Buddhism in Canada - Definition and Overview

There is a small, growing Buddhist community in Canada.

Its roots first started with the arrival of Chinese laborers in the territories during the 19th century, but its gradual flowering began in the last half of the 20th century. Changes in Canadian immigration pattern saw a massive influx of immigrants from China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Southeast Asia, countries with strong Buddhist histories and demographics. In addition, the immense popularity and goodwill ushered in by Tibet's the Dalai Lama put Buddhism in the forefront of Canadian spirituality. Many non-Asian Canadians embraced Buddhism (in various traditions) and have become leaders in their respective sanghas in their own right.

Canadian Buddhism is dominated primarily by the Tibetan, Zen, and Theravada schools.

External Links

Buddhanet's North America Directory (http://www.buddhanet.net/amdir_na.htm)