Buddhism- influence on asian religion
REL 2300 Fall 2013
Exam 2 (long essay) Buddhism is one of the oldest and most influential religions. Although it originated in East India, Buddha’s teachings are found all over the world. Especially in Asia, and has even spread to the west. Some of the most popular teachings of nonviolence, karma, liberation, and suffering may have served as foundations for the development of later religions. Such as we find in Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto. Buddhism holds strong concepts, but has a flexible structure allowing it to spread and fit into various cultures. The spread of Buddhism in China first began by integrating into to the already existing religions, Taoism and Confucianism. After the collapse of the around Han dynasty Confucian ruling began to weaken among the ruling class alowing Buddhism to flourish. Concepts of vegetarianism, prohibition of alcohol, monasticism were largely adopted. The seperation on North and South alowed Buddhism to develop in various ways.
In south china Buddhism became popular among educated Chinese who focused on philosophy. Scriptures were translated from Pali and Sanskrit into Chinese . Even the most elite Chinese societies accepted Buddhist monks. Taoist may have influenced the popularization of Mahayana over Theravada Buddhism. In the north Buddhist monks were highly looked upon as advisors. The tolerant structure of the north supported translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Chinese as well. Eventually Buddhism’s influence became a large influence on Neo- Confucian schools in both the north and south. Buddhism helped bring Confucian philosophy into a functional religious system. Buddhism seemed to introduce the idea of deemphasis on societies concerns and duties. The focus on topics such as death, birth, karma, and nirvana appealed to Confucianism. Although it seemed socially deficient to some it gave others hope of supernatural power, and more imaginative view of the spiritual world.
After flourishing in China
Exam 2 (long essay) Buddhism is one of the oldest and most influential religions. Although it originated in East India, Buddha’s teachings are found all over the world. Especially in Asia, and has even spread to the west. Some of the most popular teachings of nonviolence, karma, liberation, and suffering may have served as foundations for the development of later religions. Such as we find in Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto. Buddhism holds strong concepts, but has a flexible structure allowing it to spread and fit into various cultures. The spread of Buddhism in China first began by integrating into to the already existing religions, Taoism and Confucianism. After the collapse of the around Han dynasty Confucian ruling began to weaken among the ruling class alowing Buddhism to flourish. Concepts of vegetarianism, prohibition of alcohol, monasticism were largely adopted. The seperation on North and South alowed Buddhism to develop in various ways.
In south china Buddhism became popular among educated Chinese who focused on philosophy. Scriptures were translated from Pali and Sanskrit into Chinese . Even the most elite Chinese societies accepted Buddhist monks. Taoist may have influenced the popularization of Mahayana over Theravada Buddhism. In the north Buddhist monks were highly looked upon as advisors. The tolerant structure of the north supported translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Chinese as well. Eventually Buddhism’s influence became a large influence on Neo- Confucian schools in both the north and south. Buddhism helped bring Confucian philosophy into a functional religious system. Buddhism seemed to introduce the idea of deemphasis on societies concerns and duties. The focus on topics such as death, birth, karma, and nirvana appealed to Confucianism. Although it seemed socially deficient to some it gave others hope of supernatural power, and more imaginative view of the spiritual world.
After flourishing in China