EASIA224 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Mahayana, Early Muslim Conquests, Abrahamic Religions
8 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Started in india but did not enter the silk road. Founded by shakyamuni in india, nepal (5th c bce) Fundamentally based on breaking free of samsara(cycle of reincarnation) Many different sects and beliefs by the time it entered the silk road. Embraced trade and social mobility, which motivated rural poor in the hindustanic caste system and created a wealthy merchant class. Mahayana buddhism entered the silk road in 100 bce. Despite appearances, buddhism was very involved in the economy in trade. The goal was to escape samsara, but that didn"t entirely preclude life on earth. To the point where money-making was integrated within the doctrine. Wealthy buddhist merchants gave money to buddhism temples and therefore increased the spread of buddhism on the silk road. Was in decline on the silk road by 7th c ad. Abrahamic religion that builds on judaism and christianity (there is only one god and. Muhammad is his messenger) founded roughly 4th ad.
