Trends and challenges of introducing Buddhism to the Northern European countries

Abstract

This paper explores the trends and challenges of introducing Buddhism to Northern European countries, specifically Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. While Buddhism has a long history of global expansion, its arrival in Northern Europe is comparatively recent and has been shaped by immigration, globalization, digital media, and the broader cultural context of secularization. The study highlights how Buddhism has developed in this region through the dual presence of ethnic Buddhist communities-largely composed of immigrants from Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Tibet and convert Buddhist groups that emphasize meditation, mindfulness, and secular adaptations of Buddhist teachings. The findings suggest that Buddhism's growth in Northern Europe has been significantly influenced by post-World War migration, countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, and the increasing accessibility of Buddhist teachings through online platforms. National Buddhist organizations, such as the Swedish Buddhist Cooperation Council and the Norwegian Buddhist Federation, have played an important role in gaining institutional recognition, while digital platforms and virtual communities have expanded Buddhism's reach beyond traditional temples and monastic centers. At the same time, the hybridization of Buddhist practice with local traditions, environmental activism, and psychological frameworks reflects Buddhism's dynamic adaptability in this secular and pluralistic region. However, several challenges accompany this expansion. Cultural and linguistic barriers limit access to original texts, while differing social values such as the contrast between hierarchical monastic traditions and egalitarian Nordic norms create tension in adapting Buddhist practice. Northern Europe's high degree of secularization often leads to a perception of Buddhism primarily as a philosophy or therapeutic practice rather than a religious tradition, resulting in the selective adoption of meditation and mindfulness without corresponding ethical or doctrinal elements. Misconceptions and stereotypes, including the over-romanticization of Buddhism as an inherently peaceful or mystical tradition, further complicate its reception. Legal and institutional hurdles, such as difficulties in religious registration and zoning regulations, constrain the growth of Buddhist centers, while competition from secular mindfulness programs, New Age movements, and therapeutic alternatives challenge Buddhism's ability to sustain its traditional identity. The paper employs a qualitative research approach, combining document analysis, case studies of Buddhist organizations, and semi-structured interviews with practitioners and leaders. This methodology allows for a nuanced exploration of how Buddhism is negotiated in local contexts, highlighting both its appeal to secular audiences and the concerns of traditional communities regarding the dilution of authentic practice. The study concludes that Buddhism in Northern Europe represents a unique case of religious adaptation in the 21st century, characterized by pluralism, secular reinterpretation, and digital expansion. While challenges remain in terms of recognition, representation, and maintaining doctrinal integrity, Buddhism has nonetheless contributed to the evolving spiritual landscape of Northern Europe, particularly in fields such as healthcare, education, and environmental activism. The paper also identifies gaps in existing research, including the need for demographic studies, legal-policy analyses, and long-term assessments of the impact of secular mindfulness. These insights provide a foundation for understanding the role of Buddhism in shaping the religious diversity and cultural hybridity of contemporary Northern Europe.