To understand better expansion of Buddhism around the world, which is being practiced by more than 300 million people currently, one needs to look back to its birth and understand the peaceful nature and humanity of Buddhism, it diversity and methods of teaching, which makes it a fit for different cultures and societies. Buddhism was founded in Northeast India in Sixth century B.C. by a young prince who lived a privileged life for 29 years. In this predominantly Hindu land, corruption existed between the Hindu priests and social imbalance led to forming of new philosophies. However it wasn’t until Prince Siddharta Gautama flied from his palace to a discovery of poverty, deceases and hunger outside the Palace walls that triggered his decision
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Often merchants that traveled and practiced, settled in new areas and their way of life spiked interest in the local population. ”Such a process occurred with Buddhism in the oasis states along the Silk Route in Central Asia during the two centuries before and after the common era” (Berzin, 2012). Beliefs were also spread by powerful monarchs and important figures who influenced their followers by choosing the teachings of Buddha. In the 3rd Century King Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after realizing the amount of lives lost and blood spelt started the spread of Buddhism outside India. King Ashoka expanded the religion by sending monks to “surrounding territories to share the teachings of the Buddha” and lead ethical life (UShistory.org). Each new place and culture Buddhism reached, the religion adapted and was changed to fit the local customs and believes. “Buddhist methods and styles were modified to fit the local mentality, without compromising the essential points of wisdom and compassion” (Berzin, …show more content…
One went to Southeast Asia, the so called Theravada Buddhism, it’s found in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, a little bit in Vietnam (not that much). Another wave went through Central Asia to China, and from China to Japan and Korea, and down to Vietnam. And another wave that went later from India to Tibet, and from Tibet to Mongolia, and throughout Central Asia and to the various Mongol groups who came to Russia, so the Buryats, the Kalmyks and also a Turkic group – the Tuvinians. So we have a wide diversity, and that is a bit simplifying, because within that there were various
Often merchants that traveled and practiced, settled in new areas and their way of life spiked interest in the local population. ”Such a process occurred with Buddhism in the oasis states along the Silk Route in Central Asia during the two centuries before and after the common era” (Berzin, 2012). Beliefs were also spread by powerful monarchs and important figures who influenced their followers by choosing the teachings of Buddha. In the 3rd Century King Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after realizing the amount of lives lost and blood spelt started the spread of Buddhism outside India. King Ashoka expanded the religion by sending monks to “surrounding territories to share the teachings of the Buddha” and lead ethical life (UShistory.org). Each new place and culture Buddhism reached, the religion adapted and was changed to fit the local customs and believes. “Buddhist methods and styles were modified to fit the local mentality, without compromising the essential points of wisdom and compassion” (Berzin, …show more content…
One went to Southeast Asia, the so called Theravada Buddhism, it’s found in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, a little bit in Vietnam (not that much). Another wave went through Central Asia to China, and from China to Japan and Korea, and down to Vietnam. And another wave that went later from India to Tibet, and from Tibet to Mongolia, and throughout Central Asia and to the various Mongol groups who came to Russia, so the Buryats, the Kalmyks and also a Turkic group – the Tuvinians. So we have a wide diversity, and that is a bit simplifying, because within that there were various