The Origins and Teachings of Buddhism in India

Lumbini

He gave up everything and lived in a forest

The Four Noble Truths, the Eight-Fold Path, and the Middle Way

Theravada and Mahayana

Self-liberation from suffering

Ashoka the Great, Emperor Kanishka, and Kublai Khan

The appeal of Buddhism was that it promised an end to suffering and a path to peace, eventually enlightenment.

Buddhism spread through the efforts of the Buddha and his followers, who spread his teachings along the border regions of India and Nepal. Monks and nuns also played a role in spreading Buddhism through various parts of India. Additionally, Buddhism spread throughout Central Asia via the Silk Road.

Buddhism began in India and Nepal, then spread to countries such as Ceylon, Burma, Tibet, Japan, China, and Central Asia. These countries were receptive to Buddhism due to cultural and philosophical similarities. China, in particular, embraced Buddhism because it aligned with the teachings of Taoism and Confucianism.

One result of the spread of Buddhism was that Buddhist philosophies reached a large region of the world as a religion. Additionally, Buddhist teachings and practices, such as meditation and contemplation, spread even to people who do not identify Buddhism as their primary religion.