| Buddhaism is a philosophy not a religion. It does not have a deity as does Hinduism and Islam. People in general are more drawn to religions than philosophy. Very important is Buddhism was not for the common man. Peasants must work hard for a living, and do not have the time, nor means, for the studying necessary to achieving Nirvana. This was changed in Japan, when the industrial age gave people easier work and better wages, following WWII, opening Buddhism to the common man.
The establishment of Buddhism in Tibet is amazing to me, because this is the territory of the Mongols. Genghis Khan was better known for slaughtering people and destroying their towns than for anything else. The mongols were undefeated for 3 generations, and collected tribute from China and Europe, or destroyed towns and cities. Later however, some very capable mongols emerged as great leaders with peaceful intent. Perhaps the harsh climate of Tibet, which prevents a labor intense agrarian society from developing, contributed to it becoming Buddhist? As well as a lack of commerce, which gives people many more choices of everything. |