r to export by not calling for such a binding devotion to a monastery or nunnery , therefore it is found throughout the world. Its ability to travel far was as much a blessing as it was a burden. Although it helped to spread the basic Buddhist teachings, it became extremely tainted when faced with other cultures. For instance, when Buddhism first reached China at the beginning of the common era it was still in the form of Mahayana. Throughout the centuries though, it evolved into other forms such as Chan and Pureland. Buddhism of any form in China came under heavy persecution beginning in about 845 CE and thanks to the communist rule of the twentieth century, it has never been able to regain its dominance. Korea is another country that has adopted Buddhism as a part of its mainstream culture. It first arrived by way of China around the 4th century CE. It flourished in the small country until the introduction of Confucianism took place. With the end of Japanese rule in 1945, a resurgence struck, and Korean Buddhism once again became prominent. Tibet has probably been one of the most recognizable faces of Buddhism, especially in this century. It has been severely repressed by the Chinas communist rule forcing Tibetan exiles to remain aloof while maintaining their religion. Today, their religion is known as Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism and his headed by the countrys ruler the Dalai Lama. This unique religion is a cross between shamanistic practices and the Buddhist structure. From shamanism came the desire of the adept of power to undergo initiation, demonstrate courage and vision, explore infinite new worlds of the psychic plane, and manifest accomplishments through preternatural talents. From Buddhism came a sophisticated philosophical framework by which to explain these things.#Today, America is also feeling the effects of Buddhism. It has begun to appear in several movies like Little Buddha, Seven Years in Tibet, and Kundun.# Bookst...
