In examining the evidence for the existence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia, Indian culture, the acceptance of this religion by the rulers and of the people of the area and how the Southeast adopted and adapted to this religion were accepted because of the impact these religions had and the influence of Indian culture. Buddhism originated in Southeast Asia from aspects of pre-existing religions. It was founded specifically in India by Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha who lived in northern India from the 6th to the mid-4th century. This philosophy has played a social, spiritual and cultural life of Asia. Buddhism has taken three main forms which include: Theravada, Hinayana (the lesser vehicle), and Mahayana. For example, Theravada focuses on public worship, speech, and celebration. Theravada means "the Way of the Elders" and emphasizes meditation, simplicity, and an interpretation of nirvana as the renunciation of human consciousness and the self. In this form the Buddha is not considered a god and the other gods have less importance. While the Mahayana (the Great Vehicle) rejected the belief that monks were allowed to achieve salvation, which was a Theravada belief. This form is more complicated and involves a greater ritual than that specified by the Buddha. The Mahayana attracted people who believed that the Buddha's original teachings did not offer enough spiritual comfort. Unlike Theravada, Mahayana views the Buddha as a divine deity. Other deities such as bodhisattvas achieved nirvana, but chose to remain on earth. This form also relied more on priests and scriptures. The Buddha and the Bodhisattvas were the ones seen as the people who would help those struggling to achieve salvation. Buddhists follow... the middle of the card... causing the emergence of communism and the resurgence of authoritarianism. But communist doctrine has no precedent in cultural traditions or sanction in current national aspirations. Religions in communism respond well to the urgency of the problem in the current communist criticism and exploitation of religious personnel. These philosophies in Southeast Asia are best described in relation to the influx of communist doctrines. According to the rulers, when it reached Southeast Asia, they acted immediately. The rulers supported both religions and did not cause much controversy regarding them. They allowed them to have an influence on their people and to incorporate religions into the arts, the language of literature, and everyday life in general. The royals of this region seem to have taken advantage of this to show impartiality in their support of these philosophies.