Vijay Kumar
Asst. Professor
Central University of Haryana
Buddhism
Philosophy
Rise of Buddhism/Jainism : Why?
Religious unrest in India in the 6th century B.C.
The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the
Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common
people.
The sacrificial ceremonies were also found to be too
expensive. The superstitious beliefs and mantras
confused the people.
The teachings of Upanishads, an alternative to the
system of sacrifices, were highly philosophical in nature
and therefore not easily understood by all..
Therefore, what was needed in the larger interests of the
people was a simple, short and intelligible way to
salvation for all people.
Such religious teaching should also be in a language
known to them. This need was fulfilled by the teachings
of Buddha and Mahavira.
Other than the religious factor, social and economic
factors also contributed to the rise of these two religions
The rigid caste system prevalent in India generated tensions
in the society. Higher classes enjoyed certain privileges
which were denied to the lower classes.
Also, the Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the
priestly class. It should also to be noted that both Buddha
and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya origin.
The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic
conditions of the Vaisyas. As a result, they wanted to
enhance their social status but the orthodox Varna system
did not allow this.
Therefore, they began to extend support to Buddhism and
Jainism. It was this merchant class that extended the chief
support to these new religions.
Gautama or Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, was
born in 567 B.C. in Lumbini Garden near Kapilavastu.
His father was Suddodhana of the Sakya clan and mother
Mayadevi.
As his mother died at child birth, he was brought up by his
aunt Prajapati Gautami.
At the age of sixteen he married Yasodhara, had a son,
Rahula
The sight of an old man, a diseased man, a corpse and an ascetic
turned him away from worldly life.
He left home at the age of twenty nine in search of Truth. He
wandered for seven years and met several teachers but could not
get enlightenment.
At last, he sat under a Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya and did intense
penance, after which he got Enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of
thirty five.
Since then he became known as the Buddha or „the Enlightened
One‟
He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath near Banaras and for the
next forty five years he led the life of a preacher.
He died at the age of eighty at Kusinagara.
Teachings of Buddha
He did not involve himself in fruitless controversies
regarding metaphysical questions like god, soul, karma,
rebirth, etc., and
concerned himself with the practical problems confronting
man.
The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are:
-The world is full of suffering.
-The cause of suffering is desire.
-If desires are get rid off, suffering can be removed.
-This can be done by following the Eightfold Path.
Ashtangik Marg:
The Eightfold Path consists of
right view(knowledge),
right will ( resolve),
right speech,
right actions ( conduct),
right livelihood,
right effort,
right mindfulness (memory) and
right concentration.
Buddha neither accepts god nor rejects the existence of god.
He laid great emphasis on the law of karma. He argued that
the condition of man in this life depends upon his own
deeds.
He taught that the soul does not exist.
However, he emphasized Ahimsa. By his love for human
beings and all living creatures, he endeared himself to all.
Even under the gravest provocation he did not show the
least anger or hatred and instead conquered everyone by
his love and compassion.
His religion was identical with morality and it emphasized
purity of thought, word and deed.
He was a rationalist who tried to explain things in the light
of reason and not on the basis of blind faith.
Though he did not make a direct attack on the caste system,
he was against any social distinctions and threw open his
order to all.
Therefore, Buddhism was more a social than religious
revolution. It taught the code of practical ethics and laid
down the principle of social equality.
Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture
-The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution. Later, it
became one of the cherished values of our nation.
-Its contribution to the art and architecture of India was
notable. The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya are
wonderful pieces of architecture. Buddhism takes the credit
for the chaityas and viharas in different parts of India.
-It promoted education through residential universities like
those at Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
-- Its contribution to the Literature. The language of Pali
and other local languages developed through the teachings
of Buddhism.
It had also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other
parts of Asia.
Concept of Four Noble Truths.
Concept of Eightfold Path.
Concept of Middle Path- avoid extreme forms of austerity
and luxury.
Educational Implications of Buddhism
Emphasis on Values
Emphasis on Simple Life and High Thinking
Emphasis on Mass Education
Emphasis on Ideal Relationship between Teacher and the Taught.
Emphasis on State Patronage of Education
Emphasis on Spread of Higher Education.
Emphasis on Higher Standard of Education.
Emphasis on development of Art & Literature.
Jainism Philosophy
Founder of Jainism
Jainism founded by Rishabdev i.e. Adinath
It‟s a collection of teachings of 24 Tirthankars.
24 Tirthankar was Lord Mahavira
The term Jainism derived from the term “Jin” meaning a
person who has overpowered his sensual vices and had
obtained full control over his worldly desires.
Vardhman Mahavir (539- 467 B.C.)
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain
tradition.
He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali to Kshatriya parents
Siddhartha and Trisala
He married Yasoda and had a daughter.
At the age of thirty he became an ascetic and wandered for twelve
years. In the 13th year of his penance, he attained the highest
spiritual knowledge called Kevala Gnana.
Thereafter, he was called Mahavira and Jina. His followers were
called Jains and his religion Jainism.
He preached his doctrines for 30 years and died at the age of 72 at
Pava near Rajagriha.
Teachings of Mahavira
The three principles of Jainism, also known as Triratnas (three
gems), are:
Right faith : belief in the teachings and wisdom of
Mahavira.
Right knowledge : acceptance of the theory that there is no
God and that the world has been existing without a creator
and that all objects possess a soul
Right conduct : Right conduct refers to the MAHAVIRA
observance of the five great vows:
The Five Great Vows
Not to injure life
Not to lie
Not to steal
Not to acquire property
Not to lead immoral life.
Both the clergy and laymen had to strictly follow the doctrine of
ahimsa.
Mahavira regarded all objects, both animate and inanimate, have
souls and various degrees of consciousness. They possess life and
feel pain when they are injured
Mahavira rejected the authority of the Vedas and objected to the
Vedic rituals.
He advocated a very holy and ethical code of life.
Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it causes
injury to the earth, worms and animals.
Similarly the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also
carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity
and other forms of self-torture.
Denial of existence of God
Emphasize existence of Soul
Theory of Karma & Rebirth
Attainment of Salvation (Moksha)
Non-Violence of Thought & Conduct
Five vows (Panch Mahavrata)- Ahimsa, Not lying, not
stealing, non-attachment, Bramacharya (Celibacy)
Penance & Fasts
Equality of all- no belief in caste system etc.
Emancipation of Women
