How did Buddhism spread throughout Asia?

Buddhism spread throughout Asia through a combination of missionary efforts, trade routes, and royal patronage. Following the Buddha's death, his followers, including monks and nuns, propagated his teachings across the Indian subcontinent. Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire was a pivotal figure, converting to Buddhism and sending missionaries to regions like Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.1

The Silk Road was instrumental in disseminating Buddhism, facilitating the movement of monks and texts to Central Asia and China. From Central Asia, Buddhism further spread to Tibet, Korea, and Japan. In Southeast Asia, connections with India and Sri Lanka via trade routes also played a significant role. As Buddhism traveled, it interacted with local cultures, leading to adaptations and the development of distinct branches like Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism.2134