How Did the Silk Road Help Buddhism Spread from India to China and Its Influence from 5th Century CE to 10th Century CE ?
Abstract
This work examines how the Silk Road functioned not only as a trade route but also as a cultural and religious network that enabled the spread of Buddhism from India to China between the 5th and 10th centuries CE. By analyzing historical records, pilgrim accounts, and archaeological evidence, this paper shows how monks, merchants, and rulers played vital roles in translating, adapting, and embedding Buddhist teachings in Chinese society. In this work, particular attention is given to key figures such as Faxian, Xuanzang, and Yijing, as well as to significant sites including the Mogao Caves, Kizil Caves, and Bezeklik Caves. These sources demonstrate the dynamic process of cultural adaptation in which Indian Buddhist traditions were blended with Chinese aesthetics, philosophy, and political structures. The findings reveal that Buddhism not only spread geographically but also transformed into a uniquely Chinese form, deeply integrated into literature, art, and governance. This research highlights the Silk Road’s importance as a medium of cultural transformation and shows that Buddhism’s spread was a process of active negotiation and adaptation rather than passive diffusion.
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