Author: Mehrullah Muhajer Azizi
The History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 7)
Continuation of the previous part:
In the previous section, which discussed the classification of religions, their differences, and the history of Indian religions, this section examines the formation and development of Buddhism. It also provides a brief and clear discussion of the spread of Buddhism in South and North Asian countries, along with a concise biography of the Buddha.
The History of the Formation and Development of Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India, and its history dates back to the sixth century BCE. In its early stages, Buddhism did not spread significantly within India; rather, its expansion and upward trajectory began after the passage of two centuries. The major historical phases of Buddhism in India are examined as follows:
The spread of Buddhism accelerated during the reign of King Ashoka (272–232 BCE), the powerful ruler of India. Ashoka was initially a brutal and tyrannical king, but later he embraced the teachings of the Buddha, became a Buddhist, and repented for his past and oppression. As a devoted promoter of Buddhism, he built temples and made great efforts to spread the religion. His sincere efforts as a powerful ruler led to widespread public acceptance of Buddhism. During his reign, the first missionary delegation, led by his son, was sent to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 250 BCE, and other missions were sent to various regions.[1]
Ashoka’s reign, which lasted twenty-eight years, is considered one of the most brilliant periods in Indian history. He initiated a major movement of welfare and development: he dug wells, planted numerous trees, and established hospitals, public gardens, and parks where medicinal plants were cultivated.
Ashoka paid special attention to the indigenous people of India, planned educational programs for women, and made substantial charitable contributions to Buddhist educational institutions. He then expanded his activities beyond India’s borders, sending religious missions to Kashmir, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the Greek Empire, the Himalayas, Persia, and Alexandria. In this way, Buddhism transformed from a local Indian religion into a global faith.[2]
For this reason, scholars of the history of religions consider Ashoka, after the Buddha, the most important figure in preserving Buddhism. He saved the religion from decline and gave it significant expansion through his dedicated efforts. It is said that after Ashoka’s death, Buddhism continued to be widely accepted for about forty years; however, afterward, it gradually faced strong opposition, its growth slowed, and it began to decline.
Another important period of flourishing for Buddhism was during the reign of King Kanishka, who ruled in the first century CE. After converting to Buddhism, he made notable efforts to promote it. During his reign, significant developments occurred, such as the formal establishment of the Mahayana school, one of the major branches of Buddhism. Additionally, Buddhist art, which was a synthesis of Indian and Greek styles, reached its peak. Another major achievement was the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China by Buddhist followers.
The period of the Gupta dynasty (from the early 5th century CE to the end of the 6th century CE) also played a significant role in the expansion and flourishing of Buddhism. Although the rulers of this dynasty were not Buddhists, they showed tolerance and support toward Buddhism and cooperated with its followers. As a result, Buddhism experienced renewed vitality during this period.
Another golden age of Buddhism occurred during the rule of the Pala dynasty in eastern India (from the mid-8th to the late 12th century CE). Many rulers of this dynasty were devoted Buddhists who actively promoted the religion. They provided substantial support to Nalanda University, a major center for Buddhist studies established in the 6th century CE. As a result, this university gained global recognition until the 9th century CE, after which it declined. Although Buddhism lost much of its earlier prominence after the 9th century, it remained an important cultural force until the 12th century CE. After that, Buddhism in India entered a period of decline.[3]
Causes of the Decline of Buddhism in India
There are several reasons for the decline of Buddhism in India, including:
A. Foreign Invasions:
One of the major causes was invasions by non-Indian groups. For example, the invasion of the White Huns in the 6th century CE, as well as the invasions by Muslim rulers between the 10th and 12th centuries, and the dominance of the Khalji dynasty in the late 12th century, led to instability and the destruction of temples, ultimately weakening Buddhism.
B. Assimilation into Hinduism:
Another important factor was that Hindu Brahmins came to regard the Buddha as the ninth incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu. This belief gradually spread and became widely accepted among Hindus.
In addition to these, there may have been other contributing factors, but these two are considered the most significant causes of Buddhism’s decline in India. Ultimately, while Buddhism declined in India, it gained strength and spread to other countries.
Transformation of Buddhism Outside India
The development of Buddhism in other countries can be understood through the spread of its two major branches: Hinayana and Mahayana. Since Hinayana spread in South Asia and Mahayana in North Asia, Buddhist countries are often divided into southern and northern groups.
The southern countries include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, while the northern countries include China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and Mongolia. This division is also sometimes referred to as “early Buddhism” (southern) and “later Buddhism” (northern).[4]
Continues…
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References:
[1]. Fayaz Qarapi, Religions of India, p. 348.
[2]. Al-Adyan al-Wad‘iyyah (Man-Made Religions), p. 229.
[3]. Fayaz Qarapi, Religions of India, p. 346.
[4]. Safar al-Hawali, Usul al-Firaq wa al-Madhahib al-Fikriyyah (Principles of Sects and Intellectual Schools), p. 1.
