Chapter 10, Evolving Traditions of Buddhism, South, East, North and West Summary and Analysis

Chapter ten covers the spread of Buddhism from its early spread in South-East Asia, beginning with the Sri Lankan story. Buddhism came to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE. The formation of Theravada Buddhism there was completed by 1000 CE. It has been a center of Buddhist thought since that time and has evolved three divisions of the sangha. During the fifth century, the classical form of Theravada doctrine was established.

Indian influence started to enter South-East Asia in the first century CE on into 1000 CE. Theravada was sent here from southern India, not Sri Lanka. Theravada Sangha flourished at this time and on into Thailand. Little was left in Cambodia after the Pol Pot regime, however.

Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan...