Early records of meditation in come from the Hindu written traditions of Vendantism circa 1500 BC. The Vendas mention the meditative traditions of India. By the 5th century BC, other forms of meditation could be found in Taoist China and Buddhist India. While we do not have exact details surrounding the origins of Buddhist meditation, early records of the varieties of meditation in Buddhist India are found in the sutras of the Pāli Canon from the 1st century BC. The Vimalakirti Sutra from 100AD also had passages on meditation and enlightenment, which pointed to Zen.

 

The Silk Road allowed Buddhist meditation to be introduced to other countries. Bodhidharma is often known as the spreader of the concept of Zen to China. Additionally, his contemporary, Zhiyi, founded the first school in East Asia in the 6th century in central China. Zhiyi organized the teachings that had been imported from India.

 

Since the introduction of Buddhist to Tibet by Songsen Gampo in the 7th century AD, the religion and its practices have played a persistent yet varied role throughout the country. While there were cycles of religious suppression and support to varying degrees, Buddhism and its practices have been one of the cornerstones in Tibet’s existence.

 

The map below highlights the spread of Buddhism from India to Tibet and other areas in Asia