The influence of Mahāyāna Buddhism in Shan (Tai)

Abstract

Mahāyāna Buddhism is one of the two dominant sects' of Buddhism. Sometimes, it is called Northern tradition, as it is mobilized in Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Historically, Mahāyāna Buddhism was introduced to Chana in the first century A.D. In the earlier of seventh century A.D, as the consequences of Chinese influences, some parts of Shan State were converted to Mahāyāna Buddhism. In addition, Shan historical recorded, the flourishing of Mahāyāna Buddhism in Shan was beginning from seventh century A.D, to tenth century A.D. However, some scholars argued that the Theravada Buddhism was first in traduced to Shan. Traditionally, it is belief that Theravada Buddhism was introduced to lower Myanmar to Mon State (Suvaṇṇahūmi) and was brought to Pagan lower Myanmar by King Anawratha at the eleventh century A.D. Geologically, at that time Shan was dominant the basin of the upper Myanmar up to Dali, Yunna, where present in China. According to Burmese’s historical record, the influence of Mahāyāna Buddhism in Pagan was ended by the reign of King Anaratha, as he introduced new Theravada tradition from Mon State. It made sense to prove that Mahāyāna Buddhism was firstly influence in Shan and even some part of lower Myanmar. Evidence was Sanskrit inscription which found in Rakhine State. The purpose of this paper, the researcher attempts to prove that the influence of Northern Buddhism was earlier then Theravada tradition with refer to history, archaeology, and traditional belief. The research problem is to point out the reasons of why Mahāyāna Buddhism could not exist longer, and non-remaining of Mahāyāna texts in Shan. In the end, this research paper will be concluded that Mahāyāna Buddhism was influence in Shan from China and end in the tenth century A.D. up to present