Senaka Weeraratna

Sri Lankan Buddhist Societies, in particular Ceylon (Sri Lanka), saved the flame of the Buddha Dhamma in Germany from being blown out by the storm of historical events. This was the explicit conclusion of Dr. Hans Wolfgang Schumann (often referred to in documents as Dr. Wolfgang Schumann), a leading German scholar, author, and diplomat. Writing in the Maha Bodhi Journal (Feb–Mar 1971), Dr. Schumann highlighted the critical role played by Asoka Weeraratna and the German Dharmaduta Society (GDS) in rescuing German Buddhism from total collapse after World War II.

Dr. Hans Wolfgang Schumann

Ven. Nyanaponika Thero and Asoka Weeraratna at the Ratmalana Airport on February 20, 1953 before departing for Germany on a fact finding mission with the aim of establishing the Buddha Sasana in Germany

The Context of Post-WW2 Germany

The aftermath of World War II profoundly altered Germany’s intellectual, cultural, and spiritual landscape. The collapse of the Nazi regime prompted deep introspection, leading many Germans to question traditional institutions and explore alternative philosophies.

Following the devastation of World War II and the fall of the Nazi regime—which had aggressively suppressed Buddhist activities—German Buddhism was left fractured and without resources. When Sri Lankan (Sinhala Buddhist) philanthropist Asoka Weeraratna visited Germany in 1951, he witnessed a nation in a severe moral predicament and a civilization in crisis. He observed a deep “spiritual hunger” among war-weary Germans who were disillusioned with traditional Western religious-political systems and were searching for alternative philosophies based on peace and non-violence. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The Rescue of Das Buddhistische Haus

The pinnacle of the GDS’s intervention, as praised by Dr. Schumann, was the salvation of Das Buddhistische Haus (The Buddhist House) in Berlin-Frohnau. Founded originally in 1924 by Dr. Paul Dahlke, the landmark property had fallen into extreme disrepair during the war and faced imminent destruction. [1, 2]

According to Dr. Schumann’s writings:

• Preventing Liquidation: The historic center “probably would have been auctioned and dismantled” had the GDS not stepped in. [1]
• The Financial Rescue: Under Weeraratna’s leadership, the GDS utilized a large inheritance from a German Buddhist (Walther Schmits) to purchase the property in 1957–1958. [1, 2]
• Institutional Renewal: The GDS thoroughly renovated the property, added new living quarters, built a well-stocked library, and established it as the Berlin Buddhist Vihara—the first permanent Theravada Buddhist temple in continental Europe.

Dr. Schumann’s Call for Gratitude

Dr. Schumann emphasized that the mission’s success went beyond physical brick and mortar. By sending qualified Bhikkhus (monks) from Ceylon to reside permanently at the Vihara to lead meditation courses and lectures, the GDS established a reliable institutional foundation for the Dhamma. [1, 2]

Reflecting on this pivotal turning point, Dr. Schumann posited a final, enduring question to his country:

“The organizational help which Asian Buddhist Societies, in particular Ceylon, in several critical periods had extended saved the flame of the Dhamma in Germany. Isn’t this reason enough for the Germans to be grateful?“

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If you want to explore this historical period further, let me know if you would like me to:

• Detail the journey of the first permanent monk mission sent from Sri Lanka to Berlin in 1957.
• Explain how Asoka Weeraratna raised the necessary capital via the “Million Rupee Fund”.
• Provide more context on the suppression of Buddhism under the Nazi regime prior to this revival. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
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• Source:  AI Overview