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7. Hinduism and Buddhism in South-East Asia

  • Writer: Kerry Paul
    Kerry Paul
  • Apr 30
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 11

I recently visited India to explore how this country evolved and what drives it today. In the 1,450 years from about 250 BC to 1200 AD (called The Common Period), the spread of Indian religion had a profound impact on South, Central, South-East, and Eastern Asia. Today, over half the world’s population lives in areas where Indian religious ideas are, or once were, dominant.

Sitting buddha on top of Borobudur Temple in Indonesia
Borobudur Temple. Indonesia

Hinduism and Buddhism in South-East Asia

Indian religions established a foothold in South-East Asia, with Buddhism arriving first in the first century CE, followed by Hinduism before the widespread adoption of Buddhism in the fourth century CE.


By the fifth century CE, Indian missionaries traveling to China converted many South-East Asians to Buddhism. Across the region, Hindu and Buddhist teachings, art, and architecture mixed freely. Under the influence of Indian merchants and missionaries, local people practiced a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, while still preserving many of their indigenous beliefs and traditions.


A key example of this religious transition is Angkor Wat in Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple before later transforming into a Buddhist site when Buddhism became the dominant religion.

Ancient Angkor Wat temple with tourists exploring. Clear blue sky overhead.

Two main Buddhist traditions emerged in South-East Asia:

  • Theravāda Buddhism became dominant in mainland regions like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

  • Mahāyāna Buddhism spread primarily in northern Vietnam.


In some countries, Buddhism became more than just a religion—it evolved into a cultural identity, family tradition, and ethnic identity. For example, 95% of Sri Lankan Buddhists believe that being Buddhist is essential to being truly Sri Lankan.


Today, India’s religious influence is evident in:

  • Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan

  • Indian-origin place names in Myanmar and Thailand

  • Murals and sculptures in Laos and Cambodia

  • Hindu gods, rituals, and temples in Bali


These lasting influences highlight how Indian religious traditions shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of South-East Asia.

Comments

Kerry Paul Business man and blogger
Kerry Paul – Stepping Out of Your Bubble Author
​

Hi, I'm Kerry. I enjoy challenging people by asking questions and presenting different views to encourage critical thinking. My 45-year career has always had a global focus, building successful relationships in over 50 countries. I am empathetic to diverse views, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, or socio-economic status. Join me on a captivating journey as we explore how India shaped the world over two thousand years ago, potentially leading to the first settlement of New Zealand. This blog series aims to expand readers' awareness and knowledge of how people may have come to New Zealand in pre-Polynesian times. Given the time constraints many readers face, I am providing a platform for them to consider these intriguing possibilities in easy-to-read blog posts.

 

Who were the first people to settle in New Zealand? How did India possibly contribute to any development, given its major role over 2000 years ago in some of New Zealand’s closest neighbours? These questions will guide our exploration and open up a rich dialogue about the historical connections and cultural exchanges that may have shaped New Zealand's early settlements.

 

I'd be more than happy to discuss with readers of my blog about India, its history as well as New Zealand and the suggested origins of its first settlers. 

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