This groundbreaking work challenges contemporary stereotypes by revealing how both Buddhist and Muslim religious traditions were shaped by a millennium of cross-cultural exchange along the Silk Road from Iran to China.
The book offers an in-depth exploration of Buddhism's evolution among the Uyghurs from the ninth to the seventeenth century, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. It delves into the interactions between Buddhism and other religions, the influence of trade routes, and the role of local practices in shaping the Buddhist experience in this region. With extensive research, it provides a unique perspective on how Buddhism adapted and thrived in the context of Uyghur society over several centuries.
The book explores the interconnectedness of Buddhist teachings and the growth of agricultural practices, resource extraction, and urbanization in Asia. It highlights how the expansion of Buddhist trade networks and state power contributed to significant environmental changes, including deforestation and the exploitation of natural resources. Through this lens, it examines the profound impact of Buddhism on the region's ecological landscape and societal structures.