Question
Event that led to Buddhism becoming prominent in Sri Lanka
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Buddhism became prominent in Sri Lanka primarily due to the missionary efforts of Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, in the 3rd century BCE. Ashoka, after embracing Buddhism, sought to spread the teachings of the Buddha beyond India. Around 250 BCE, Mahinda arrived in Sri Lanka, where he successfully converted King Devanampiya Tissa and many of his subjects to Buddhism.
The reception of Buddhism was facilitated by the existing cultural and religious context in Sri Lanka, as well as the royal patronage that King Tissa extended to the new faith. The establishment of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and the introduction of the Pali scriptures further solidified Buddhism's presence in the island. Over time, these developments led to Buddhism becoming the predominant religion in Sri Lanka, influencing its culture, art, and societal norms for centuries to come.
The arrival of Mahinda and the subsequent support from the monarchy and the populace were pivotal events that marked the beginning of Buddhism's prominence in Sri Lanka.
The reception of Buddhism was facilitated by the existing cultural and religious context in Sri Lanka, as well as the royal patronage that King Tissa extended to the new faith. The establishment of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and the introduction of the Pali scriptures further solidified Buddhism's presence in the island. Over time, these developments led to Buddhism becoming the predominant religion in Sri Lanka, influencing its culture, art, and societal norms for centuries to come.
The arrival of Mahinda and the subsequent support from the monarchy and the populace were pivotal events that marked the beginning of Buddhism's prominence in Sri Lanka.