Editing SG33SHS-T (section)

==== a. The Rise and Fall [of Buddhism] in India and China ====

The next topic is a social analysis of the development of religious organizations. As we delve into this historical examination, we will undoubtedly witness the definitive defeat of so-called abstract faith and spiritualism, leaving no room for debate.

First, it is a fact that during the time of the Buddha, the Buddhist monastic community thrived in direct proportion to the involvement of kings, wealthy individuals, and their power and economic resources. In the third year after the Buddha began his preaching, King Bimbisāra of Magadha embraced Buddhism and donated the Veluvana Bamboo Grove Monastery. With this, the influence of Buddhism rapidly expanded, spreading throughout the entire kingdom of Magadha, with the city of Rājagṛha as its center. It was during this time that Śāriputra, Maudgalyāyana, and hundreds of disciples entered the monastic order under the leadership of the Buddha. Prior to this, there were only around fifty or sixty disciples, but now their numbers swiftly grew to one thousand two hundred and fifty. Furthermore, there is the famous case of Anāthapiṇḍika, a wealthy merchant from Kosala who became a devotee and established the renowned Jetavana Monastery in the city of Savatthi. This grand construction consisted of sixteen large buildings, each with sixty chambers, accommodating more than a thousand Buddhist disciples. The magnificence of this monumental architecture, funded by immense wealth, initially moved the heart of Prince Jeta, who offered the land for the monastery. Subsequently, his father, King Prasenajit, also became a Buddhist believer. It goes without saying that the conversion of kings and influential individuals played a crucial role in gaining the support of the masses throughout the country.

Next, looking at the history of Buddhism after the passing of the Buddha, it can be observed that its golden age was ushered in during the reigns of Emperor Aśoka (ca. 300–232 BCE; r. ca. 269–232 BCE) and King Kaniṣka (r. 127–150). In the case of Emperor Aśoka, Buddhism started to decline around forty years after his death due to the persecution by the anti-Buddhist minister Pushyamitra, resulting in a revival of Brahmanism. Similarly, after the passing of King Kaniṣka, the fate of Buddhism was not as glorious. In China, Buddhism took root through the introduction and translation of scriptures by eminent figures such as Xuanzang 玄奘 (602–664) and Kumārajīva (Ch. Jiumoluoshi 鳩摩羅什; 344–414). However, it is undeniable that this significant undertaking also had the support of influential kings.