As an expert in Buddhism, I have always been fascinated by the spread of this religion across the world. When it comes to the United States, many people assume that cities like New York and Los Angeles would have the largest Buddhist populations. However, according to a recent survey by the PEW Research Center, the most Buddhist state in the US is actually Hawaii, with a staggering 8% of its population identifying as Buddhist. But what about other countries? Buddhism is the majority religion in Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mongolia and Laos. It is also the most followed religion in certain nations or territories without any majority religion, such as mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam and Kalmykia in Russia.
Large Buddhist populations can also be found in North Korea, Nepal, India and South Korea. In fact, China has the largest population of Buddhists in the world, with approximately 244 million followers making up 18.2% of its total population. So how did Buddhism make its way to the United States? The first recorded instance was in the 1880s when Japanese immigrants began arriving in the country. In 1899, two missionaries from Japan's Jodo Shinshu Shin Buddhism branch arrived in San Francisco and soon after, the San Francisco Buddhist Church and the North American Buddhist Mission (BMNA) were officially organized. The BMNA was later renamed as the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) during World War II and has been active for over 120 years. The BCA has built Shin Buddhist temples not only on the West Coast but also in Canada and Mexico.
By the 1930s, most other Buddhist schools in Japan had also established at least one temple in North America to serve the growing Japanese-American population. At the same time, non-Asian Westerners were becoming increasingly interested in Buddhism. In the 19th century, European scholars living in British colonies in Asia were translating sacred Asian texts into English, including Buddhist sutras. These translations had a significant impact on European and American philosophers, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. But perhaps no one did more to bring Buddhism to the West than Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki.
Suzuki, who had studied European and Asian languages at the University of Tokyo, began writing books, translating texts, and giving lectures on Buddhism in the 1920s and 1930s. His work introduced Japanese Zen and Pure Land Buddhism to a wide audience of non-Asian Western readers, including influential writers like Alan Watts and Beat Generation authors Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. Thanks to Suzuki's popular and widely read books, Zen became a household name in the 1950s and 1960s. As an expert in Buddhism, I believe that this religion has great potential for growth in North America. In fact, by 2050, it is estimated that the United States will have the tenth largest Buddhist population in the world, making it the first among Western countries.
And as we approach the 125th anniversary of the BCA in 2024, I would like to share a poem from the 21st Gomonshu Myoyo (Otani Koson), who sent Reverends Sonoda and Nishijima as missionaries to express Amida Buddha's desire for inclusivity and equality. For those interested in learning more about Buddhism or getting involved with local Buddhist communities, there are many opportunities available. The Buddhist Education Center (BEC) offers classes and workshops, while Nokotsudo (columbarium) visits, Shanamatsuri (Flower Festival), and Obon (Meeting of Joy) are popular events for members. Additionally, the PK Store Craft Boutique is a great place to find unique Buddhist items. And for those who want to stay updated on news and events, signing up for the BCA's email list or regularly checking their website is highly recommended. While many may be surprised to learn that Hawaii has the largest Buddhist population in the US, it is clear that Buddhism has a strong presence in the country.
And as an expert in this religion, I am excited to see how it will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come. Lastly, it is worth noting that while Birmingham, Alabama may have the smallest Buddhist population among the cities surveyed, with only 64 Buddhists, it is still a testament to the widespread influence of this ancient religion.
