Feature | The Roots and Branches of Buddhism
Buddhism emerged in northeastern India between the 6th century and the early 4th century BCE – a time that witnessed a myriad of religions rising , clashing , and spreading .
Buddhism developed from the teachings of the Buddha (“ The Awakened One ” in Sanskrit ), a teacher who lived in northern India . Like many of the sects that developed in northeastern India at the time , Buddhism was constituted by the teachings of the Triratna , the “ Three Jewels ” of Buddhism – Buddha ( the teacher ), dharma ( the teaching ), and sangha ( the community ). The dates of his birth and death are disputed . Whilst many scholars believe that the Buddha lived from around 563 to 483 BCE , others argue it was nearly 100 years later , from around 448 to 368 BCE .
Northeastern India – which was less influenced by Vedic tradition – became the new ground for Buddhism and its sects . Buddhism then spread from India to China , Korea , and Japan , as well as to Southeast Asia via Sri Lanka . Buddhism played a central role in the spiritual , cultural , and social spheres of Asia , and began to spread to the West from the 20th century onwards .
▴ Mural paintings tell the story about Buddha
▾ The Triratna represents the “ three jewels ” of Buddhism : Buddha , the dharma , and the sangha
Buddhism played a central role in the spiritual , cultural , and social spheres of Asia , and began to spread to the West from the 20th century onwards
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