The Origin and Spread of Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The religion was founded by a prince named Siddhartha Gautama, who set out on his own to try and find enlightenment after growing up isolated from the realities of the world. At the age of thirty five, he sat beneath the Bodhi tree and finally achieved enlightenment. Siddhartha Gautama became known as the Buddha meaning "the awakened one." The religion originated in India along the Gangi River, and stayed in India's boundaries for quite some time. Nearly three centuries later, Buddhism finally spread beyond it's country of origin. 

The Buddha began to travel to nearby kingdoms and share his insights. He also instructed his monks to travel and present his teachings. His goal was not to get people to convert to his religion, but rather to establish his own religion. His main goal was to help people overcome their unhappiness and suffering through his teachings. People began finding his teachings useful, and started sharing their experiences with others.

The Silk Road served as a carrier which spread the religion throughout central Asia. Monks began to live along the route, presenting the religion. From India, Buddhism first spread to Bengal and then Sri Lanka. A Han Chinese emperor became enthusiastic about Buddhism. He sent an envoy to learn about this new religion, returning with sacred texts and paintings, and even priests to explain the teaching of the religion. After spreading to china, Buddhism reached Korea, Japan, and lastly, Tibet.  

The Silk Road served as a carrier which spread the religion far and wide. The spread of Buddhism changed the lives and cultures of many places in the world. It is amazing that one man created this religion from his own path in life; to find enlightenment. The teachings of one man spread far, and many people adopted his creation. It only takes one person can have an influence in the world, which can be proved by the Buddha. Buddhism originated around 500 BCE, and is a religion that is still practiced in many countries today. 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/13229/buddhisms_origin_and_development.html?cat=34

http://www.silk-road.com/artl/buddhism.shtml

http://www.buddha101.com/h_spread.htm