But that alone was insufficient to learn Buddhism.
Germans had to touch base with Buddhism in a setting of actual
practice and learn more from teachers well – versed in the Dhamma. The ideal
place was Sri Lanka.
Europeans, especially
Germans, using informal networks visited British Ceylon in the early period to
sap the Wisdom of the East.
They were welcomed in
Buddhist Temples and the ordained German monks were supported by the Sinhala
Buddhist laity.
German Buddhist pioneers like
Dr. Paul Dahlke, Ven. Nyanatiloka, Ven. Nyanaponika, Ven. Gnanawimala etc were
revered by the Buddhist Sinhalese. Nyanatiloka and Nyanaponika were given