Impact of Buddhism on Socio-Religious Life of the Asian People with Special Reference to Sri Lanka, China and Tibet

The present research work aims at studying and evaluating the Impact of Buddhist Thought and Culture on Socio-Religious Life of the Asian People with Special Reference to Sri Lanka, China and Tibet. Buddhism had a tremendous civilizing influence on the Socio-religious life of the Asian people since the days of Asoka the Great when royal missionaries were sent for the propagation of the Buddhist faith to far-flung areas. Till eighth century CE, Buddhism was deeply rooted in many Asian Countries and the most prominent among them were Sri Lanka, China and Tibet. The reason for limiting the scope of this thesis specifically to Sri Lanka, China and Tibet is that these countries substantially contributed towards the creation of Buddhist faith. Besides India, these three countries also served as the launching pa for the dissemination of Buddhist thought and culture to their neighbours. All thee three countries kept on sending Buddhist missionaries to other countries for the propagation of this supremely sublime faith. In the monasteries and translation bureaus of these countries Buddhist sastras were not only translated and commented upon but were also created, and the entire exercise was done under royal instance and patronage. Sri Lanka became a stronghold of Theravada Buddhism whereas China and Tibet greatly contributed to the Mahayana and Tantrayana Buddhist traditions. It is also noteworthy that most of the missionary work was finished till eighth century CE in Sri Lanka and China, while it started only in the seventh century CE in Tibet. Still during seventh and eighth centuries a log of missionary work was completed in Tibet due to the two wives of Tibetan King Srong-bstan-gam-po and two learned Indian Pandits- Santaraksita and Padmasambhava with the establishment of Sam-ye monastery. This ambitious movement gained a momentum. In course of time Buddhism was introduced in Asian countries of the far East and South – east.

Academically, Buddhist thought and philosophy look complicated. But, otherwise, if it is understood, keeping in view the motto of bahujana hitaya bahujana sukhaya, it is very plain and simple. It preaches peace, brotherhood, tolerance, sympathy, friendliness, compassion, etc. It is free from the barriers of caste and creed. It comes forward with a spiritual consolation that duhkha can be overcome and it also offers a remedial measure in the form of Four Noble Truths and it advises us to take to the Noble Eightfold Path. It also preaches a threefold culture of sila, samadhi and prajna. Such sublime thoughts of the Buddha gave birth to an uncommonly altruistic culture. The ethico-spiritual thought and culture of Buddhism left an indelible imprint on the thoughts and minds of the Asian people.