The article focuses on analyzing the process of Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka, India, China and Japan from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. Research results show that, from the second half of the 19th century, Buddhism in Asian countries found itself confronted by many difficulties. The main reasons include: colonial invasion by Western capitalist countries; the expansion of many new religions in Asia; the deterioration of morality of monks; The Buddhist Sangha is fragmented and unorganized; lack of training for monks and nuns. Besides the dark colors of the picture, new rays of light have appeared and given Buddhism new hope. The interest and appreciation of Western scholars for Buddhism offered huge encouragement and motivation. The accompanied East – West cultural exchange and acculturation has promptly supplemented Buddhism with progressiveness and modernness. Since then, a Buddhist revival and reform movement has been launched by Buddhist, scholars and people who love Buddhism. The movement started in Sri Lanka, then quickly spread to India, China, Japan and many other Asian countries. This study contributes to clarifying the process of Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka, India, China, Japan as well as the revival of Buddhism in Asia from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.

Key words: Asia, Buddhism, China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, revival

DOI: 10.22250/20728662-2025-2-76-87

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About the authors

 

Mung Duong Thanh – PhD, Lecturer, The Academy of Politics; 232 Nguyen Cong Tru Str., Son Tra Dist, Danang City, Vietnam; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Long Doan Trieu – PhD, Associate Professor, Director of the Academy of Politics; 232 Nguyen Cong Tru Str., Son Tra Dist, Danang City, Vietnam; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dung Nguyen Viet – PhD student, Lecturer, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; 135 Nguyen Phong Sac Str., Cau Giay Dist, Hanoi City, Vietnam; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.