Buddhism in Sweden

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Buddharama Temple in Torsby, Varmdo Municipality Buddharama Tempel 01.JPG
Buddharama Temple in Torsby, Värmdö Municipality

Buddhism is a relatively small religion in Sweden. In April 2020, the number of Buddhists was estimated in to be around 57,000 people, [1] around 0.7% of Sweden's population, making it Sweden's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam.

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Many practicing Buddhists in Sweden have Asian (mostly Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese) heritage.

The Helgo buddha Helgo Buddha 18194.jpg
The Helgö buddha

The Swedish Buddhist Community is a national umbrella organisation for various Buddhist associations and congregations that are registered in Sweden. [2] It currently has more than 20 member organisations.

Evidence of Buddhism in Sweden dates back to the Viking era. A 6th century Buddha statue made of bronze and presumed to have been made in Kashmir was found at Helgö in Sweden. [3]

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References

  1. Willander, Erika (2020). Ett mångreligiöst Sverige i förändring. Bromma: Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund. ISBN   978-91-983453-5-3.
  2. "About SBC – Sveriges buddhistiska gemenskap" (in Swedish). Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  3. Colm (December 28, 2013). "The Helgo Treasure: A Viking Age Buddha". Irish Archaeology. Archived from the original on December 15, 2016.

Further reading