Final answer:
East Asian rulers promoted Buddhism by building temples, translating scriptures, and engaging in cultural and diplomatic exchanges that included gifts of Buddhist texts and art. These actions both spread the faith and enhanced the rulers' prestige and control, with Buddhist institutions also becoming influential state allies.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the fall of the Han Dynasty, East Asian rulers were inspired by the example of King Ashoka, who was known for his active promotion of Buddhist faith through the establishment of temples, endowments, and other forms of royal patronage. These gestures not only spread Buddhism but also enhanced the rulers' prestige and demonstrated their control over land and labor. For instance, Tang rulers supported Buddhism through the translation of scriptures and construction of temples, while monks strengthened the state through prayers and other activities. Similarly, in southern regimes such as those of the Paekche Kingdom, rulers and aristocratic clans became patrons of Buddhism, engaging in the study, production, and dissemination of Buddhist texts and art. Buddhist festivals and institutions became integrally woven into the fabric of society, shaping cultural and public life.
Rulers also promoted Buddhism as part of diplomacy, sharing Buddhist texts, images, ritual objects, and monks with other rulers. This practice created a shared cultural and religious language amongst East Asian kings, linking their courts and amplifying their power and influence. Buddhist institutions themselves became wealthy and influential, making them a powerful ally for rulers.
Such royal patronage and collaborations also reflected the genuine faith of many rulers, as well as the strategic use of Buddhism as a tool for statecraft, helping rulers centralize power and manage their domains effectively.