1. Ashoka had be influenced by Buddhist ideals even before his conquest of Kalinga, but this event was clearly pivotal moment of his region. Asoka’s importance is die to his role in spreading Buddhism throughout India and beyond. He also has a profound influence on polity in Buddhist countries as monarchs throughout Asia were encouraged to look to his tolerant humane style of government as an ideal to be followed.

2. The main characteristics of Theravada is toward enlightenment, which is mainly pursed through mediation, toward merit-making to improve future rebirths, and toward transcending the law of karma through magic, ritual and talismans. The triple Gem is important to these Buddhist because it is the central focus of impression and devotion. Theravada devotional practices are they don’t believe in god. The historical Buddha is clearly the dominant figure of Theravada Buddhism. In the sphere of popular worship Theravada Buddhist may also venture certain Hindu gods, nature spirt, saints, or even a few of the bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism at local shrines, but these are worshiped mostly for “ this worldly” purpose.

3. The main characteristics of Mahayana they accept the noble truths of the Buddha. They put great emphasis of mediation as a way to achieve enlightenment. They believe in not causing useless harm to other beings. Yes, Dharma embodied only in the scriptures. The bodihisattvas are beings who work for the enlightenment of all beings, not just themselves. We find Mahayana Buddhism today in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tibet, and Vietnam.

4. Zen began to emerge as a distinctive school of Mahayana Buddhism when the Indian sage Bodhidrama. Bodhidrama’s teachings tapped into some developments already in progress, such as the confluence of philosophical Taoism with Buddhism. Taoism so profoundly impacted early Zen