Ancient Trade and Buddhist Spread: India-Vietnam Connections
By Bui My Diem Loan
Summary
Vietnam's geographical position facilitated trade and cultural exchange with India, with mountain ranges forming the Indochinese Peninsula and major rivers like the Mae Nam, Mekong, Red, and Da Rivers serving as vital trade routes. Buddhism spread to Vietnam through these routes, particularly after Emperor Asoka's reign (247-232 B.C.), with monks like Uttara and Sona propagating the faith. Archaeological evidence, including Sanskrit tablets in Cambodia and the Dong Duong Buddha statue in Quang Nam, supports the direct influence of Indian Buddhism, contradicting theories of Chinese intermediacy. Historical records, such as the *Shui jing zhu* and *Qian Han Shu*, mention Ne Le Fort in Dinh An district, linked to Asoka's mission and the spread of Buddhism. The story of Chu Dong Tu, taught by the monk Phat Quang at Mount Quynh Vien, suggests early Buddhist influence, possibly in the 2nd-3rd century B.C. The Vo Canh stele, inscribed in Sanskrit, further indicates Indian cultural presence in southern Vietnam by the 2nd century A.D. These historical and archaeological traces affirm Buddhism's direct transmission from India to Vietnam, bypassing China, and highlight Vietnam's role as a crossroads of ancient trade and religious exchange.
Conclusion
This document highlights Vietnam's historical role as a crucial hub for early Buddhist exchange between India and Southeast Asia, challenging the notion that Buddhism entered Vietnam primarily via China. It presents archaeological and textual evidence, such as the Ne Le Fort and Sanskrit inscriptions, to support direct Indian influence through maritime and overland routes. The text emphasizes the significance of key figures like the monks Uttara and Sona, and Chu Dong Tu, suggesting a long-standing and independent Buddhist tradition in Vietnam. It also underscores the cultural and religious synthesis of Indian and local practices, as seen in art, literature, and architecture. The findings collectively reframe Vietnam's position in ancient trade and religious networks, positioning it as a vital intermediary in the spread of Buddhism and Indian civilization.