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The roots of Buddhism in Poland can be found in the early 20th century in the nation's connections to the origin countries of the religion, like Vietnam, China, Japan, and Korea. After World War II, primarily expatriate Poles joined various Buddhist groups and organizations. Since the breakdown of the Eastern Bloc, which promoted an antireligious campaign, Buddhism has been able to develop further in the more tolerant atmosphere.
Today all of the principal schools of Buddhism including Mahayana (Zen and Jodo Shinshu) and Tibetan Buddhism can be found in Poland. Movements like the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order are also active in the country. Umbrella organizations like the Buddhist mission (Misja Buddyjska) and the Buddhist Union of Poland unite more than two dozen groups of Buddhists. The Diamond Way centres founded and directed by Ole Nydahl are also active in Poland.
In May 2000, the XIV Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso opened a Buddhist department in the Pomeranian Library in Szczecin.