Buddhism and Its Cultural Impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Buddhism and Its Cultural Impact - Essay Example The dissemination of such ideas and beliefs from one culture to another was facilitated through trade, migration, and warfare in the historic times. Throughout the post-classical periods, many groups of nomadic missionaries contributed to this cultural diffusion process. From such, groups, Buddhist missionaries more commonly referred to as priests or monks succeeded in inculcating the Buddhist way of life across much of the Asian region. Although Buddhism has its many forms across the Asian continent, the core belief system is reflected in all forms being practiced in countries as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, China and Japan. These core beliefs have contributed to the unique cultural aspects and practices that can be observed within these cultures. In order to discuss cultural manifestations resulting from religeious teachings, it is important to define what culture denotes. Culture according to Boas, â€Å"embrace all the manifestations of social habits of a community, the reactions of the individual as affected by the habits of the group in which he lives, and the products of human activities as determined by these habits† (Boas, 1930) Thus, it is important to understand the underpinning, belief systems and religious teachings which manifest in the form of distinct cultural characteristics, ideas and technologies. Considering the Asian countries, which influenced by, Buddhism, the cultures are rich with history, heritage, religious practices and philosophies. Buddhist way of life seeks to achieve morality and well being of life through harmony and self-moderation. Buddhists are motivated by the need of wanting to break the cycle of life referred to as â€Å"Samsara†, which is perceived as a sorrowful journey eve n at its most luxurious state of living.