Final answer:
Diffusion is the spreading of culture, and Buddhism spread into China via monks along the Silk Roads. Its inclusivity, adaptability to local customs, and appeal to lower social classes contributed to its popularity. Despite periods of persecution, Buddhism's deep social integration helped maintain its influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diffusion refers to the spreading of cultural elements from one area to another. Buddhism’s penetration into China represents a classic case of religious diffusion. During the Six Dynasties period, Buddhist monks traversed the Silk Roads, bringing teachings that promised salvation to all. These teachings appealed to a broad audience in China, including merchants who interacted with various cultures along trade routes like the Taklamakan Desert. Monasteries and religious complexes like Yungang provided rest for travelers and an entry point into Chinese society.
Buddhism gained popularity due to several factors. For instance, its message was inclusive and reconcilable with local beliefs like Daoism. Its scriptures translated by monks such as Lokaksema, who arrived from the Kushan Empire, made the teachings more accessible. By addressing social structures unlike Hinduism, which emphasized the caste system, Buddhism attracted the interest of lower social strata and those disillusioned by traditional Confucian teachings.
Despite facing obstacles such as the suppression during the Tang Dynasty, Buddhism's influence remained. It had already become deeply integrated into the social fabric, as seen in the massive number of temples in Luoyang and the widespread participation of all social classes. Buddhism reshaped Asian societies by influencing architecture, art, and community organization, making it the most widely shared cultural and religious substrate in the region.