I am Iranian and love Buddhism
by sam
(Iran)
The Question:
I love Buddhism but I don’t know how to become a Buddhist in my country(Iran). There is no temple and there is no buddhist community. Please help me.
Sam
My answer:
Hello Sam.
Sorry it took some time before I answered your question. I had to look up some information a little and I am sorry to say that you seem right. There is no official Buddhist organization in Iran.
I am not aware of the situation but could it be because the regime suppresses all other religion? Is only Islam accepted?
This is interesting because according to a paper written by Mehrak Golestan (found at http://www.iranian.com/History/2004/December/Buddhism/index.html)
“…the first instance of Buddhism entering Iran seems to have been during the life of the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni (roughly 5/6th century BCE. The legend speaks of two Merchant brothers from Bactria (modern day Afghanistan) who visited the Buddha in his eighth week of enlightenment, became his disciples and then returned to Balkh (major city of Bactria) to build temples dedicated to him. Whatever the historical validity of this story, there is strong evidence to show that Balkh did become a major Buddhist region and remained so up until the Arab Muslim invasion of the 7th century.”
There are also some archaeological evidences of Buddhism’s influence in the region.
Nowadays, Buddhism seem to have gone underground in the region, if it exists at all.
The only advice I can give you is to study by yourself, practice the precepts, follow the noble eight-fold path and try to find other like-minded people. If it is legally allowed (I don’t know whether it is or not) why not start your own community?
If you do so, I’ll be happy to list it in my List of Buddhist communities.
If any one else has a resource to offer Sam, please do it in the comment section below.
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