Why did Theravada Buddhism have such a strong appeal for the Burmese and others in the northern part of Southeast Asia?
A) It did not need a priest or ruler go-between to permit the believer to achieve Nirvana.
B) It rejected the unnecessary retention of native beliefs.
C) It posed no threat to the official religions of the state, as Buddhists also strongly supported the state cults.
D) It closely resembled Islam in belief and practices.
E) It was required by the Brahman priests.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Theravada Buddhism did not require a priest or ruler to achieve Nirvana, which made it appealing to people in northern Southeast Asia who were seeking a more personal and direct connection to their faith. This was especially significant in places where there was a lack of centralized religious institutions or where the native beliefs were more animistic in nature.

Why Did Theravada Buddhism Have Such a Strong Appeal for the Burmese