German Buddhists divided on Buddhist activity: Dr. Marianne Wachs "insults" the Berlin Buddhist Vihara

Asian Tribune, Thursday, June 7, 2007

Denying the allegations of Dr. Marianne Wachs that the Buddhist Vihara in Berlin is in decline Tobias Siesmayer, Chairman of the Supporting Association of the Berlin Buddhist Vihara, has written to the Asian Tribune saying there has been "positive development during the last six to seven years" and that it is "still popular with tourists, students" etc.

Here is the full text of the letter:

Letter to the Editor, Asian Tribune regarding the insults of Dr. Marianne Wachs directed at the Berlin Buddhist Vihara

Dear Madam/Sir,

As Chairman of the supporting association of the Berlin Buddhist Vihara I can say that the Berlin Vihara ( DasBuddhistische Haus) has seen a absolute positive development during the last six to seven years. The management is doing its best in consideration of the difficulties it takes to maintain a Buddhist temple in a country with a non-Buddhistic tradition.

The Berlin Vihara is still a popular site for Buddhists, tourists, students and many different kinds of visitors and they are offered an extensive monthly programme. I don't know the intention of Dr. Wachs in attempting to discredit the Berlin Vihara in public. But regarding her letter as a whole and noticing all the accusation she makes in different directions it should be quite obvious that probably she has an issue with some people in the Buddhist world. Her letter should be understood bearing this point in mind.

Tobias Siesmayer,
Chairman of the Supporting Association of the Berlin Buddhist Vihara
(Buddhistisches Haus Förderverein)

source: http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/6049