Why Did Buddhism Spread

Methods and Regions in Which Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism Spread During the Classical and Postclassical Eras. The universal religions of Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism were shaped very powerfully during the postclassical era because of their growing populations, warfare, and ideology. Islam started in Mecca and is related more closely to Christianity than Buddhism. Christianity started in Israel and spread through Jesus Christ to become the religion with the most followers. Buddhism started in India and spread through trade networks to be the most popular religion in East Asia. Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism are all similar in the fact that they all spread their ideology, they have a god, there are holy men, there is holy texts,
The reason for the early popularity of Buddhism was the organization of the Buddhist movement. From the days of the Buddha himself, the most enthusiastic and highly motivated converts joined monastic communities where they dedicated their lives to the search for enlightenment and salvation. The monks themselves spent much of their time preaching and explaining the Dharma to lay audiences, and encouraging their listeners to follow the noble Eightfold Path of their daily lives. Overtime, Buddhist monasteries became an important Institution in Indian Society. From its earliest days Buddhism attracted merchants, artisans, and others of low rank in the traditional Indian social order. Its appeal was due both to disregard for social classes and to its concern for ethical behavior instead of complicated ceremonies that seemed increasingly irrelevant to the lives and experiences of most people. Yet, even though the vastly simplified religious observances, early Buddhism made heavy demands on individuals seeking to escape from the cycle of incarnation. By the third Century B.C.E., Buddhism had become well established in Northern India. Buddhism was particularly successful at attracting Merchants as converts. When they travel, Buddhist Merchants observed their faith among themselves and explained it to others. Gradually, Buddhism made its way along the Silk Road to Iran, Central Asia, Asia and Southeast Asia. From The Oasis communities Buddhism spread to the steppe lands of Central Asia and to China. By the first century B.C.E, Buddhism had also established a foothold in China. Beginning about the fifth Century C.E., Chinese began to respond and enthusiastically to Buddhism, which during the post-classical era became the most popular religious Faith throughout all of East Asia, including Japan and Korea as well as China. Buddhism was spread very heavily through trade routes when