South and Southeast Asia (1200-1450): Buddhism, Islam, and Syncretism

A large stone statue of a seated figure — The Great Buddha statue is one of the popular stops on the Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist routes in Bodh Gaya, Bihar (India). The statue is 80 ft high, representing the Buddha seated in a meditation pose.

Let's explore the other major religions of the region.

Buddhism

A new major world religion began in this period as an offshoot of Hinduism. Buddhism began in India in the Ganges River area during the 6th century BCE. Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, or the "Enlightened One." Siddhartha was the son of a wealthy Hindu prince who grew up with many advantages in life. However, as a young man, he did not find answers to the meaning of life in Hinduism, so he left home to become an ascetic, or wandering holy man. His Enlightenment came while sitting under a tree in a deer field, and the revelations of that day form the basic tenets of Buddhism:

The Four Noble Truths:
- All of life is suffering
- Suffering is caused by false desires for things that do not bring satisfaction
- Suffering may be relieved by removing the desire
- Desire may be removed by following the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path to Enlightenment: The ultimate goal is to follow the path to nirvana, or a state of contentment that occurs when the individual's soul unites with the universal spirit. The eight steps must be achieved one by one, starting with a change in thoughts and intentions, followed by changes in lifestyle and actions, that precede a higher thought process through meditation. Eventually, a "breakthrough" occurs when nirvana is achieved, which gives the person a whole new understanding of life.

Comparison to Hinduism

Although Buddhism, like Hinduism, emphasized the soul's yearning for understandings on a higher plane, it generally supported the notion that anyone of any social position could follow the Eightfold Path successfully. Buddhists believed that changes in thought processes and lifestyles brought enlightenment, not the adherence to the duties of one's caste. Although the Buddha actively spread the new beliefs during his long lifetime, the new religion faced oppression after his death from Hindus who saw it as a threat to the basic social and religious structure that held India together.

Impacts on Society

Buddhist monasteries had a significant impact on societies. Because monks translated texts, there was an emphasis on education. As centers of learning, they promoted literacy. Monasteries showcased art and architecture and taught calligraphy. Many monasteries became influential in politics as Central Asia kings used them to legitimize their power. Teachings that emphasized the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path appealed to those seeking spiritual liberation, and some kings portrayed themselves as protecting these values.

Islam

Islam entered South and Southeast Asia through trade, conquest, and missionary activity. In a previous lesson, we learned about Sufi mystics and how their premium on experience over doctrine made inroads for Islam into many new areas. Their take on the faith made it accessible to local populations in many areas across South and Southeast Asia. In Southeast Asia, Islam gained a strong presence in port cities, where rulers adopted the faith to strengthen trade connections with the wider Indian Ocean world.

Syncretism

As merchants and missionaries spread their faith across Asia, it soon became difficult to tell them apart. This is particularly true with a branch of Hinduism called Bhakti, which emerged in southern India and spread to the north. Intensely passionate, this form of Hinduism stressed intense emotions directed at specific Hindu gods, most popularly Vishnu and Shiva. Despite the reputation Hinduism has of being a non-missionary religion, there is strong evidence that certain sects of Hindus actively sought to spread the religion. Through missionaries and merchants, the Bhakti faith made its way to Southeast Asia and spread alongside Buddhism. Here, the two religions blended to such an extent that believers often didn’t distinguish between them at all. Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and monasteries blended the symbols and practices of both religions.

Practice Activities: Religions of South and Southeast Asia Review

Just as European and Chinese civilizations were impacted by Christianity and Confucianism, South and Southeast Asia were influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Select the answer that provides the best definition or significance for each term.

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