Question

Theravada Buddhism became the religion of the masses in Southeast Asia partly because Responses it tolerated local gods and posed no threat to established faiths. it tolerated local gods and posed no threat to established faiths. the Theravada Buddhists traveled through the region, making converts of the middle class. the Theravada Buddhists traveled through the region, making converts of the middle class. it was seen as the only alternative to Islam. it was seen as the only alternative to Islam. it was a reaction to Christianity, since Theravada Buddhists had just forced the Christian rulers out of the area.

Answer 1

Theravada Buddhism spread widely in Southeast Asia because it was adaptable, integrating with local beliefs without challenging existing social structures, and was patronized by elites. Its focus on personal enlightenment and meditation appealed to many, and its growth was also fueled by monks and merchants along trade routes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Theravada Buddhism became the religion of the masses in Southeast Asia for several reasons. It tolerated local gods and posed no threat to established faiths, integrating seamlessly with indigenous beliefs. The adaptability of Theravada and its independence from social hierarchies like the caste system made it appealing to both the lower-caste individuals and the ruling elites who used it to foster trade and exert influence. Additionally, Theravada Buddhism, with its focus on the original teachings of Buddha, emphasized meditation and personal enlightenment, which resonated with many in the region.

Moreover, the expansion of Buddhism throughout Asia was facilitated by merchants, monks, and pilgrims who traveled the trade routes. In Southeast Asia particularly, Theravada Buddhism's growth was further catalyzed by the patronage of elites who elevated it through monumental architecture and high art, broadening its influence. Its role in promoting travel, learning, and commerce via temples further embedded Buddhist practices in the fabric of local societies.

The capacity of Buddhism to coexist without asserting dominance over local traditions, providing a spiritual framework that was both egalitarian and practical for daily life, contributed significantly to its widespread acceptance across Southeast Asia.