Cultural importance and contribution of Buddhism : Buddhism provided a new awareness and illumination not only to India but also to the culture of the entire world.
The cultural significance and contributions of Buddhism are as follows :
(i) Contribution in the field of Religion and Philosophy : Gautam Buddha gave the entire world a simple, profound and popular religion. The rich and poor peoples could follow Buddhist religion. The lesson of non-violence and tolerance was taught in the field of religion. Gautam Buddha told the simplest way to get rid of the basic problem of sorrow.
(ii) Social harmony: Gautam Buddha gave the message of social unity by opening the door to the Buddhist union for all sections and castes. Priority was given to conduct in place of birth based Varna-system. Gautam Buddha also encouraged female equality and freedom.
(iii) Development of literature and education : A large number of Buddhist literary works were created in Pali, Sanskrit and Prakrit languages. Many Buddhist texts were translated in Chinese and Tibetan languages. Buddhist Vihar (residence of monks) and monastery (chaitya) emerged as the major centres of education. Nalanda, Taxila, Vikramshila, etc were developed as major universities.
(iv) Development of logic : Logical methods of Nililism and scientism were born in Buddhist philosophy. They have a prominent place in the world’s philosophy.
(v) Contribution in political field : Buddhist principles had a clear effect on contemporary rulers. Many kings (rulers) abandoned war by accepting the principle of non-violence and adopted the values of humanity and morality (ethics) and democratic governance system. Due to the influence of Buddhism, the kings followed mass welfare policies.
(vi) The advancement of art: Inspired by the precepts of Buddhism, many stupas, caves, Chaityas and Viharas etc. were created not only in India but all over the world. Those who enrich the world art as well as that of India are the Sanchi, Birhut and Amravati’s Stupas, and caves of Kanheri and Ajanta, Chaityas and Viharas. These are the best examples of Buddhist art. Ajanta’s mural painting is famous in the field of painting.
(vii) Contribution to the creation of greater India : Countries out of India which were promoted by Indian culture, were called as the greater India. In this work Buddhist preachers also contributed immensely with courage and dedication. Ashoka sent Buddhist campaigners abroad. Indian culture was promoted in Asian countries like Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Burma, Tibet, Cambodia, Sumatra, Manchuria, Korea, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia etc.
(viii) Cultural relations with different countries of the world : Buddhism developed cultural relations of India with the different countries of the world. Buddhist monks of India went to different parts of the World and promoted the teachings and principles of Buddhism. Inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Buddha, many foreign travellers embraced Buddhism. Many foreign scholars came to India to study Buddhism. FaHien, Hieun tsang, I-tsing etc. lived for years in India and gained profound knowledge of Buddhism.
