Southeast Asia is a diverse region where Buddhism and Hinduism have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, art, politics, and philosophy over centuries. Their influence is visible today in temples, festivals, daily customs, and even national identities.

The Arrival and Spread

Origins and Introduction

• Buddhism and Hinduism arrived in Southeast Asia primarily through ancient trade networks, diplomatic missions, and the movement of priests and monks from the Indian subcontinent starting around the beginning of the Common Era.

• Merchant activity across maritime and land routes facilitated the movement of religious ideas, rituals, scripts, and teachers. Rulers in the region often welcomed these faiths, seeing them as sources of legitimacy and statecraft.

Early Kingdoms and Indian Influence

• The process led to the establishment of “Indianized” kingdoms like Funan, Champa, Srivijaya, Majapahit, and the Khmer Empire. These states adopted Indian languages (Sanskrit and Pali), governance structures, and monumental temple architecture.

• Key examples include the Champa civilization (Vietnam), the Khmer Empire (Cambodia), and the Srivijaya and Majapahit kingdoms (Indonesia), all of which modeled themselves after Indian prototypes, blending local traditions with imported beliefs.

Buddhism in Southeast Asia

Development and Traditions

• Buddhism became dominant in most mainland countries. Theravāda Buddhism is now prevalent in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Mahāyāna Buddhism is dominant in Vietnam, especially due to Chinese influence, and is also practiced in Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia, primarily by the Chinese diaspora.

• Buddhism originally entered through trade and missionary efforts, with Emperor Ashoka sending emissaries as early as 250 BCE.

• The Mon people played a vital role in the spread of Theravāda Buddhism across Burma and into other parts of Indochina.

Key Empires and Conversions

• The Khmer Empire (King Jayavarman VII) shifted from Hinduism to Mahāyāna Buddhism before Theravāda Buddhism ultimately took root.

• The Srivijaya Empire in Sumatra was a center for Buddhist learning, built monumental temples like Borobudur in Java (the largest Buddhist temple in the world), and maintained ties with Indian and Chinese Buddhist centers.

• Mainland kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya (Thailand) and the Pagan Empire (Myanmar) embraced Theravāda Buddhism, influencing local culture, language, and education.

Modern Practices

• Today, Buddhism shapes the spiritual and social life of countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, with distinct local forms. In Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, it is often practiced within Chinese communities, alongside Christianity and Islam.

Hinduism in Southeast Asia

Ancient Dominance

• Hinduism was a major force from the early centuries of the first millennium, mainly through the influence of merchants, priests (Brahmans), and rulers who adopted the faith as state ideology.

• Temples were built, local rulers assumed grand Indian titles (such as Maharaja), and monumental works like Angkor Wat (originally dedicated to Vishnu) and the temples of Prambanan (in Java) were constructed.

Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Syncretism

• Shaivism (worship of Shiva) was the dominant strand, although Vaishnavism (devotion to Vishnu) was also practiced. Later, Tantrism (a tradition with both Hindu and Buddhist forms) influenced many regions.

• Hindu cosmology and epics permeated literature and art. Sanskrit served as the language of court and scholarship.

Decline and Legacy

• From the 13th century, the rise of Theravāda Buddhism and the spread of Islam led to the decline of state-sponsored Hinduism in most areas, except for places like Bali (Indonesia), where Hinduism remains vibrant and intertwined with indigenous beliefs.

• In modern times, most practicing Hindus in Southeast Asia are ethnic Indians or Balinese, with pockets among the Javanese and Cham in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Cultural and Social Impact

Political and Social Structure

• The two religions helped structure society, legitimized monarchies (with rulers portraying themselves as incarnations of Hindu gods or bodhisattvas), and fostered written traditions by introducing scripts like Brahmi and Pallava.

Art and Architecture

• The region is renowned for its syncretic architecture and art: Angkor Wat, Borobudur, Bayon Temple, and Prambanan. These sites blend indigenous, Hindu, and Buddhist motifs, representing a unique Southeast Asian heritage.

Continued Syncretism

• Even where religions shifted, old practices remained. Today, Thai and Khmer cultures, for example, combine Buddhist rituals with Hindu elements—such as spirit houses and the veneration of Hindu deities alongside the Buddha.

Conclusion

Buddhism and Hinduism left an indelible mark on Southeast Asia—shaping not only religions but also languages, governance, artistic achievements, and daily customs. The region stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange, adaptation, and the enduring legacy of ideas that traveled across oceans and centuries. These faiths remain woven into the identity of Southeast Asia, illustrating a complex tapestry of belief, adaptation, and innovation.