Even during Buddha’s lifetime and also after his death Buddhism began to grow popular. It spread into China, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Mangolia and Tibet. The quickly changing social environment and the dissatisfaction of people with the existing religious practices attracted them to Buddhism.
The following were the additional reasons:
1. Buddhism gave preference to values and conduct more than to birth. It rejected the caste system.
2. It stressed compassion, especially to the children and the destitute.
3. Its principles were easily understandable.
4. Buddha used Pali, the language of the common people, to propagate his religion. It increased its popularity.
5. It got the support of kings like Asoka, Kanishka, and Harsha.
6. The working of the Buddhist Sanghas also helped in increasing its popularity.
