Glossary

7.3 The Rise of Buddhism and its Spread

4 min read•august 15, 2024

Buddhism emerged in ancient India, challenging traditional Hindu beliefs. The 's teachings on suffering, enlightenment, and the Middle Way gained followers across social classes. His ideas spread beyond India's borders, evolving into different schools of thought.

As Buddhism expanded, it adapted to local cultures while maintaining core principles. The religion's emphasis on personal spiritual growth and rejection of the caste system appealed to many. Its spread along trade routes led to diverse regional forms of Buddhism.

Life and Teachings of the Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama's Early Life and Spiritual Journey

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  • Born into a wealthy family in present-day Nepal around the 5th century BCE
  • Left his life of luxury to seek spiritual enlightenment through asceticism (extreme self-denial and austerity)
  • After years of searching, attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree
  • Became known as the Buddha, or "Enlightened One"

The Buddha's Core Teachings

  • Life is characterized by suffering (dukkha) caused by desire and attachment
  • Rejected the authority of the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures) and the caste system
  • Taught the , emphasizing the Middle Way between extreme asceticism and indulgence as the path to liberation from suffering
  • Established a monastic order () for his followers to practice his teachings
    • The Sangha was open to all regardless of caste or social status (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras)

Core Principles of Buddhism

The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

  • The are the foundational teachings of Buddhism
    1. Life is suffering (dukkha)
    2. Suffering arises from attachment and desire
    3. Suffering can be overcome
    4. The path to overcoming suffering is the
  • The Eightfold Path is the Buddhist path to liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth
    1. Right understanding
    2. Right thought
    3. Right speech
    4. Right action
    5. Right livelihood
    6. Right effort
    7. Right mindfulness
    8. Right concentration

Key Buddhist Concepts

  • : an individual's actions in this life determine their fate in future rebirths
    • Good actions lead to positive outcomes (merit)
    • Bad actions result in negative consequences (demerit)
  • : the ultimate goal of Buddhism, a state of enlightenment characterized by the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth
    • Achieved through the practice of the Eightfold Path and the realization of the Four Noble Truths
  • (non-self): the doctrine that the self is an illusion and that all things are impermanent and subject to change
    • Rejects the concept of an eternal, unchanging soul (atman) found in Hinduism

Theravada vs Mahayana Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism

  • Also known as the "School of the Elders," the more conservative branch
  • Emphasizes individual enlightenment through strict adherence to the Buddha's original teachings
  • Dominant form of Buddhism in Southeast Asian countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar)
  • Holds that enlightenment is attained through individual effort and strict monastic discipline (Vinaya)

Mahayana Buddhism

  • Also known as the "Great Vehicle," developed later than
  • Places greater emphasis on compassion and the ideal
    • A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who delays their own nirvana to help others attain enlightenment (, )
  • More prevalent in East Asian countries (China, Japan, and Korea)
  • Believes that enlightenment can be achieved through various means, including devotion to bodhisattvas and the study of sutras (Buddhist scriptures)
  • Introduced the concept of sunyata (emptiness), which holds that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and are interconnected

Key Differences

  • Theravada primarily focuses on the historical Buddha, , while recognizes multiple Buddhas and bodhisattvas (, )
  • Mahayana Buddhism developed a more extensive pantheon of divine beings, while Theravada places less emphasis on such figures

Spread of Buddhism Beyond India

Patronage and Missionary Activities

  • Emperor of the Mauryan Empire (268-232 BCE) embraced Buddhism and sent missionaries to various regions
    • Sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka
    • Sent missionaries to (Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia)
  • The routes facilitated the transmission of Buddhism to Central Asia and China
    • Buddhist monks and merchants traveled along these routes, establishing monasteries and spreading the teachings of the Buddha (Dunhuang, Bamiyan)

Inclusivity and Adaptability

  • The inclusive nature of Buddhism, which welcomed people from all social classes and backgrounds, made it appealing to many individuals who felt excluded by the rigid caste system of Hinduism
  • The simple and practical teachings of Buddhism, which emphasized personal responsibility and the alleviation of suffering, resonated with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
  • The adaptability of Buddhism allowed it to assimilate local beliefs and practices as it spread to new regions, contributing to the development of distinct regional forms of Buddhism (Zen in Japan, Tibetan Buddhism)

Translation and Scholarship

  • The translation of Buddhist texts into local languages (Chinese, Tibetan) made the teachings more accessible to a wider audience
    • The Chinese Buddhist canon (Tripiṭaka) contains translations of numerous Buddhist texts
  • The establishment of Buddhist monasteries and universities (Nalanda in India) attracted scholars and students from various parts of Asia, who then carried the teachings back to their homelands
    • Nalanda was a major center of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from China () and

Key Terms to Review (23)

Amitabha: Amitabha is a celestial Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism, known for his infinite light and life. He is particularly significant in Pure Land Buddhism, where devotees believe that faith in Amitabha can lead to rebirth in his Pure Land, a realm of bliss and enlightenment. This belief played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism as it offered a more accessible path to salvation compared to earlier, more austere practices.
Anatta: Anatta, often translated as 'non-self' or 'no-soul', is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that emphasizes the absence of a permanent, unchanging self. This idea is central to understanding the nature of existence and suffering, asserting that individuals do not possess an immutable essence but are instead composed of constantly changing physical and mental processes. This belief plays a significant role in the teachings of the Buddha, particularly regarding the path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
Ashoka: Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who reigned from approximately 268 to 232 BCE, known for his significant role in the spread of Buddhism and the establishment of a more ethical and humane governance. After witnessing the devastation of war, particularly during the Kalinga War, he embraced Buddhism and promoted its teachings across his empire, leading to a period of peace and prosperity marked by the establishment of edicts that emphasized moral governance and non-violence.
Avalokiteshvara: Avalokiteshvara is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often associated with compassion and mercy. This figure embodies the principle of selfless altruism, striving to assist all sentient beings in their quest for enlightenment. As Buddhism spread across different regions, Avalokiteshvara became a significant deity, taking on various forms and representations, reflecting the cultural and spiritual values of those who embraced the teachings.
Bodhisattva: A bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve the same state. This concept emphasizes compassion and altruism in Buddhism, as these enlightened individuals are committed to assisting all sentient beings in their spiritual journeys, rather than entering Nirvana alone. The idea of the bodhisattva played a crucial role in the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism, marking a shift from individual enlightenment to collective salvation.
Buddha: The term 'Buddha' refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who attained enlightenment and shared his insights about suffering, the nature of existence, and the path to spiritual liberation. His teachings emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which serve as guides for followers seeking to overcome suffering and achieve Nirvana. This figure has had a profound influence on various cultures, philosophies, and religious practices throughout history.
Dharma: Dharma refers to the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides an individual's conduct in life, central to Indian religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. It embodies the ethical responsibilities and duties specific to one's age, caste, and gender, shaping behavior and societal roles. In Buddhism, dharma also encompasses the teachings of the Buddha, which provide a path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that outlines the path to achieving enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It consists of eight interconnected practices that guide individuals in cultivating ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. By following this path, practitioners aim to overcome ignorance and desire, ultimately leading to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.
Four Noble Truths: The Four Noble Truths are the foundational principles of Buddhism, outlining the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. They explain that suffering exists, it has a cause, it can be overcome, and there is a path leading to the cessation of suffering. These truths are central to understanding Buddhist teachings and play a crucial role in the rise of Buddhism and its spread across Asia.
Karma: Karma is a concept in Indian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, that refers to the principle of cause and effect, where an individual's actions directly influence their future experiences and circumstances. In this context, karma underscores the moral dimension of actions, suggesting that good deeds lead to positive outcomes while harmful actions result in negative consequences, shaping the cycle of rebirth and spiritual progression.
Lotus Sutra: The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important and revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism, believed to have been composed in the first century CE. This scripture emphasizes the concept of universal salvation and teaches that all beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood, regardless of their status or background. The Lotus Sutra is significant for its poetic style, profound philosophical ideas, and its role in shaping the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism across Asia.
Mahayana: Mahayana is one of the two major branches of Buddhism, emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva and the pursuit of enlightenment not just for oneself but for all beings. It emerged around the first century CE and played a significant role in spreading Buddhist teachings beyond India, making it a pivotal element in the growth of Buddhism throughout Asia.
Manjushri: Manjushri is a prominent bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, known as the embodiment of wisdom and insight. He is often depicted wielding a sword that cuts through ignorance and delusion, symbolizing the sharpness of wisdom. As Buddhism spread across Asia, Manjushri became a significant figure in various cultures, representing the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Nirvana: Nirvana is a central concept in Buddhism that refers to the ultimate state of liberation and freedom from suffering, desire, and the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). It represents the end of suffering and the achievement of spiritual enlightenment, where one transcends worldly attachments and desires. This concept is essential to understanding the teachings of Buddhism, as it emphasizes the importance of overcoming desires and achieving inner peace.
Sangha: Sangha refers to the community of monks, nuns, and lay followers who practice Buddhism and support one another in their spiritual journeys. This community plays a vital role in preserving the teachings of the Buddha and facilitating the spread of Buddhism, as it provides a supportive environment for both practitioners and those seeking enlightenment.
Siddhartha Gautama: Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, is the founder of Buddhism and lived around the 5th to 4th century BCE in ancient India. He attained enlightenment after years of seeking answers to suffering and life's ultimate questions, leading to the establishment of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which became central tenets of Buddhism and significantly influenced its rise and spread throughout Asia.
Silk road trade: Silk road trade refers to the network of trade routes connecting the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas across Asia, Europe, and Africa from around the 2nd century BCE until the 14th century CE. This trade network was crucial for the spread of not only luxury items like silk and spices but also religions such as Buddhism, and it played a significant role in establishing diplomatic relations and alliances among various civilizations.
Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia is a geographical region that includes the countries situated south of China, east of India, and north of Australia. This area is known for its diverse cultures, languages, and religions, which have been influenced by trade, colonization, and migration. The region plays a crucial role in the history of Buddhism, particularly in its rise and spread throughout the area.
Theravada: Theravada is one of the oldest branches of Buddhism, often referred to as 'the School of the Elders'. It focuses on the teachings attributed to the historical Buddha, emphasizing individual enlightenment through meditation and ethical living. This form of Buddhism primarily spread across Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, influencing various cultures and societies.
Tibet: Tibet is a region in Central Asia, located on the Tibetan Plateau, known for its unique culture, language, and religious practices, particularly Tibetan Buddhism. It became a significant center for the spread of Buddhism, especially during the 7th century, influencing both religious thought and practices throughout Asia.
Tripitaka: Tripitaka, also known as the 'Three Baskets,' is the traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures, which encompass the teachings of the Buddha and the early monastic community. It is divided into three main sections: the Vinaya Pitaka, which deals with monastic rules; the Sutta Pitaka, containing discourses and teachings attributed to the Buddha; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which presents a philosophical and doctrinal analysis of the teachings. The Tripitaka plays a crucial role in preserving Buddhist doctrine and guiding the practice of Buddhism as it spread across Asia.
Vairocana: Vairocana is a celestial Buddha in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, often regarded as the embodiment of the ultimate reality and the source of all Buddhas. He symbolizes the wisdom that transcends duality and is often depicted at the center of Buddhist cosmology, representing the true nature of existence. His teachings and image have played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism across various cultures, influencing practices and beliefs.
Xuanzang: Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler who lived during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) and is best known for his pilgrimage to India to acquire sacred texts and knowledge about Buddhism. His journey significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism in China, as he brought back numerous scriptures and played a vital role in translating these texts into Chinese.
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