Buddhist tradition thrives in Austin, Texas

Text Julia Robinson (AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
Austin's variety of religious expression has exploded. The giant gold Buddha seen along Cap. of Texas Highway North (360) always surprises and delights. It is the Int'l Buddhist Progress Society of Austin at Fo Guang Shan Hsiang Yun Temple (austintexasdailyphoto).

Austin's diverse Buddhist scene is home to dozens of temples, medita-tion groups, and centers. One of the most popular ambassadors of Buddhism in the West, the Dalai Lama, met with President Barack Obama in February. The meeting, which riled Chinese leaders, happened right after Tiger Woods mentioned a return to his Buddhist roots in a public apology for his extramarital affairs.... The national attention on Buddhism has been echoed in the establishment of new Buddhist groups and temples in the Austin area over the past decade. The tradition emerged in the sixth century when the wealthy Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who [thought to have] lived in what is now Nepal, renounced his social status to lead a life pursuing the comprehension of human suffering. More>>