Buddhism

Birth of Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha

563 BCE

This marks the beginning of the Buddhist tradition, which emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These teachings would eventually spread throughout Southeast Asia and become a major influence on local cultures and societies. [1]

Emperor Asoka of India converts to Buddhism

300 BCE

Asoka's support of Buddhism helped to establish it as a major religious and cultural force throughout the region. He also sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, which became a key center of Buddhist scholarship and practice.

The first Buddhist monks arrive in what is now Myanmar

100

Buddhist monks would continue to travel and teach throughout Southeast Asia, establishing monasteries and lay communities in many different countries and cultures. This led to the development of different forms of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. [2]

The Khmer Empire in Cambodia constructs the temple of Angkor Wat

1100

This temple complex represents one of the most impressive and enduring examples of Buddhist architecture and art in Southeast Asia, and it becomes a major center of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage.It also reflects the Khmer Empire's embrace of Buddhist philosophy and values as a means of promoting social harmony and spiritual enlightenment.

Theravada Buddhism becomes the dominant form of Buddhism in Southeast Asia

1300

This particularly includes Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Theravada emphasizes the importance of individual spiritual practice and the attainment of enlightenment through meditation and study. [3]

European colonization of Southeast Asia leads to the decline of Buddhism

1900

European countries such as France, Britain, and the Netherlands established colonial rule over much of Southeast Asia, leading to the suppression of indigenous religions and cultures. New religious and cultural influences were also introduced. This had a profound impact on Buddhism, which was often seen as a symbol of resistance against colonialism. [4]

The Vietnam War leads to the displacement and migration of Buddhist communities

1945

The Vietnam War had a major impact on Buddhist communities, which played a key role in the anti-war movement and the struggle for social justice and human rights. This period also saw the emergence of new forms of engaged Buddhism, which sought to use Buddhist teachings and practices to address social and political issues. [5]

Globalization of Buddhism

1990

In the 1990's, economic development and globalization lead to increased tourism and commercialization of Buddhist sites and practices, as well as the emergence of new forms of hybridized Buddhist practices and beliefs.