Theravada Buddhism which in modern is predominant as compared to the other form of Buddhism called Mahayana. The other major factor is marriage among the people practicing Buddhism and non-Buddhist. This factor of marriage is also tied to the gradual cultural assimilation by new settler (that is the Buddhist missionaries). As these natives interacted with the Buddhist missionaries, some intermarried resulting in the gradual spread of this particular religion over time.
The other factor that led to the expansion and spread of Theravada Buddhism is the personal endorsement of the Indian emperor Ashoka. (Zürcher, 2007) The great Emperor Ashoka was dignified that wise. He never forced his subject to follow or instead adopt Buddhism instead he posted mandates engraved on pillars throughout his sovereign state urging his people to live an ethical life and through being a role model in sticking these principles as resulted to convincing and inspiring others to adopt the teachings of Buddha.
Factors that led to the popularity of Theravada Buddhism
Over time this religion of Theravada Buddhism gained popularity due to certain factors. The doctrine was not the first to be practiced in this region of SEA, but it raised in the number of participants and swept the more significant section of Southeast Asia mainland. One of the factors is that Theravada Buddhism as able to modify some aspects of the ancient religious traditions. For instance, the religion made it possible to adjust the hard ascetic practice of Jainism, an ancient faith in this region. Buddhism as well majored in gender equality. It gave equal roles of women and pronounced that the female gender was as capable as the male in achieving eternal salvation. This aspect mentioned above on gender equality in attaining salvation was not regarded in Jainism (Zürcher, 2007).
Another factor that contributed to Buddhism Brahmanical is that the prior religion of that was previously practiced in the region was not in favor of the lower classes in the society. This Brahamanical religion was becoming unbearable as it was intolerant of the inferior classes. It was also very exclusive because it was only available and open to the aristocracy and Brahmins. It is stated that the Sanskrit was entitled to the aristocrats and Brahmins (Zürcher, 2007).
In general, the rapid growth of population attributes to the popularity of Buddhism. This is the other major factor that led to the popularity of Theravada Buddhism as well the rest of Buddhism. The drastic increase in the population of people following the teaching of the Buddha led to the fame of the same and expansion the religion in general. (Zürcher, 2007) This factor is not only essential to the Theravada form of Buddhism but also to the whole Buddhism religion in general.
Work Cited
Zürcher, Erik. The Buddhist conquest of China: The spread and adaptation of Buddhism in early medieval China. Vol. 11. Brill, 2007.
