Buddhism in South-East Asia
By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar
Summary
Majumdar surveys the history and spread of Buddhism across South‑East Asia. He begins with the arrival of Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar, Thailand and Laos, tracing its introduction by missionaries from India and Sri Lanka. The article describes the rise of powerful Buddhist kingdoms such as Pagan, Ayutthaya and Lan Xang and their role in promoting the monastic order and building monumental architecture. Majumdar also examines the transmission of Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna to Vietnam, Cambodia and parts of Indonesia, highlighting the syncretic blending of Buddhist teachings with indigenous beliefs. He analyses the iconography and inscriptions of sites like Borobudur and Angkor Wat to show the regional adaptation of doctrines. Throughout, the article emphasises that while Pali remained the liturgical language of Theravada, local vernaculars flourished in literature and folklore. Majumdar concludes that Buddhism became a unifying cultural force in South‑East Asia, shaping law, art and education.
Conclusion
The survey demonstrates that South‑East Asia developed vibrant and diverse forms of Buddhism. By adapting the teachings to local contexts and creating distinctive artistic and literary expressions, these societies integrated Buddhism into the fabric of everyday life.