The essays in this volume are not intended to outline the initial stages of spread of Buddhist doctrines to various parts of Asia. Nor are they meant to be introductory narratives of Buddhism in different regions of Asia. Rather the essays deal with complex issues related to Buddhism, in the process by which the doctrines, in their varied forms and manifestations. Many of the essays are detailed exposition of these evolving phases of Buddhist history in Asia, from the early common era to the twentieth century.