Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand, along with his spouse, Ms.Viphawan Benniman, Minister and embassy officials, participated in the International Buddhist Conference Academic to make the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Das Buddhistische Haus, the first Buddhist House in Europe, at the Zehlendorf Community Hall, Berlin. The event was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany and the German Dharmaduta Society with the participation of by ambassadors and representatives from embassies of countries practicing Buddhism, including Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as well as over 40 Buddhist monks from various countries, including Thailand and 50 participants from relevant academia and general public.

The Conference involved presentations and discussions on a wide range of topics, including the profound contributions of Buddhism to global peace and unity, the motivations that led Dr. Paul Dahlke to establish Das Buddhistische Haus and his tireless efforts to spread the teachings of Buddhism in Europe, and the relevance and application of Buddhist teachings in the modern world. The Royal Thai Embassy also supported the activity with a Thai traditional dance performed by Members of the Thai community in Berlin.

Das Buddhistische Haus was established in 1924 by Dr. Paul Dahlke, a German physician who purchased land in Berlin-Frohnau to establish the “Buddhist House” to spread Buddhist teachings and purify the mind. It combined the Buddhist way of life within a Western environment. Later, Mr. Asoka Weeraratna, the founder of the Lanka Dhammaduta Society (now known as the German Dharmaduta Society), purchased the property from the heirs of Dr. Paul Dahlke in 1957. He transformed it into a Buddhist vihara with monks from Sri Lanka and other countries, including Thailand.