Question

1. even though buddhism began in india, why are most buddhists outside of india? how did buddhism spread?

Explanation:

1. Why most Buddhists are outside India:

• Over time, Hinduism reasserted its dominance in India, with Hindu rulers and religious figures promoting Hindu traditions, and Buddhism gradually declined in its birthplace due to a combination of factors including assimilation of Buddhist ideas into Hinduism, loss of royal patronage, and later invasions.
• Meanwhile, Buddhism found strong royal and popular support in neighboring regions, allowing it to grow and establish lasting communities there.

1. How Buddhism spread:

• Royal patronage: Emperors like Ashoka (Mauryan Empire, India) sent Buddhist missionaries across Asia, including to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• Trade routes: Merchants and travelers carried Buddhist teachings along the Silk Road (to Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan) and maritime trade routes (to Southeast Asia, Indonesia).
• Missionary activity: Buddhist monks and nuns traveled voluntarily to teach the Dharma, adapting teachings to local cultures to gain acceptance.

Answer:

1. Most Buddhists live outside India because Buddhism declined in its birthplace over centuries due to the re-emergence and dominance of Hinduism, loss of widespread royal support, and the absorption of some Buddhist concepts into Hinduism. At the same time, it gained strong, lasting footholds in other regions through patronage and local adoption.
2. Buddhism spread through three key channels:

• Royal support, particularly from Emperor Ashoka, who sent formal missionary missions to nearby regions.
• Movement along trade networks like the Silk Road and maritime routes, where merchants and travelers shared Buddhist ideas.
• Voluntary missionary work by Buddhist monks and nuns, who adapted teachings to local cultures as they traveled to new areas.