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Dictionary of the History of Ideas

Studies of Selected Pivotal Ideas
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10. The Mission of Buddhism. Throughout the long
history of Buddhism covering almost twenty-five cen-
turies, Buddhists have recognized their mission to
spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the
world. Soon after the founding of the order, the Buddha
sent out his followers on missionary journeys to spread
the teaching “for the profit and good and happiness
of the world” (Mahāvagga I, 6, 8, etc.).

The Buddhist teachings were considered universal
and all-comprehensive, to be made known to all men
for their enlightenment. This spread of Buddhism was
marked by the devotion of monks and laymen, and
conversion took place only by persuasion. There is no
known case of conversion to Buddhism by the use of
force. Even King Aśoka, under whose reign Buddhism
spread as a universal religion in many countries, re-
nounced the use of force.

However, Buddhist mission work, generally speak-
ing, declined throughout the Buddhist world from the
tenth century on. Under the impact of the spread of
Christianity and communism, some Buddhist leaders
have come to be enthusiastic in mission work; they
have established some international organizations.