Buddhism in the West

Buddhism first arrived in the West in the 19th century CE, brought by European travelers and scholars who had visited Asia.

Sri Lanka was the first country in the West to adopt Buddhism as a state religion, in the 3rd century BCE.

Anagarika Dharmapala is considered to be the father of Western Buddhism for his role in introducing Buddhism to the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Zen Buddhism is the most popular Buddhist school in the West, with a large following in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist temple in the West, located in Taiwan.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who is known for his teachings on mindfulness and compassion.

Anapanasati is the Buddhist practice that involves sitting in meditation and focusing on the breath.

Pratītyasamutpāda is the Buddhist concept that refers to the idea that all things are interconnected and interdependent.

Japa is the Buddhist practice that involves chanting mantras and using mudras.

The Tripitaka is the Buddhist text that is considered to be the most important scripture.

Vesak is the Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Bodhicitta is the Buddhist concept that refers to the idea that all beings have the potential to become enlightened.

Kinhin is the Buddhist practice that involves walking meditation.

Anatta is the Buddhist concept that refers to the idea that the self is an illusion.

Sangha Dana is the Buddhist practice that involves offering food and water to spirits.