Author: Mehrullah Muhajer Azizi
The History and Beliefs of Buddhism Part (part 8)
The History of the Formation and Development of Buddhism (Continued)
In continuation, we now examine the process of transformation and the spread of Buddhism in the countries of South and North Asia:
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The Development and Spread of Buddhism in Southern Countries
a. Sri Lanka:
Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka in the mid-3rd century BCE under the organization of Ashoka. He sent a mission led by his son to preach and promote Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The king and the people of Sri Lanka warmly welcomed this mission and eventually accepted the Buddhist faith. In a short time, the religion spread among the people, and many temples were established.
Initially, the teachings of Buddha in Sri Lanka were not written down but were transmitted orally from generation to generation. However, toward the end of the 1st century BCE, due to fear of foreign invasions and the disintegration of Buddhist communities, the body of Buddhist teachings was written down in the Pali language.
A few centuries later, specifically in the 4th century CE, these teachings were translated from Pali into the Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) language.
It is believed that some relics of Buddha, including one of his teeth, were brought from India to Sri Lanka, where they are still preserved and venerated by Buddhists. It is also reported that a branch of the tree under which Buddha attained Nirvana was cut and planted in Sri Lanka, and it remains there to this day. ]1]
According to contemporary historical sources, Buddhism is now recognized as the official religion in Sri Lanka, with about 70% of the population adhering to it, while the remaining 30% follow other religions such as Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
b. Indonesia:
Indonesia is one of the countries that served as an important center of Buddhism for several centuries. Buddhism entered Indonesia in the early 5th century CE through India.
It is said that from the 7th to the 11th century CE, Buddhism flourished significantly in Indonesia, making it one of the major centers of the religion. However, due to the spread and influence of Islam in the country, Buddhism gradually declined and eventually lost its prominence by the mid-16th century CE.
Statistics from 2018 show that Islam constitutes the majority religion in Indonesia, with approximately 86.6% Muslims, 3.12% Catholics, 1.74% Hindus, 0.77% Buddhists, 7.6% Protestants, and others.
c. Burma (Myanmar):
Buddhism was introduced into Burma in the 5th century CE through India. Upon its arrival, it was warmly received by the people and began to flourish. Over time, Burma became one of the major centers of Buddhism.
In 1961, Buddhism was declared the official religion of the country, with about 90% of the population adhering to it. This country is considered one of the most religious Buddhist nations in terms of the number of monks and the proportion of income devoted to religion.
d. Thailand:
Buddhism also entered Thailand in the 5th century CE through India. It is recognized as the largest religion in the country, with approximately 93% of the population following it.
According to the constitution, Buddhism is the official religion of the country; however, religious freedom is guaranteed for all citizens. By law, anyone appointed as president or king must be a follower of Buddhism; otherwise, they are not eligible for the position.
Muslims constitute a minority in Thailand and mostly live in the southern regions of the country. Officially, five religions are recognized in Thailand: Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity.
Continues…
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References:
[1]. Fayyaz Qarapi, Religions of India, p. 352.
