Buddhism in Austria

Buddhism is a legally recognized religion in Austria. Though only a small number of people practiced it in 2001, Buddhism is widely accepted in the country. Most Buddhists in Austria are Austrian citizens, including some who came from People's Republic of China and Vietnam, as well as many foreign residents.

Like in other European countries, Austria has many different Buddhist groups. Vienna, the capital city, has the most Buddhist temples and centers. These temples often have styles from Tibetan or Japanese traditions. Recently, a special Buddhist area for funerals was created near the big Vienna Central Cemetery Vienna Central Cemetery.

Buddhism became an officially recognized 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 among artists and smart people. Karl Eugen Neumann, who met Wagner, decided to become a Buddhist in 1884. He learned ancient languages to study Buddhism directly and translated many important Buddhist texts into German before he passed away in Vienna at age 50.

In 1913, a man named Arthur Fitz from Graz became the first Austrian known to become a Buddhist monk in Java, taking the name Bhikkhu Sono. By 1923, a Buddhist group started in Vienna, and Austrians joined a big Buddhist meeting in Paris in 1937. 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, a group called the Buddhist Society of Vienna started in 1949, and interest in Buddhism grew again. Important people like Fritz Hungerleider and Dr Walter Karwath helped spread Buddhism beyond just books and talks. In the late 1970s, the first Buddhist center opened in Vienna, and other centers started in different parts of Austria. Famous Buddhist leaders from many traditions 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, which brought many new opportunities. A big 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, encouraging Buddhists in Austria.

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 aged 6 to 19 across Austria. A training program for teachers began in 2001 to help them teach Buddhist ideas.