The popularity of Buddhism in the West has grown steadily over the last century, especially since the mid-20th Century, due to its spiritual depth, focus on mindfulness and compatibility with modern secular values.
Western interest in Buddhist meditation practices, especially Vipassana and Zen, skyrocketed in the 1960s and 1970s and again in the 2000s.
Secularised versions of Buddhist mindfulness – popularised by people like Jon Kabat-Zinn (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR) – are now widely used in mental health therapy, schools and corporate wellness programs.
This non-religious adoption of Buddhist techniques has made it accessible to people who don’t identify as Buddhist.
Buddhism offers a non-theistic, introspective worldview that appeals to spiritual seekers disillusioned with organised religion.
Its emphasis on personal experience, compassion, impermanence and non-attachment resonates with people exploring alternative or minimalist lifestyles.
It’s often seen as a philosophy or way of life rather than a religion, especially in the West.
Immigration from Buddhist-majority countries (like Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Tibet) has helped establish temples, meditation centres and sanghas in the West.
Influential Western teachers and writers – like Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chödrön, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach – have translated complex teachings into modern, accessible language.
Celebrities like Richard Gere, Tina Turner, Orlando Bloom and Steve Jobs have publicly followed or admired Buddhist practices.
Buddhist principles frequently appear in films, books and podcasts focused on mindfulness, wellness and self-development.
Buddhism has been seriously studied in Western academia since at least the 19th Century. Scholars appreciate its deep psychological insights, ethical teachings and contemplative traditions.
Western universities also offer courses in Buddhist philosophy, ethics and history, further legitimising it in intellectual circles.
These adaptations help keep Buddhism relevant without requiring ritual or belief in supernatural elements.
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