Development and Spread of Buddhism: A Historical Analysis from India to the West

บทคัดย่อ

Buddhism, a philosophical and spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, in the 5th to 4th century BCE, has profoundly shaped global thought and culture. Its development and spread, from its origins in India to its eventual establishment in the West, reflect a dynamic process of adaptation, interpretation, and transformation. This research aims to explore the historical trajectory of Buddhism, tracing its evolution from the early teachings of the Buddha to its dissemination across Asia and its introduction into Western societies. Initially, the spread of Buddhism followed routes across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, adapting to local customs, beliefs, and practices. With the rise of colonialism and globalization in the 19th and 20th centuries, Buddhism entered the Western world, where it encountered new social, intellectual, and cultural challenges. This paper will examine key historical moments, figures, and movements that facilitated the spread of Buddhism, as well as the philosophical and doctrinal adaptations that occurred as Buddhism interacted with diverse cultures. The article will also analyze the role of Western scholarship, Orientalism, and modern-day Buddhist practitioners in reshaping Buddhism to fit the contemporary globalized context.