THE HISTORICAL JOURNEY OF BUDDHISM FROM INDIA TO EAST ASIA
Keywords:
Spread of Buddhism, Silk Road, research methods, East Asia, History of civilizationAbstract
This study examines in depth the historical journey of the spread of Buddhism from India to the East Asian region using a literature study approach to historical, archaeological, and philological sources. Based on the results of the study, the spread of Buddhism took place through long interactions involving the land routes of the Silk Road and the maritime routes of the Indian Ocean, which became important links between India, Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. The findings show that the process of diffusion of Buddhism did not occur suddenly, but through the journeys of monks, traders, and cultural ambassadors who brought sacred texts, artifacts, and ritual practices to various intellectual centers in East Asia. In addition, political support from major kingdoms such as Kushan, Han, Tang, Baekje, and Yamato had a significant contribution in strengthening Buddhist institutions through the construction of monasteries, translation centers, and patronage to scholars. This study also reveals that the adaptation of Buddhist teachings to local traditions in East Asia gave birth to new forms of Buddhism, such as Chan/Zen, Tendai, Shingon, and Pure Land schools, which developed through a process of syncretism with Confucianism, Taoism, and local traditional beliefs.
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