Reasons for the Spread of Buddhism
As summarized by the Silk Road Foundation, legend has it that Buddhism got its start in the sixth century B.C.E. when a youth named Siddhartha renounced his sheltered and privileged life after learning that human existence is plagued by suffering, sickness, aging and death. Moved by this discovery, he ventured into the world seeking enlightenment and, after attaining it, spent the rest of his life traveling and spreading his teachings. Following his death, Buddhism spread for several reasons.
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Broad Appeal To The People
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According to the British Museum, Buddhism rose partly in response to the dominance of early Hinduism, the religion of the privileged classes (Brahmins and aristocracy) and not tolerant of the lower classes. This relatively exclusive, established religion also emphasized the importance of rituals. The straightforward teachings of Buddhism were available to all and easy to understand, giving them broad appeal with the masses. Buddhism also did not call for the practice of formal rituals to attain enlightenment.
Support From an Important Leader
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Around 300 B.C.E., Mauyran emperor Ashoka, after expanding his empire through force, became convinced that his victories in war had been empty. With this newfound awareness, he did a complete turnaround. According to California State University's Kevin Wold, Ashoka decreed that all should honor the sanctity of human life; he forbade the mutilation and killing of animals. As an avid Buddhist, he built more than 80,000 stupas (shrines) throughout his empire that encompassed much of the known world. He also instituted positive reforms to benefit all people, regardless of their caste.
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Early Trade Routes
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The development of trade routes that passed through the birthplace of Buddhism, and throughout that area of the globe, was an important factor in the spread of Buddhism. The Silk Road Foundation reports that nomads brought Buddhism to the steppes of China as early as the second century B.C.E. At around the same time, the Silk Road was functioning as a major trade route throughout China, India and Central Asia. Easier travel helped hasten the spread of ideas as well as goods.
Worldwide Appeal Of Buddhism Today
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Buddhism continues to spread and has become a global religion with adherents numbering in the hundreds of millions. Expert estimates vary but tend to be in the vicinity of 300 million, according to the Buddha Dharma Education Association. These adherents believe that Buddhism has increased in popularity in western countries because Buddhist teachings offer answers to many problems of modern life and because Buddhist wisdom offers a way to understand the human mind.
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