Acknowledgements

The beginning of Buddhism in Vietnam and South East Asia began with the inscriptions that have been found at some archaeological sites in Vietnam and South East Asia. They marks the beginning of the Indian contact with the Vietnamese and South East Asian since the inscriptions are written not in a local language, but in Sanskrit and the script seems to have been derived from India. The earliest inscriptions of Vietnam and South East Asia from the first millennium are the evidences of the presence of Buddhism in this region and since at that time Buddhist art also flourished.

Our knowledge of Buddhist art and architecture comes from archaeological evidence especially Buddhist monuments. The monuments in Vietnam, and South East Asia had been flowering in historical records. We know as Angkor, Borobudur, Cham’s Stupas, or Thai temples, followers of the Buddhism. And we know they were in contact with great Buddhist centres in India.

The researcher wishes to express the deepest gratitude to the respected supervisor, Dr. H. P. Gangnegi, for his kind guide and encouragement during the time of proceeding of this thesis. A special of thanks is to Dr. Bhikshu Satyapala, Head of the department, and all other teachers of the department of Buddhist studies, Delhi University, who teach us in M.A and M. Phil courses for Buddhist teaching and research methodology. The writer is also thankful to Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha at Delhi University for giving their encouragements to overcome the difficulties in the studies and life in India. Finally, the writer also would like to show the gratitude to the family and all Buddhist lay men and women in Vietnam as well as abroad for their financial support during the time in India.

NGUYEN NGOC VINH
Department of Buddhist Studies
University of Delhi
Delhi-110007