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Propagation of Buddhism: Global Snapshot

• Origin: Spread outside India after the $3^{rd}$ Buddhist Council (reign of Emperor Asoka).
• Two primary vehicles: Theravada & Mahayana (inc. Tantrayana, Pure Land, Zen, etc.).

Asia

Sri Lanka

• First arrival: $250\,\text{BC}$ via Venerable Mahinda (son of Asoka) during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign.
• Continuous Theravada stronghold; Tripitaka first written in $1^{st}$ century AD at Aloka-Vihara.
• Produced missionaries for S-E Asia & China; major relic sites (e.g.
  Ruwanweliseya $300\,\text{ft}$ stupa, Temple of the Tooth at Kandy).

China

• Introduction: $52\,\text{AD}$ (traditionally $608\,\text{B.E.}$) under Emperor Mingti (Han).
• Peaks: $1161$–$1450\,\text{B.E.}$ with large scripture translations.
• Persecutions: Emperor Bujong; Marxist period ($20^{th}$ century) → monasteries seized.
• Revival post-$1976$; state-backed Buddhist Association in Beijing (focus on Mahayana).

Korea

• Three Kingdoms: Koguryo (from $372\,\text{AD}$), Paekje ($384\,\text{AD}$), Shilla ($527\,\text{AD}$ martyr Ich’adon).
• Decline under Choson Neo-Confucianism ($1392$ on); revival after Japanese occupation ($1910$–$1945$).
• Modern projects: Canon Translation Center (Dongguk Univ.).

Japan

• Entry: $552\,\text{AD}$ (Paekche gift to Emperor Kimmei).
• Prince Shotoku ($592$–$622\,\text{AD}$) systematised doctrine; built Horyu-ji, Shitenno-ji.
• Five major sects:
  • Tendai – Saicho ($806$)
  • Shingon – Kukai ($816$)
  • Pure Land – Honen ($1198$)
  • Nichiren – Nichiren ($1282$)
  • Zen – Rinzai (Eisai $1191$), Soto (Dogen $1227$).
• Post-WWII: Japan Buddhist Federation ($1957$); clergy may marry (except abbots).

Tibet

• First dissemination: $7^{th}$-$9^{th}$ century under Kings Srong-tsan-sgam-po, Khri