Buddhism has endured a turbulent existence during the centuries since its
creation. Several ideas, faiths and political systems have challenged the
religion, in particular Communism, which came to dominate much of Asia.
Because Asia had traditionally being a Buddhist stronghold, Buddhism found
itself cast aside by this new and pervasive way of life. In addition, political
turmoil in many of the traditionally Buddhist countries has threatened to
destroy the religion and its principles, but time and again its followers have
fought hard to preserve their faith. Buddhism is currently going through a
period of renewal, as it is being discovered and re-discovered by people all
over the world. No longer a strictly Asian way of thinking, Buddhism has gained
followers from cultures across the globe, and even in the West. And immigrant
Buddhists have helped their religion gain popularity in the Western world, by
sharing their ideas and attracting people to the faith in ever-greater numbers.