Buddhism and Southeast Asia

The spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia

Indian culture and various religious ideas continue to spread to other countries and regions with the development of foreign economic and cultural exchanges and the increase in foreign immigrants. The spread of Buddhism in India mainly occurs in two directions: north and south. Indian Buddhism spread to the south and southeast mainly through two channels: one is international exchanges, and the other is foreign colonization. Indians introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand through international trade, cultural exchanges and the activities of religious groups. Although there is no unique monastic organization, they belong to a unified Buddhist sect. They use the same religious texts, have the same classics, and have more religious exchanges with each other than other countries.

India introduced Indian culture and Indian religion to Cambodia, Champa and Java through foreign colonization. The Indian diaspora brought Brahmanism with them and also introduced Buddhism. In these countries, people believe that the two religions are basically the same in system and interpenetrate in practice. Buddhism contains elements of Brahmanism (i.e. Hinduism), and Brahmanism also contains elements of Buddhism. The Buddhism that was also spread to Southeast Asian countries is very different from each other due to the different elements of Brahmanism. This difference is reflected in Buddhist architectural art, Buddhist sculptures and Buddhist rituals. Angkor Temple, Borobudur, and Champa Pagoda Temple have similar and different characteristics. Buddhism began to be introduced to Southeast Asian countries in the first few centuries AD. By the 6th and 7th centuries, it was quite prosperous. Around the 10th century, it was highly praised by feudal monarchs in various countries and became the dominant religion.

In these countries in Southeast Asia, the relationship between religion and politics seems to be relatively close. The main temples are large temples built by the state. The king has some kind of semi-divine attributes. The previous kings often have the authority of some kind of god they worship. They even have idols and are worshiped by believers.