Abstract

The foundations of Buddhism, its establishment and evolution, lie in the Indian subcontinent. This is where a diverse range of ethnic groups have migrated since ancient times, forming Hindu culture and consequently, Buddhism. By focusing on various aspects such as ancient history and society, the origins of religion, rituals, and culture, we explore the background of Buddhism's emergence in world history.

Author’s Information

Yasuaki Nara
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1929. He is an Emeritus Professor of Komazawa University. After graduating from the Faculty of Literature at the University of Tokyo in 1953, he studied abroad at the University of Calcutta in 1956. In 1961, he became a lecturer at Komazawa University, later serving as an associate professor, professor, president, and chancellor of the same university. He holds a Doctorate in Literature and previously served as the head priest of Hoseiji Temple. His major works include "Buddhism and Humans" and "History of Buddhism I - India & Southeast Asia".

Masahiro Shimoda
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1957. He graduated from the Faculty of Literature at the University of Tokyo and completed the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences at the same university. He studied abroad at the University of Delhi in India. After serving as a research fellow at the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and an assistant professor at the Faculty of Literature, University of Tokyo, he is now a professor at the Graduate School of the same university. His specialty is Indian Buddhism. His main work is "A Study of the Nirvana Sutra".