Buddhist cultures are built upon the indigenous traditional beliefs and practices that existed before the introduction of the dharma. As traditions, rituals, prayers, language, and iconography are merged with the dharma, unique forms of Buddhism are created and practiced in each area. This process is happening even today with the introduction of new technologies. The wisdom and realization of those who help to articulate the dharma in new cultural contexts is relevant—it is no easy task. Much wisdom and skillful means are needed to preserve the essential teachings—which can be likened to tea—even while adapting the container, or the teacup.

Some examples of cultures where Buddhism interacted with pre-existing belief systems include: Brahmanism in India, Confucianism in China, Bon and shamanic traditions in Tibet, Brahmanism in Southeast Asia, Shintoism in Japan, Greek polytheism in Gandhara/Bactria, Khmer in Laos, Mon and Pyu in Burma, Shaiva Hinduism in Sri Lanka and Cambodia, and Christianity in the United States and Europe.

Note: Educators can rely on available skills and resources to determine which cultures to focus on. They are encouraged to choose at least one from each yana.

Translation and adaptation can present challenges to the preservation of authentic meaning and integrity of the dharma or any system of belief or understanding. Transmission also creates opportunities to make these systems more relevant and understandable to each culture.

Reflect on an experience of interacting with representatives of an indigenous culture in a modern setting.

• Why might it be helpful to integrate concepts, language, and practices that a group of people are already familiar with when introducing a new philosophy, religion, or way of thinking?

Analyze which indigenous cultures pre-existed Buddhism in at least five regions, and evaluate what has remained constant and what has transformed in Buddhist traditions based on cultural interactions.