Buddhism’s Global Legacy | 21 Jan 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News?

The Archaeological Survey of India has uncovered a large Buddha head, a giant palm, an ancient wall, and inscribed Buddhist relics in Ratnagiri, Odisha, all believed to date back to the 8^th and 9^th centuries AD. 

• It further threw light on the spread of Buddhism to southeast Asia through Odisha. 

How Odisha Helped in the Spread of Buddhism? 

• Role of Buddha: Although there is no evidence of Buddha visiting Odisha, experts credit Buddha’s disciples Tapassu and Bhallika (merchant brothers from Utkala) as key figures in popularising Buddhism. 
• Mauryan Influence: Emperor Ashoka's 261 BCE invasion of Kalinga (ancient Odisha) led him to embrace Buddhism, which he then spread across South and Southeast Asia. 
• Hiuen Tsang's Visit: Studies suggest that the Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler, Hiuen Tsang, who visited Odisha in 638-639 AD, may have also visited Ratnagiri, providing insights into the region's lifestyle, culture, religion, art, and architecture. 
• Historical Sites: Odisha has over 100 ancient Buddhist sites, including Ratnagiri, part of the Diamond Triangle with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri. 
  • Ratnagiri, a key Buddhist learning center rivaling Nalanda from the 7th-10th centuries, revealed remains like a brick stupa, monastic complexes, and votive stupas. 
  • Ratnagiri is believed to have been a hub for Mahayana and Vajrayana sects, with Tibetan texts discovered at the site. 
  • Ratnagiri's Buddha sculptures are unique for their intricate, distinctive hairstyles not seen elsewhere in India. 
• Maritime and Trade Links: Odisha's trade with regions like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka helped spread Buddhism, especially in Southeast Asia. 
  • The Baliyatra festival honors Odisha's 2,000-year-old maritime ties with Southeast Asia and its role in spreading Buddhism. 
• Bhaumakara Dynasty: Buddhism flourished in Odisha under the Bhaumakara dynasty (8^th-10^th centuries), contributing to the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. 

How Buddhism Spread to Southeast Asia? 

• Cultural Crossroads: Indian traders, sailors, and monks helped spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia, with ports like Srivijaya (Sumatra, Indonesia) and Champa (Vietnam) serving as key centres for learning and cultural exchange from the 7th to 13th centuries. 
• Legitimacy of Rulers: Southeast Asian rulers adopted Buddhism to strengthen their authority, aligning with figures like Buddha or Hindu deities to legitimise their rule.  
  • The Srivijaya Empire, centered in Sumatra, was a key player in the spread of Buddhism.  
• Fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism: In Southeast Asia, Buddhism often blended with local beliefs and Hinduism.  
  • Buddhist and Hindu temples in Southeast Asia, like Angkor Wat (Cambodia) and Borobudur (Indonesia), showcase this fusion. 
• Cultural Diffusion: Buddhism influenced the local cultures of places like Bali and Java, seen in their dance, rituals, and temple architecture.  

How Buddhism Spread Globally? 

• Southeast Asia: By the 5th century CE, Buddhism spread to Myanmar and Thailand, and by the 13th century, the Theravada school (meaning "the way of the elders") became the dominant form of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia. 
• China: By the 7th century CE, Buddhism had significantly influenced Chinese culture, interacting with Confucian and Daoist traditions. 
• Korea and Japan: Buddhism spread to Korea by the 7th century CE. 
  • In the 6th century CE, Buddhism was introduced to Japan, where it blended with Shinto and other indigenous traditions. 
• Tibet: In the 8th century CE, Buddhism, influenced by Tantric traditions from northeast India, spread to Tibet.  
  • There, it merged with the indigenous Bon religion and evolved into Vajrayana (or "Diamond Vehicle"), a distinct form of Mahayana Buddhism. 

What are the Prominent Buddhist Sites in India? 

• Bihar: Bodh Gaya is the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. 
  • Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, marks the spot where Buddha achieved enlightenment. 
  • In Vaishali (Bihar), Buddha declared his imminent Parinirvana and preached his final sermon. 
  • Nalanda University in Nalanda was a famous ancient center of learning, where Buddhist scholars from across the world gathered. 
• Uttar Pradesh: At Sarnath, Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, outlining the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. 
  • Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath marks the site of Buddha’s first sermon. 
  • Kushinagar is the place where Buddha passed away and attained Parinirvana (final nirvana). 
    • Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar is believed to be the place where Buddha was cremated. 
• Himachal Pradesh: Dharamshala, especially McLeod Ganj, is home to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Dalai Lama. It is a hub for Tibetan Buddhists. 
• Maharashtra: Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring rock-cut temples and sculptures of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. 
  • Ajanta Caves are famous for ancient Buddhist monasteries and beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s life. 
• Madhya Pradesh: Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and pillars. 

Conclusion 

Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage, highlighted by key sites like Ratnagiri, and India’s role in spreading Buddhism across Asia reflect its global influence. With ancient universities like Nalanda and diverse Buddhist traditions, India’s contributions to global culture and religion are profound and enduring.