History and Propagation of Buddhism in Asia and the West

Buddhism in Korea: Introduction, Recognition, and Decline

Buddhism was first introduced to the region currently known as Korea in $915\,B.E.$ during the reign of the Gogu-ryeo kingdom. The introduction was facilitated by Zuntao, a Buddhist emissary who brought the religion from China. Following this initial introduction, the religion gained further recognition and prominence through the efforts of Marananda, an Indian Buddhist monk who arrived in the country to propagate Buddhist teachings.

A period of significant decline and oppression began in $1935\,B.E.$ when the Joseon dynasty came to power. The Joseon rulers were devout believers in Confucianism and consequently withdrew state support for Buddhism, actively engaging in the oppression of Buddhist practitioners. This external pressure was compounded when Japan eventually captured and ruled Korea. During the Japanese occupation, strict rules and regulations were imposed to maintain control over Buddhist temples and religious operations.

Buddhism in India: Modern Revival and Current Status

A significant modern revival of Buddhism occurred in India in $2499\,B.E.$ During this time, the Indian government organized the Buddha Jayanti to celebrate the $25^{\text{th}}$ Buddhist century. This period marked a turning point for the religion in its country of origin, leading to a contemporary increase in the number of Buddhist practitioners.

Today, India serves as a primary destination for global pilgrimages, housing numerous important religious sites and temples. Notable locations include Kusinara Chalermraj. India remains a spiritual hub for Buddhists worldwide due to its status as the location of the most significant historical sites associated with the religion.

Buddhism in Bhutan: Introduction and Leadership

The introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan is attributed to Guru Padmasambho, also known as Ugyen Rinpoche, who was the first person to bring the faith to the country. Over time, Buddhism's influence grew until it was eventually established as the national religion of Bhutan.

Further propagation occurred in $1796\,B.E.$ when Lama Pacho, also referred to as Darukomchingpo, arrived from Tibet to spread the teachings. Another key figure in the historical development of the religion was Ngavangnamyale, a Tibetan who was recognized as a prominent leader responsible for the widespread dissemination of Buddhism throughout the region.

Buddhism in Nepal: Modern Revival and Spiritual Leadership

Nepal has experienced a modern revival specifically within the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. This revival is characterized by strong international relations with other Buddhist nations. As part of this exchange, Nepalese Buddhist monks and novices are frequently sent to countries like Thailand for further study. Currently, Nepalese monks pursue religious education at Buddhist universities in Thailand to deepen their understanding of the Dhamma.

Spiritual leadership from abroad has also played a crucial role in the development of Buddhism in Nepal. Somdet Phra Nanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakalamahasanghaparinayaka (Charoen Suvaddhano), the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, was invited to Kathmandu to conduct and oversee the ordination ceremony for the Nepalese people.

Buddhism in Sri Lanka: Royal Support and Foreign Exchange

Buddhism was originally introduced to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. The mission was led by Phra Mahidrathera, accompanied by four other Buddhist monks who were sent by King Asoka the Great specifically to propagate the religion. However, between $12\,B.E.$ and $17\,B.E.$, the country faced severe internal problems and invasions from India, which led to a significant decline in the status of Buddhism.

A period of restoration occurred between $1697\,B.E.$ and $1730\,B.E.$ under the reign of King Parakramabahu. He was a staunch supporter of the faith, appointing a Sangharaja to administer the Sangha community and commissioning the construction of many temples. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka became a central hub for Buddhism. While the country later faced capture by the Tamils, the Sinhalese leader eventually regained independence. Following this, King Anordhamanchor of Burma assisted in the revival of the faith by sending twenty Buddhist monks to perform ordinations for Sri Lankans.

Buddhism in Tibet: Animism and Royal Patronage

The first Tibetan monarch to believe in Buddhism was King Lha Thothori Nyantsen, who received offerings, Buddhist scriptures, and Buddha images from an Indian representative. Despite this royal interest, Buddhism did not immediately become popular among the general population because Tibetans were deeply rooted in Ponpoism, a form of Animism involving the belief in spirits and ghosts.

Later, King Sarongsankampo significantly advanced the cause of Buddhism by supporting the scholarship and study of Buddhist scriptures. He eventually declared Buddhism to be the national religion of Tibet, solidifying its place in the culture despite the initial cultural dominance of local spirit-based beliefs.

Buddhism in China: Communist Rule and Restoration under Reform

In $2492\,B.E.$, China transitioned to a communist system of government, which had a devastating impact on Buddhism. The government destroyed Buddhist sites and prohibited the performance of any religious activities for several decades. This period of suppression lasted until approximately $2520\,B.E.$

The situation for Buddhists improved under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. As he moved to give more freedom to the Chinese people, a revival of Mahayana Buddhism began in the country. This era of reform allowed for the restoration of religious practices that had been previously forbidden under stricter communist rule.

Buddhism in Japan: Diplomatic and Royal Introduction

Buddhism was introduced to Japan in $1095\,B.E.$ during the reign of King Kimmei, the $29^{\text{th}}$ Emperor of Japan. The introduction was a diplomatic event involving the Kingdom of Korea. King Zemavo of Korea sent ambassadors to Japan carrying Buddha images, Buddhist scriptures, and a royal message specifically requesting that King Kimmei accept Buddhism. This formal exchange laid the groundwork for the religion's integration into Japanese society.

Buddhism in Great Britain: Scholarship and Translation

The development of Buddhism in Great Britain was heavily influenced by literary and scholarly works. In $2422\,B.E.$, Sir Edwin Arnold published 'The Light of Asia', a book detailing the life of the Buddha that gained significant attention. This was followed in $2424\,B.E.$ by the establishment of the Pali Text Society by Professor T.W. Rhys David, which focused on publishing the Tripitaka in English.

In $2450\,B.E.$, the Buddhist Association of Great Britain and Ireland was established in London. This era also saw the publication of Buddhist journals and pamphlets, as well as the creation of the Buddhist Foundation. The foundation was tasked with sending Buddhist missionaries to various countries to further propagate the religion.

Buddhism in Germany: Literature and Unification

Propagation in Germany began in $2466\,B.E.$ when Dr. Karl Seidenst6cker established an association in Leipzig to support Buddhist studies. A significant literary contribution during this time was the publication of "Buddhavacana" by a German Buddhist monk named Phra Nyanadilok, which was made available in German and multiple other languages.

Following the reunification of West and East Germany, efforts were made to translate the entirety of the Tripitaka into the German language. The Religious Council of Berlin was constructed as a designated religious place. Several Thai-style temples have also been established in Germany, including Buddharam Temple, Buddhavihara Temple, Munich Thai Temple, and Buddhapiya Wararam Temple.

Buddhism in the Netherlands: Trade and Thai Support

Buddhism first reached the Netherlands through Dutch traders and Sri Lankans who traveled there for education. In $2498\,B.E.$, the Dutch Buddhist Association was founded. Later, in $2507\,B.E.$, Dutch Buddhists established a center for Buddhist studies in the city of the Hague to publicize activities and arrange religious events.

Support from Thailand played a major role in the modern expansion of Buddhism in the Netherlands. In $2512\,B.E.$, the Thai Embassy assisted in the creation of the Buddhist Association. By $2516\,B.E.$, several Thai temples were constructed, including Buddharam Temple and Buddhavihara Temple in Amsterdam. Currently, the management and propagation of the faith are heavily supported by Thai Buddhist monks.

Buddhism in Australia: Missions and the Forest Tradition

Buddhism was introduced to Australia in $2435\,B.E.$ by an English Buddhist monk named Sasaja (Mr. E. Stevenson), who had been ordained in Burma. Institutional growth followed with the establishment of the Buddhist Associations of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria in $2496\,B.E.$ to promote Dhamma principles. The New South Wales association began publishing a journal titled "Buddhism" in $2497\,B.E.$, and the Buddhist Association of Tasmania was formed in $2498\,B.E.$

Further spread occurred between $2497\,B.E.$ and $2499\,B.E.$ through the work of a Burmese monk named Uthitila. To unify efforts, various associations formed the Union of Buddhism of Australia, headquartered in Canberra. A major impact was made by Phra Jagaro, an Australian monk who was ordained in Thailand by Phra Bodhinyana Thera (Chah Subhaddho) at Nong Pahpong Temple. Upon returning, he established a Theravada abbey in Perth, which significantly increased Australian interest in Buddhism.

Buddhism in New Zealand: International Support and Temple Growth

The growth of Buddhism in New Zealand is largely attributed to monks from Japan, Australia, England, and Tibet. These efforts are supported by Buddhist associations from around the globe. This international cooperation has led to an increase in the local Buddhist population and the construction of several temples. Key locations include the Nyanapadipa Temple in Auckland, which is under the Supreme Patriarch's patronage, and the Bodhinyanarama Temple in Wellington.

Buddhism in the United States: Milestones and Modern Education

Early milestones in the United States include the $2424\,B.E.$ publication of a question and answer book on Buddhism by Colonial H.S. Alcott. In $2436\,B.E.$, Anagarika Dhammapala from Sri Lanka introduced the Dhamma to the U.S. for the first time. In $2448\,B.E.$, Japanese immigrants built a Sukhavadi Buddhist temple as a religious center, and by $2457\,B.E.$, the Buddhist Association of the United States was established in California.

Academic development followed, with Wisconsin University offering a Buddhist studies course in $2504\,B.E.$ and the founding of Buddhadhamma University in California in $2518\,B.E.$ The university published the journal 'Navasutra'. Various Asian communities in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco established temples that offer religious education on Sundays. Notable Thai temples include the Los Angeles Thai Temple and the Washington, D.C. Thai Temple. Additionally, the Dhammayutika sect established Buddharatnaram Temple in Texas and Dhammapradipa Temple in Virginia.

Buddhism in Canada: Organizations and Spiritual Centres

Buddhism in Canada is maintained by monks and practitioners from various regions, particularly Asia and other parts of America. These groups have established organizations such as the Buddhist Association of Ottawa, a group of Buddhists in Toronto, and the Buddhist missionaries of North America. Most Canadian Buddhists are either ethnic Asians or local practitioners who adopted the faith before settling in the country. These communities have built numerous temples that serve as essential spiritual centers and primary locations for the spread of Buddhist teachings across the nation.