1. Religion (Buddhism)

2. Buddhism About 400 million adherents Three branches
difficult to quantify due to syncretism
the combination of different beliefs
Three branches
Mahayana (56%) (China, Japan, Korea)
Theravada/Hinayana (38%) (Southeast Asia)
Tantrayana/Vajrayana (6%) (Tibet, Mongolia)

3. Origin and Diffusion of Buddhism

4. Why is Buddhism not practiced in India?
Syncretically absorbed into Hinduism

6. Buddhist Places of Worship
stupas
Mark location of relics collected by Buddha’s followers in South Asia
pagodas
Evolved from stupa concept
Mostly found in East Asia (China and Japan)
Asoka’s pillars

7. Buddhist Symbols