German Dharmaduta Society

The German Dharmaduta Society (GDS) is a Sri Lankan organization established with the explicit aim of promoting the teachings of Buddhism in Germany and other Western nations. Founded in Colombo on September 21, 1952, by Asoka Weeraratna, the society emerged from a perceived spiritual vacuum in post-war Germany and a growing interest in alternative philosophies emphasizing peace and non-violence.

History and Establishment

Asoka Weeraratna, a businessman, was inspired during a 1951 visit to Germany by the spiritual hunger he encountered. Upon his return, he established the Lanka Dhammaduta Society, later renamed the German Dharmaduta Society. The organization gained recognition and support, including from former Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake, who patronized its "Million Rupee Fund" aimed at establishing a permanent Buddha Sâsana in Germany. A significant contribution was made by Walther Schmits, a German Buddhist who bequeathed a substantial legacy.

In 1955, the Sri Lankan government granted the Society land in Colombo, where its Headquarters and Training Centre, including dormitory facilities, an assembly hall, and a library, were opened in August 1956 by Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. This center housed prominent Buddhist monks, including the German monk Ven. Ñânatiloka Mahâthera, who trained individuals interested in Buddhist philosophy.

Mission to Germany

The Society sponsored the first Buddhist Mission to Germany, which departed Colombo in June 1957. This mission, comprising Ven. Soma, Ven. Kheminda, and Ven. Vinîta, was instrumental in establishing a Buddhist presence. Asoka Weeraratna joined the mission in Germany and was able to purchase 'Das Buddhistische Haus,' a property built in 1923 that had formerly served as a center for German Buddhism. The Society converted this site into a Buddhist Vihâra, providing residential facilities for Dharmaduta monks, primarily from Sri Lanka, to teach Buddhist Dhamma and meditation to Germans and others.

Legacy and Impact

Since 1957, the Berlin Buddhist Vihâra has hosted a continuous stream of monks dedicated to spreading Buddhist teachings. Ven. Athurugiriye Ñânavimala Mahâthera served as its Vihâradhipati for fifteen years. The GDS's efforts have contributed to the growing interest in Theravada Buddhism in the West, as noted by figures like Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, who commended the self-sacrificing work of the monks and volunteers associated with the society. The organization was commemorated for its 50th anniversary in 2002 with the issuance of a postage stamp in Sri Lanka.