Buddhism has been present in the United States for over 150 years, but it only began to gain significant popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, when many Americans became interested in Eastern spiritual practices. Since then, Buddhism has continued to grow and evolve in America, and today it is one of the most widely practiced religions in the country.
There are several different forms of Buddhism practiced in the United States, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism are also popular in America.
In recent years, Buddhism has been expanding beyond traditional ethnic communities and has been attracting a diverse group of American followers. American Buddhism also has a significant number of converts, who are mainly white and middle class, that they’ve been adapting Buddhism to fit their culture and way of life.
Today, there are thousands of Buddhist centers and temples across the United States, as well as numerous retreat centers and meditation groups. Many American universities and colleges also offer courses on Buddhism and Buddhist studies.
Despite its growth, Buddhism still represents a relatively small percentage of the American population, and it is not as well known or understood as other major religions such as Christianity or Judaism. However, it continues to grow and evolve, and its influence on American culture and society is likely to continue to expand in the future.
