The Spread of Buddhism by Tom Lewis
Hundreds of years before the Tang dynasty, when China was in turmoil, Buddhist missionaries traveled along land trade
routes that connected the Middle East and India with China. Because Buddhism taught that people could escape
suffering and find peace, it appealed to many Chinese people. By the time Tang leaders took control of the country,
Buddhism was well established in China. Buddhist built monasteries and temples, which provided people with religious
instruction as well as other services, such as medical care and basic education. Buddhist communities gained great
power and influence.
Tang leaders also encouraged missionaries to spread the religion beyond China and into areas they had conquered, such
as Korea and Tibet. Because of improved roads and waterways, travel and trade were much easier in Tang China than
ever before. Traders and merchants who assed through China helped spread Buddhism as they traveled. Visitors from
neighboring lands such as Japan took Buddhist teachings back home with them.
According to Tom Lewis, how did economic interests help Buddhism spread
throughout East Asia?
Travelers and pilgrims paid monks for lodging in Buddhist monasteries.
The Chinese government imposed a tax on all religions except for Buddhism.
The imperial family of China donated large amounts of money to Buddhist
monasteries.
Traders and merchants who passed through China spread Buddhism as they
traveled.