Question

Buddhism has had enormous influence outside of India, where it began. In what ways was Buddhism intentionally spread and who helped to introduce it to new people?

@jabez177

Answer 1

@just_one_last_goodbye @jigglypuff314 @Awolflover1 could you help? :3

Answer 2

It was spread to Asia through Buddhist Monks that went around spreading it.

Although the Buddha's teachings have been known in countries throughout Asia for over 2,500 years, very few people in Europe or America would have known what the word 'Buddhist' meant unless they had been born in the last 50 years.

Over a century ago people from France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and other European countries began to travel in the Far East. Many of them returned with Eastern ideas, and so Europeans began to hear about Buddhism.

More recently, Buddhist people have moved to the West. Many of them have been refugees from conflict. Many Tibetans, for example, fled from their country after the Chinese takeover in 1959. The wars in Indochina in the 1950s and 1960s led many Vietnamese people to move to and settle in Europe, Australia and America. Other Buddhists from countries such as Thailand have established businesses in the larger Western cities. They have all brought their Buddhist beliefs to their new homes, and helped to set up Buddhist centres.

Answer 3

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/to-west.htm :)

Answer 4

Oml, thank you!!

Answer 5

@jabez177 <3 :3

Answer 6

You're welcome! :)