passed away in Vienna.

In 1913, Arthur Fitz from Graz became the first Austrian known to become a Buddhist monk in Java. By 1923, a Buddhist group started in Vienna. However, the years from 1933 to 1945 were hard for Buddhism in Austria because of tough political times.

Since World War II

After World War II, the Buddhist Society of Vienna started in 1949, and interest in Buddhism grew again. Important people helped spread Buddhism. In the late 1970s, the first Buddhist center opened in Vienna, and other centers started in different parts of Austria. Famous Buddhist leaders visited Austria and shared their teachings.

In 1979, Genro Koudela, who became a Zen priest in California, returned to Vienna and started the Bodhidharma Zendo there. New centers in Vienna welcomed many Buddhist groups.

Buddhism recognized

In 1983, the Austrian government officially recognized Buddhism. A peace monument called a "Peace Stupa" was built near the Danube River, and a study and retreat place called Letzehof opened in Vorarlberg. New centers for meditation and learning were created in the Salzburg mountains and in the south of Austria.

In 1993, Austria hosted a big meeting for Buddhist groups from across Europe. The Dalai Lama visited Graz several times.

Buddhist religious instruction at Austrian schools

With official recognition, Buddhism could also be taught in schools. Starting in 1993, children in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg began learning about Buddhism regularly. Over time, this expanded to all school children across Austria. A training program for teachers began in 2001 to help them teach Buddhist ideas.