Syncretism in Buddhism

When Buddhism spread throughout Asia it needed to adapt to cultures in order to be accepted. Syncretism is "the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion" as stated by dictionary.com. One way they accomodated cultures needs was by changing ritual locations and teachings. Some rituals now incorporated new gods that were originally from the new locations. One example is when Buddhism spread to Japan and incorporated gods that they already being worshipped in Japanese culture such as the sun and moon god. In India new Buddhist culture also adapted their gods and dieties and thier indigenous values.