It was in 1891 that the American Buddhist…

It was in 1891 that the American Buddhist Henry Steel OIcott, founder of the Theosophical Society came to Australia. Here he attended a series of lectures, which led to a greater spread of Buddhism in small circles of the middle class society in Australia. It is believed that the first Buddhist monk visited Australia in 1910. Soon more monks started visiting Australia. But during the period 1986-1991 the number has increased manifold. During this phase Buddhism gained immense spread from its ardent devotees who were committed towards this religion. The first formal Buddhist organization in Australia was the Buddhist Study Group, Melbourne. It was formed by Len Bullen in 1938. Today, it is not at all surprising to come across various publications at any bookshop that displays vibrant and multiple images of Lord Buddha or some symbols relating to the faith. Today, the population following this faith is made up not only of people of Asian origin: it has caste a spell on a large number of natives as well.