Germany’s fascination with Buddhism
Posted on December 19th, 2024
Senaka Weeraratna
Germany’s fascination with Buddhism
Buddhism has been growing in popularity in Germany for the past 50 years. Some reasons for this include:
Tolerance: Buddhism is a tolerant religion that is open to anyone.
Buddhism is the most animal friendly World Religion.
” Buddhism ought to be an animal rights religion par excellence. It has long held that all life forms are sacred and considers kindness and compassion the highest virtues. Moreover, Buddhism explicitly includes animals in its moral universe”.
Norm Phelps
The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights Paperback – June 1, 2004
by Norm Phelps
Compassion
Buddhists strive to show compassion and loving-kindness to all beings, including animals.
- Non-harm
Buddhists try to do as little harm as possible to animals, and avoid killing or hurting them.
- Respect
Buddhists treat the lives of animals with equal respect to those of humans.
- Karma
Buddhists believe that cruel acts towards animals will be paid for in a future life.
Emphasis on empathy and wisdom: Buddhism’s emphasis on empathy, wisdom, and the “love your neighbor inclusive of all living beings ” credo has an enduring appeal for Germans.
Influence of early German Buddhists: The influence of early German Buddhists, such as Anton Gueth, Karl Eugen Neumann, Dr. Paul Dahlke, and Georg Grimm, are still very much alive in present-day Germany.
Buddha’s teachings: Germans have always been fascinated by the Buddha’s teachings.
The remarkable commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Das Buddhistiche Haus (based in Berlin – Frohnau), founded by Dr Paul Dahlke in 1924, in both Berlin and Colombo on August 3rd and 4th, 2024, under the patronage of the Govt of Sri Lanka and the support of the German Dharmaduta Society, led to launch of new books, issue of new commemorative postage stamps and first day covers, and the holding of an International Buddhist Conference Academic in Berlin (August 04, 2024). The resident monks of DBH led by Ven. Pelane Dhamma Kusala with the support of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin led by the Ambassador Ms. Varuni Muthukumarana, Manager of DBH, Mr. Tissa Weeraratna, and the lay patrons of DBH including Mr. Lankananda Perera (who acted as the Moderator of the International Buddhist Conference) and a handsome grant from Dr. Elizabeth Bhikkhuni (USA) to finance the publication of the book ‘ 100 years Das Buddhistische Haus’ ensured the success of the event. Special mention must be made of Dr. Winfrid Liebrich (Librarian, Historian and Archivist of DBH) who conceived the idea of a Festschrift (collection of writings in honour of a person or institution) to honour the DBH. His initiative finally resulted in the publication of two books in English and German. The voluntary German organization Buddhistischen Hauses in Berlin Frohnau ( led by Herr Tobias Siesmayer also supported the organizing of this memorable event.
The growth of Buddhism in Germany is a testimony to the pioneering efforts of German nationals and latter day Buddhist Missions from the East particularly from Sri Lanka namely the German Dharmaduta Society founded by Asoka Weeraratna that rescued Das Buddhistiche Haus (then in a dilapidated condition)by buying it (assisted by a grant from a German Buddhist Walther Schmits) and helped to keep the flame of the Dhamma alive in Germany.
Buddhism has come to stay in Germany and is now poised to become the fulcrum of Buddhism in Europe.
German Dharmaduta Society
Das Buddhistische Haus (1924 – 2024)
Over 40 Buddhist Monks from all over the world but mainly from Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist Temples
based in various European Cities attended the event. Here is the Photo of the bulk of the visiting monks
taken in the compound of the Das Buddhistische Haus in Berlin – Frohnau.
The lay person in front is Mr. Tissa Weeraratna (caretaker of the Temple and nephew of Asoka Weeraratna (founder of the German Dharmaduta Society)
Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin participated in the International Buddhist Conference Academic to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Das Buddhistische Haus, the first Buddhist House in Europe.
https://berlin.thaiembassy.org/de/content/das-buddhistische-haus-2?cate=63e3b66399f31647f419e342
100 Jahre Buddhistisches Haus in Reinickendorf
https://x.com/DCRGunawardena/status/1819781697313079312
The 100th anniversary of Das Buddhistische Haus in Berlin, also known as the Berlin Buddhist Vihara, was commemorated at Temple Trees on August 03, 2024
The highlight of the celebration was the launch of the book titled ‘100 Years—Das Buddhistische Haus’. The publication, compiled by the German Dharmaduta Society, features a collection of articles that explore both historical and contemporary perspectives, drawing material primarily from Sri Lanka and Germany.
German Embassy Colombo
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Celebrating a Century of Cultural Harmony 
It was an honor to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Das Buddhistische Haus in Berlin-Frohnau or the Berlin Buddhist Vihara, a symbol of Germany’s multicultural and inclusive spirit.
Founded by Dr. Paul Dhalke in 1924, this historic site has served as a vital hub for Buddhist laypersons and monks from both Sri Lanka and Germany, fostering deep connections and cultural exchange. 
Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann highlighted Germany’s long-standing respect for diverse beliefs and the strong ties between Germany and Sri Lanka dating back to even 100 years, nurtured through cultural and religious exchanges. 
The event was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, and the German Embassy extend s its heartfelt gratitude to the German Dharmaduta Society for their unwavering dedication to promoting interfaith and cross-cultural understanding and for the launch of its book, “100 Years: Das Buddhistische Haus (1924-2024).” 
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=814224084225680&set=pcb.814224650892290
German Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann
100 Years Das Buddhistische Haus : Berlin – Frohnau ( 1924-2024 ) by
GERMAN DHARMADUTA SOCIETY