Start here · Essential guide
A Short History of the Spread of Buddhism
An overview of how Buddhism moved from the Ganges plain to South, Southeast, Central and East Asia and beyond, with cautious dates and notes on the sources.
Pilgrimage and Practice
History, Texts and Terms
A short history of Buddhism, its key texts and teachers, and the words pilgrims meet.
A Glossary of Buddhist Pilgrimage Terms
Plain definitions of words pilgrims meet at Buddhist sites, from stupa and vihara to kora, puja, sangha and dharma, with notes on how usage varies.
An Introduction to the Pali Canon
A general introduction to the Pali Canon, or Tipitaka: its three baskets, how it is organised, how it was handed down and its role in Theravada Buddhism.
Common Myths About Buddhism and Pilgrimage
Popular misconceptions about Buddhism and pilgrimage, such as one Buddha in every statue or universal vegetarianism, corrected with care and context.
Emperor Ashoka and the Early Spread of the Dharma
What inscriptions and Buddhist tradition say about Emperor Ashoka, his edicts, pillars and missions, and where the sources agree and disagree.
Faxian and Xuanzang: Chinese Pilgrims to India
Who the Chinese pilgrim monks Faxian and Xuanzang were, what their travel accounts record of Buddhist India and why archaeologists still rely on them.
How Buddhism Reached China, Korea and Japan
A general account of the northern and eastern transmission of Buddhism via Central Asia and China to Korea and Japan, with approximate dates and caveats.
How Buddhism Reached Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia
A general account of the southern transmission of Buddhism through Sri Lanka to mainland and island Southeast Asia, with approximate dates and caveats.
The Buddhist Councils in Tradition and History
How different Buddhist traditions describe the early councils, what historians can and cannot confirm, and why the accounts are treated cautiously.
Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Compared
A neutral comparison of the major Buddhist traditions, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, covering shared roots, differences in emphasis and regional variety.
Well-Known Mahayana Sutras in Brief
A general introduction to widely known Mahayana sutras, including the Heart, Diamond and Lotus Sutras, and where each is commonly recited or studied.
Who Are the Disciples Named at the Holy Sites
A general introduction to the Buddha's disciples, such as Ananda, Sariputta, Moggallana and Mahakassapa, who appear in site stories, with traditions noted.
Related topics
More in pilgrimage and practice
Pilgrimage Basics The history, meaning and etiquette of Buddhist pilgrimage. Art and Monasteries Stupas, cave temples, monastic life and sacred architecture. Beliefs and Practice Teachings, symbols, festivals and ceremonies explained plainly. Respectful Pilgrimage Practical courtesy for visiting temples, monasteries and sacred sites. Pilgrim Health and Safety General health and safety information for pilgrimage travel, not medical advice. Reading Stupas and Temples How to understand the shapes and layouts of Buddhist sacred buildings. Buddhist Art and Symbols The gestures, symbols and images pilgrims see at every site. Mindful and Responsible Travel Journaling, mindful travel, accessibility and responsible tourism.