The Spread of Buddhism Essay - 1149 Words

The Spread of Buddhism Buddhism is a philosophy, a moral code, and, for some a religious faith which originated in 530 BC in India. Buddhism evolved as a modification of Hinduism when Hinduism started to become very complicated due to too many sacrifices in the name of God. Today, an estimated 300 million people follow one of the many varieties of Buddhism. Budda, or Siddhartha Guatama which means the awakened one had the religion named after him because he founded the ideas behind Buddhism. Budda, a very wealthy man, was not fulfilled with his life. One day, he decided to leave his home and wondered through the forest, nearly starving himself to death, in search of the answer to his discontent. Nearing death, a woman found†¦show more content†¦The traditionalists, now referred to as Sthaviravada or way of the elders developed a complex set of philosophical ideas beyond those taught by Buddha. These were collected into the Abhidharma or higher teachings. But they, too, encouraged disagreements, so that one group after another left the fold. Ultimately, 18 schools developed, each with their own interpretations of various issues, and spread all over India and Southeast Asia. A significant development happened at the same time as the Buddhist movement began to spread and that was the opening of a new way through, from India to China. Today, we call this way the Silk Road, and we associate it with famous travelers like Marco Polo, whose journeys to China astounded the Europeans of his day. The route was first established by the Chinese in search of horses and trade. It dates back to the second century BC. From that time, it became a regular journey for traders seeking to make a small fortune. In the following centuries, the route fell under control of different political groups, but was always well used until the 15th century AD when sea trade dominated. From early days, silk was exported from China to Italy where it became immensely popular. Grapes and wine making were soon introduced to the East as well as perfumes, spices, unknown animals and birds such as peacocks. From China, we first encountered roses, oranges and pears. There was considerable cost to transport allShow MoreRelatedThe Spread of Buddhism776 Words   |  3 PagesIdeas of ethics; character ethics There are various ideas on the issues pertaining to ethics such as character ethics which is a philosophy that gives a description of success as being based on principles of effective living like humility, integrity, patience, temperance, simplicity, and justice. Female ethic Female ethics attempts to rethink, reformulate or revise ethics that have being in existence traditionally in an extent that devalues or depreciates the moral experience of women. BeforeRead MoreSpread of Buddhism in China834 Words   |  3 Pages Buddhism arrived in China by the first century C.E. by way of the Silk Road. Initially, the spread of Buddhism was met with positivity, but as the centuries passed, the Chinese began to view it in a negative light. Additionally, during a period of disunity and political instability, the Chinese peasants welcomed Buddhism, but as Buddhism became more popular, Chinese aristocracy and government saw it as a threat to their power and moved to discredit its movement. Documents 1, 2, and 5 positivelyRead MoreHistory of the Spread of Buddhism622 Words   |  3 PagesThe Spread of Buddhism While the Western World is largely familiar with elements surrounding the spread of Christianity, these people are inclined to ignore that Buddhism came to experience a similar progression in the East. 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Chang Ch’ien was recorded to first bring Buddhism to China when he heard about India and Buddhist beliefs on his way back to Chi na. In about the 1st century BC, a Buddhist community is said to have been living in China. But the most well-known story of the spreading of Buddhism is when Han emperor, Mingdi, had a dream about BuddhaRead MoreThe Great Spread Of Buddhism For The East1048 Words   |  5 Pagestraversed by Marco Polo, the Chinese traveler Hsuan-tsang, and the Silk Route merchants. Afghanistan has also been the scene for the advance and decline of powerful religions. A muslim country today, it harbors the relics of the age of the great spread of Buddhism for the East. The people of Afghanistan, too, emerge as a study in themselves. Afghans prove to be friendly, hospitable, and full of perseverance and vitality, conquerors of the desert and jealous guardians of their unique culture and historyRead MoreEssay about The Spread of Buddhism and Christianity1551 Words   |  7 PagesThe Spread of Buddhism and Christianity Buddhism and Christianity were each founded by one person, and then eventually grew into two of the largest religions in the world. Each religion had different reasons for the success in the spreading of each respected belief. Although both faced many hardships, the two religions overcame and prevailed through their problems and continued to find ways to attract new believers every day. Buddhism was founded by one man, Siddhartha Guatama. HeRead MoreA Silk Road Legacy : The Spread Of Buddhism1529 Words   |  7 PagesIn the article, â€Å"A Silk Road Legacy: The Spread of Buddhism and Islam† by Xinru Liu, the author discusses the dominance of Buddhism in Central Asia and how the religion made its way from Central Asia into China, India, and other parts of Asia. Xinru Liu also discusses how the regions in Central Asia were divided into many city-states that never unified. Because of this, no region in Central Asia ever had an official religion and there was a variety of religions practiced by the people, such as ZoroastrianismRead MoreThe Founding And Spread Of Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, And Hinduism1671 Words   |  7 Pagesinfluence each other. When analyzing the founding and spread of Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, and Hinduism, it is evident that although there are many distinguishing differences between the four religions, there are multiple si milarities that link them all with each other. The word Buddhism is derived from the word â€Å"budhi†, to awaken, so it makes sense that the creation of the religion begins with its founder’s awakening. It is said that Buddhism started in the 6th century due to the actions of its