This thesis has the following three objectives: 1) to study the history of Buddhism before king Jayavarman VII reign, during his reign, and after his reign in Cambodia, 2) to study the influence of Mahayana Buddhism over the king Jayavarman VII, and 3) to analyze the influence of Mahayana Buddhism over king Jayavarman VII. This research is documentary research using the collection of primary sources including Tipitaka and Cambodia chronicle. It also has sources from books, articles, and related researches. The researcher analyzed the relevant sources. Then conclude by describe the research.
The result of research:
1).The India’s cultures has influenced over any other nations and affected many aspects of Funanese political and religious structures. Then, Khmer has established the kingdom of Chenla with a capital Sresthapura during the reign of king‘s Funan. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism were practiced in Southeast Asia. In 9th century, Khmer has established their capital in the Angkor region. And many temples are built combination of Hinduism and Buddhism symbolizes. In 12th century, Jayavarman VII was known for many impressive building completed as well as Bayon, a Mahayana Buddhism temple in the center of Angkor Thom.
2) Mahayana Buddhism is evident in Cambodia in 7th -8th century. Then in the later 10th century, it combined with Vaishnavism, and played a role in the Royal court. After Jayavarman VII ascended the throne, Mahayana Buddhism came to influence him directly, both in terms of beliefs and lifestyles. He was a Mahayana Buddhist, and he regarded himself to be a Dharma-king, a bodhisattva, whose duty was to "save the people" through service and merit-making, liberating himself in the process. The building projects commissioned by Jayavarman VII were redolent with tantric Buddhist symbolism. He built 121 "houses with fire" rest houses built every fifteen kilometers along raised highways for travelers, and 102 hospitals.
3) The influence of the Mahayana Buddhism over the King Jayavarman VII can be split into 2 main factors: 1. The internal factor included the ability to change the Devin king ruling system to the Buddhist king ruling system perfectly, because he was born from a Buddhist family and practiced Buddhism since childhood. When he was grown, he married with two Buddhist princesses who were wise and profound understanding of Mahayana Buddhism. They were the good supporter to him to live as Bodhisattva 2. The External factor included the arrival of a new wave of Mahayana Buddhism. Due to the collapse of the Nalanda University in India, many learners who educated from the University of Nalanda came to Cambodia. They were accepted and respected by the royal court. However, even Jayavarman VII followed Mahayana Buddhism, but he gave freedom of practicing every religion. Moreover, he encouraged his son to study Theravada Buddhism in Ceylon and allowed him to spread it freely in the Kingdom later on.
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