Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions, has a rich history that spans over two millennia. Emerging in the 6th century BCE in the Gangetic plain of India, it offered an alternative to the Vedic rituals and caste system that characterized ancient Indian society. Rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha (the enlightened one), Buddhism quickly gained popularity and spread throughout northern India. This growth was fueled by political and economic support from merchants and artisans and the patronage of rulers, notably Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty.
Doctrinal Divisions: Theravada and Mahayana
As Buddhism continued to evolve, doctrinal divisions led to the emergence of two major schools: Theravada (or Hinayana, the Lesser Vehicle) and Mahayana (the Greater Vehicle). These divisions arose after the Second and Fourth Buddhist Councils, respectively.
| Theravada: | Mahayana: |
| Often referred to as “The Teaching of the Elders,” Theravada Buddhism is considered the most conservative and orthodox form.It emphasizes attaining individual liberation from suffering through meditation, adherence to the Pali Canon, and strict monastic discipline.Theravada practitioners focus on the original teachings of Gautama Buddha.Key tenets include the Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path, three marks of existence, karma, and rebirth.It has a strong presence in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia and preserves the Pali language, used for its scriptures. | Emerged around the 1st century BCE during the Fourth Buddhist Council and emphasizes the concept of Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who delay nirvana to help others.Mahayana followers worship Buddha images as divine beings and have a more inclusive approach, allowing for lay followers alongside monastic ones.Key concepts include Bodhisattvas and the potential for enlightenment in all beings (Buddha-nature).Mahayana has sub-sects like Madhyamaka and Yogacara.It gained prominence under the patronage of Emperor Kanishka and spread along the Silk Road to Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. |
Zen, Vajrayana, and Navayana
As Buddhism spread to different regions, it underwent localized adaptations, giving rise to various sub-schools and branches:
Zen (Chan):
- Zen Buddhism is a sub-school of the Mahayana sect, with an emphasis on meditation to achieve enlightenment.
- It is particularly associated with Japan and developed into several distinct sub-schools.
- Zen encourages direct experience and unmediated insight.
Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle):
- Vajrayana emphasizes rituals, mantras, and tantra to achieve enlightenment in a single lifetime.
- It is mainly practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, parts of Nepal, and Mongolia.
- Tibetan Buddhism combines Indian Buddhist elements with local Tibetan beliefs.
Navayana:
- A modern Buddhist movement that emerged in India in the late 20th century.
- It is a reformist movement seeking to reinterpret Buddhism in the context of India’s caste system, focusing on social justice and equality.
Spread of Buddhism
Buddhism’s rapid expansion in ancient India can be attributed to various factors:
- Social and Economic Changes: Discontent with the caste system and a desire for a more egalitarian and inclusive spiritual path drove many to embrace Buddhism.
- Influence of the Buddha’s Teachings: The Buddha’s emphasis on compassion, non-violence, and personal responsibility resonated with a broad audience.
- Conversion of Rulers and Elites: The support of rulers and elites, including Emperor Ashoka, played a significant role in spreading Buddhism. Ashoka’s missionary efforts in Sri Lanka and other regions contributed to the faith’s diffusion.
- Monastic Network: The establishment of a network of monasteries and the spread of the monastic tradition facilitated the faith’s dissemination.
- Accessibility of the Buddha’s Teachings: The accessibility of Buddhist teachings to people regardless of their caste or social status attracted a diverse following.
- Use of Popular Language: The use of Pali to explain the doctrines made Buddhism accessible to the masses, in contrast to Brahmanical religion’s use of Sanskrit.
Spread of Buddhism Outside India
| PRELIMS-2016With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) |
The spread of Buddhism beyond India was driven by various historical developments:
- Spread of Hinayana Buddhism:
Ashoka’s support and missionary activities laid the foundations for Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
- Spread of Mahayana Buddhism:
Emperor Kanishka’s patronage helped Mahayana Buddhism expand and become dominant in regions like Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Trade networks, particularly the Silk Road, facilitated the exchange of ideas and religious practices.
- Spread of Vajrayana Buddhism:
Vajrayana Buddhism developed in India around the 8th century and spread to Tibet, Bhutan, parts of Nepal, and Mongolia. It interacted with the local Bon religion in Tibet.
Key figures like Atisha Dipankara and Padmasambhava played a significant role in spreading Vajrayana.
- Tibetan Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhism combines elements of Indian Buddhism with Tibetan beliefs, and it emphasizes the role of spiritual heads known as lamas.
- Influence on Japan: Buddhism reached Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century CE, giving rise to distinct Japanese Buddhist schools like Zen and Pure Land.
| PRELIMS-2020With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) |
The Institution of Sangha in Buddhism
The Buddhist Sangha, or monastic order, played a crucial role in propagating the Buddha’s teachings and the spread of Buddhism. The Sangha’s organization and activities contributed to the faith’s rapid growth.
- Patronage and Support: Wealthy merchants, like Anathapindika, generously supported the Sangha, enabling monks to travel and spread Buddhism.
- Membership Policy: The Sangha had an open membership policy, allowing people of all castes and genders to join, except for criminals and the diseased. The later inclusion of women in the monastic order broadened its reach.
- Routines and Practices: Monks undertook daily alms rounds for food and practiced meditation. During the monsoon, they meditated in a fixed abode.
- Education Initiatives: The Sangha promoted education among the masses, providing access to knowledge for those who were traditionally deprived under Brahmanism.
- Governing Principles: The Sangha was governed democratically and enforced a code of conduct for its members. It had the authority to maintain discipline and punish erring monks.
The organized structure of the Sangha, its open membership, educational initiatives, and governance principles played a pivotal role in popularizing Buddhism in India.
Factors Leading to the Decline of Buddhism
The decline of Buddhism in India was a complex process shaped by various historical, social, and cultural factors. Here are some key factors that contributed to its decline in certain regions:
- Ideological Decline: Over time, Buddhism encountered problems similar to those it originally sought to address, such as hierarchy, corruption, and complex rituals within its institutions.
- Hinduism’s Reform and Assimilation: Hinduism reformed itself and absorbed Buddhist practices, incorporating vegetarianism and opposing animal sacrifice. Buddhist and Hindu philosophies converged on concepts like karma, dharma, and moksha, facilitating Buddhism’s assimilation into Hinduism.
- Loss of Royal Patronage: Buddhism lost the support of major dynasties like the Kushanas, leading to a decline in monastic institutions and sanghas.
- Lack of Vernacular Literature: While early Buddhist texts were written in Pali and accessible to the masses, later texts were composed in Sanskrit, limiting their penetration among the vernacular-speaking population.
- Foreign Invasions: Invasions by non-Buddhist groups disrupted monasteries and pilgrimage sites. Islamic invaders in northern India significantly damaged Mahayana Buddhist sites.
Despite its decline in India, Buddhism’s influence endures through its profound impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape of Asia. It continues to inspire millions of people worldwide seeking a path to enlightenment, compassion, and inner peace.
Difference between Buddhism and Jainism
| Differences | Buddhism | Jainsim |
| Beliefs About Rebirth | One of the core tenets of Buddhism is the belief in the cycle of birth and rebirth, known as samsara. Buddhists hold that achieving Nirvana, a state of ultimate enlightenment and liberation from suffering, is the sole means to break free from the unending cycle of birth and rebirth. | In Jainism, a similar belief in the cycle of rebirths and deaths exists. Jains hold that the cycle of rebirth will persist until an individual attains freedom, irrespective of their actions being good or evil. Achieving spiritual liberation, known as moksha, is the primary goal in Jainism. |
| Religious Texts | The primary Buddhist scripture is the Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon. It consists of three main sections: the Discipline (Vinaya Pitaka), the Discourse (Sutta Pitaka), and the Commentaries (Abhidhamma Pitaka). | Jain religious writings are known as Agamas. These texts contain the teachings and doctrines of Jainism and provide guidance to followers. |
| Concept of Suffering and Liberation: | Buddhism teaches that existence is inherently marked by suffering. To overcome this suffering, rooted in desire and ignorance, one must comprehend the Four Noble Truths and follow the Eightfold Path to attain Nirvana. | Jainism emphasizes the significance of non-violence and respect for all living beings. Liberation from the cycle of rebirths is achieved by taking the Five Vows and adhering to the precepts of the Three Jewels. |
| Notion of Sin: | Buddhism does not have a concept of sin. Instead, it focuses on the idea of karma, where actions have consequences that affect future rebirths. | In Jainism, sin is defined as causing harm to others. Non-violence (ahimsa) is a fundamental principle, and any act of harm or violence is considered sinful. |
| Sects: | Following the death of Gautama Buddha, Buddhism split into two major sects: Mahayana and Theravada. These sects differ in their interpretation of Buddhist teachings and practices. | Jainism also has two major sects, Svetambara and Digambara. These sects have variations in their beliefs and practices, particularly related to attire and the role of women in monastic orders. |
| Origins and Historical Development: | Prince Siddhartha, who later became Gautama Buddha, founded Buddhism in the sixth century B.C. in modern-day Nepal. | Jainism is believed to have emerged in Northern India between the 7th and 5th centuries B.C. Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara and a key figure in the history of Jainism. |
| Global Presence: | Buddhism is primarily practiced in various countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. | Jain are predominantly found in India, particularly in the lower Asian subcontinent, and there are smaller Jain communities in other parts of the world, including America. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. FAQ: What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism?
Answer: The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain Nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Nirvana represents the end of craving, ignorance, and the realization of one’s true nature. It is a state of profound peace and enlightenment.
2. FAQ: What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
Answer: The Four Noble Truths are the foundational teachings of Buddhism. They articulate the nature of human suffering (dukkha), its origin (samudaya), the possibility of its cessation (nirodha), and the path leading to that cessation (magga). Understanding and following these truths are central to the practice of Buddhism.
3. FAQ: What is the significance of meditation in Buddhism?
Answer: Meditation, or mindfulness practice, is integral to Buddhism. It serves as a means to cultivate awareness, concentration, and insight. Various meditation techniques are employed to develop mindfulness, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature of the mind and reality. Meditation is a crucial tool for progressing on the Eightfold Path towards enlightenment.
4. FAQ: What is the concept of karma in Buddhism?
Answer: Karma in Buddhism refers to the law of cause and effect. It is the principle that our actions, both physical and mental, have consequences. Positive actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions result in suffering. Understanding and accepting the role of karma is essential in the pursuit of ethical conduct and spiritual development in Buddhism.
5. FAQ: Can one be a Buddhist without renouncing worldly life?
Answer: Yes, Buddhism accommodates various paths, and it is not necessary to renounce worldly life to be a Buddhist. Lay practitioners, known as householders, follow a modified version of the monastic rules and engage in regular practice, including meditation and ethical living. While monastic life is highly esteemed, Buddhism acknowledges the diversity of individuals and allows for a range of spiritual commitments.
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