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Census 2006 indicated that Buddhist membership in Ireland increased by just over 67% over the four year period since 2002. The religion registered 6,516 members in 2006.
Buddhism developed in three distinct phases, each emphasising different aspects of the Buddha's teachings. The main branches, all of which have a presence in Ireland, are as follows.
- Theravada or Southern Buddhism is described as the oldest tradition and is strongest in southern Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma. There are some centres in Ireland supporting this tradition of Buddhist practice.
- Mahayana or Eastern Buddhism developed as a second phase and is found in China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Chan Buddhism developed in China as a specific tradition within this overall phase of development and spread throughout Asia where it is sometimes called Zen Buddhism. Groups such as Mindfulness Ireland, Soto Zen and the Long Van Temple in Clondalkin, Dublin, are examples of this overall tradition.
- Tibetan Buddhism is the best known school in Vajrayana/Tantric/Northern Buddhism. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a key leader of Tibetan Buddhism, which builds on the Mahayana tradition and is practised in Tibet, Nepal, Siberia, Mongolia and Northern India. There are centres in several parts of Ireland supporting Tibetan Buddhist practices, some of which are supported by Tibetan Lamas.
- Various forms of Western Buddhism are also in existence, some of which may follow or are influenced by an Asian school. An example is the Dublin Buddhist Centre in Dublin.
Buddhist contributors have indicated that there is growing interest in Buddhism in Ireland. There are a number of Buddhist teachers, some of whom are Asian, visiting or living in Ireland. There are also an increasing number of people visiting Buddhist centres to learn about Buddhism. Based on contribution to this section, Buddhist practice in Ireland can be categorised as follows:
- There are a number of Asians living in Ireland who were raised in areas of the world where Buddhism is an established religion including China, Mongolia, Nepal, Tibet and Vietnam. These are continuing their practice in Ireland but may not have contact with Buddhist centres and groups in Ireland.
- Westerners, including those of Irish, UK and American origin, who have become Buddhist are following a specific Buddhist tradition and raising their children as Buddhists. This group usually have contact with Buddhist groups and are likely to wish to avail of Buddhist practices when ill or near death.
- A number of people are partaking in Buddhist practices and blending them with their own religious beliefs, often Christianity. Buddhist teachers, as a general principle, encourage people to learn from Buddhism without converting. As a result many of this group may not wish to avail of Buddhist practices in healthcare settings.
