INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST MUSEUM

The Theravada Buddhism was officially introduced to sri lankan in 3rd century BC by thera Mahinda , the son of emperor Asoka, He was followed by his sister Sanghamitta by bringing the Bodhi Sapling. The sacred tooth relic was bought to the island in the fourth century AC. The community of monks developed into different chapters and multitudes of sacred edifices were built by the royalty, as consequence of which Sri Lankan Buddhism has evolved into highly developed ritualistic religion.

The Buddhist attained enlightenment at Bodhagaya and devoted himself to preach his dhamma to mankind for 45 years. After his demise, his preaching’s were highly devoted into a intricate philosophical system of Mahayana. At the same time, innumerable sacred edifies built all round resulted in the creation of architectural and artistic products that stand as great mementos of religion.

Prince Sidhartha who became the Buddha, was born at Lumbini, Kapilawasthu, sitated in the Nepalese Terri, Being proximal to kingdoms like Sikhim, Bhutan and Tibet, Nepal soon came under the influence of mahayanic teaching. Great stupas like Svambhunath and Bodhinath were built in Kathmandu valley.

The history of Afghanistan goes back to the time of Asoka (3rd century BC). In the beginning of the Christian era, under kushanas , Afghanistan played a major role in the propagation of Buddhism. Kaspia and Nagarahara important centuries of the early period. Bamiyan well known for the early period. Bamiyan well known for the two early period. Bamiyan well known for the two tallest Buddha statues of the world (120ft and 175ft) and murals. The invasion of the white Huns (12th century) resulted in the disappearance of Buddhism in Afghanistan.

Bangladesh constitutes the ancient state of Bengal where Buddhism had developed into extreme forms of Mahayana with the influence of saivite Hindu ideals. The post-8th century administrative periods of Pala and Sena royal houses saw this development of Mahayanic philosophies to maximum. A vibrant Buddhist community exists there with perfect harmony and the relics preserved with care bear the history Buddhism.

Bhutan is a small kingdom nestled in the fold of the Himalayas between India and china where Mahayana Buddhism is practiced and recognized as the spiritual heritage of the country. Bhutan is home to some of the most picturesque Buddhist heritage sites.

The region that is today known as Pakistan once had a large Buddhist population, with the majority of people in Gandhara (present day Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) being Buddhist. Gandhara was largely Mahayana Buddhist, and was also a stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Swat Valley, known in antiquity as Uddiyana, was a kingdom tributary to Gandhara. There are many archaeological sites from the Buddhist era in Swat

Theravada remains the dominant faith in Myanmar from pre-Christian times. The premier stupa shrine Swedagon pagoda is said to contain hair relics of the Buddha enshrined by Tapassu and Bhalluka. Buddha’s first lay disciples. Asoka is said to have sent emissaries to the country to propagate Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. Pagan in north Burma became the premier Buddhist centre in the 11th century. As in Sri Lanka, royal patronage continues to the present day. Maintains close religious links with Sri Lanka.

Buddhism was introduced to Korea in the 4th century. After the unification of the Korean peninsula by Shillpa Dynasty in the 7th century. Buddhism was given a fresh impetus. Many temples were developed to create a uniquely Korean style. People made diverse Buddhism figures, built pagoda, and carved Buddhist scriptures. Buddhism and Buddhist culture has gone beyond the realm of religion, and has become a cultural heritage and integral part of Korean history.

Buddhism reached Vietnam as early as the 2nd century BC. Within a century ritual worship developed fast resulting in the construction of large pagodas and shrines. Buddhist of Vietnam had also a syncretistic effect with Taoism and Confucianism. Buddhism also played a major role in the country’s struggles against oppression. The downfall of Buddhism begins in the 13th century.

The earliest traces of Buddhism in Laos dates back to the 12th century. Jayavarman of Cambodia was instrumental in making the Theravada Buddhism the official religion by his act of sending the Sri Lanakan Buddha Image (Luang prabang) to Laos’s capital. This status remained till the year 1975 when the state came under communist rule.

Buddhism in Indonesia has a long history, with a considerable range of relics dated from its earlier years in Indonesia. Buddhism is recognized as one of six official religions in Indonesia, along with Islam, Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism), Hinduism and Confucianism. According to the 2000 national census, roughly 2% of the total citizens of Indonesia are Buddhists

Buddhism is the second largest, religion in Malaysia. There are approximately 54 million Buddhist in the country of 28 million people (almost 20 percent of the total population). Archaeological evidence suggests that Buddhism might have arrived at Peninsular as early as third century. Presently, all major traditions of Buddhism are thriving in mutual coexistence in Malaysia.

Buddhism was introduced to Korea in the 4th century. After the unification of the Korean peninsula by Shillpa Dynasty in the 7th century. Buddhism was given a fresh impetus. Many temples were developed to create a uniquely Korean style. People made diverse Buddhism figures, built pagoda, and carved Buddhist scriptures. Buddhism and Buddhist culture has gone beyond the realm of religion, and has become a cultural heritage and integral part of Korean history

Buddhism is a religion was adopted by Japan in the 6th century via Korea. The amalgamation of Buddhism with existing Shintoism was a key factor in the advancement of Japanese Buddhism. This Japanese Buddhism has been deepened with its sophisticated, logical and systematic development , and its scholastic achievement are evaluated to be in the highest in the world. In one thousand and five hundred years since its official transmission to Japan , Buddhism has been deeply rooted in the lives of Japanese people as the basis of diverse cultures as well as arts and even to this day illuminates people ‘s minds as it has evolved as “culmination of Mahayana Buddhism”