The Origin of Buddhism in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Buddhism, one of the world’s oldest and most influential religions, first began to spread beyond India during the early centuries of the Common Era. Its introduction into Southeast Asia marked a significant cultural and religious transformation across the region. The roots of Buddhism in Southeast Asia can be traced to early contact with Indian traders, missionaries, and cultural exchanges through maritime routes. By the 1st century CE, Buddhism had gained a foothold in regions such as present-day Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Vietnam. This paper explores the historical, cultural, and political factors that contributed to the rise of Buddhism in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the role of trade, kingship, and the adaptation of Buddhist teachings to local traditions. The spread of Buddhism had a profound influence on the region’s art, architecture, and social structures, shaping Southeast Asia into a vibrant, multi-faceted hub of Buddhist thought and practice.