The development of Buddhism in China during the four centuries following the collapse of the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) is a momentous chapter in the story of China’s religious and cultural development. Many Chinese converted to this religion that was being spread by missionaries from India. Four fundamental reasons can readily be suggested: the widespread suffering that followed the collapse of the mighty Han dynasty, the resulting doubts in the existing institutions of Han culture, the appeal of new and different ideas, and the occupation of large parts of China by non-Chinese people. While compatible with some existing spiritual ideas, Buddhism offered an end to life’s cycle of suffering and offered rebirth in paradise. In contrast with other religions practiced in China at that time, it offered salvation to all levels of society.