Buddhism Case

How did Buddhism change during the first few centuries BCE? What were the primary factors that shaped the changes in Buddhism?

In South Asia, people decided to try to blend Hellenistic ideas into their own traditions. It started with the Greek (Yavana) city states near areas that were most heavily influenced by Buddhism. The King asserted that Buddha was more than just the founder/philosopher they previously thought. He insisted that Buddha was actually a god. This development actually stepped up Buddhism's status from a school of thought to a religion, which was heavily influenced by Hellenistic ideas to boot. It was widely accepted by lots of other city-states around.

Another important point in time was when seafarers figured out how to sail to India despite monsoon trade winds, India became a hub of commerce. All the activity there caused India to blend and meld together lots of different ideas and influences. Of course Hellenism, nomadism and seafaring culture were then mixed with Buddhism. Then it was no longer the simple ways of Buddha traveling around the countryside and teaching people. The monks were living in big, beautiful monasteries that were lavishly decorated.

The Mahayana Buddhism evolved and it was taught definitively that Buddha was truly a god, and not just a wise sagely human. It was very important to India. Because of Buddhism influences, it sort of primed the path for people from other regions to settle down there. Buddhism was an easily relatable religion, with an easily relatable god. Buddhist art depicted people dressed in fancy jewelery and robes, with headdresses and Greek clothing. Buddhism was a very inclusive religion that all kinds of people could and did take part in. It was no longer simply people repeating the words of a simple, wise, sagely man. It was a full on religion with influences from all over the region, and very heavily influenced by Hellenism and nomadism.

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