CHAPTER 3

Jainism and Buddhism

regarded as
century BCE is
The sixth history whick
important epoch
in world
SYLLABUS an of thinkers like Zarathustra
saw the emergence China and
Jainism and Buddhism Zoroaster in Persia, Confucius in
or Buddha, anong many
Mahavira and Gautama period
Sources: Angas, Tipitikas and Jatakas (brief India, it was the
mention). others, in India. In practices were
beliefs and
when orthodox religious new sects.
Causes for their rise in the 6th century challenged and even
rejected by the
BCE: Doctrines. and BuddhiSm emerged
Of these sects, Jainism
reform movements.
as the most potent religious
In thesixth century BCE, the Aryan settlements SOURCES
expanded to the cast, accompanied by rapid provide
socio-cconomic and political changes. Society, The three important sources which
Buddhism are
information about Jainism and
at some places had traits of tribal political the following:
organisation while at some other places,
kingdoms were on the rise. Materialism and Vi) Angas: (It is generally accepted that
whatever Lord Mahavira taught after gaining
spiritualism both existed side by side. omniscience, was compiled by his disciples
The people in the Later Vedic Age began to in 12 parts called Angas, Sanskrit word for
use implements and tools made of iron. The parts.) These Angas are collectively known as
iron tools enabled them to clear forests, bring Dwadashangi. The foremost of these Angas is
more land under cultivation and lead a settled Aacharang Sutra. Another well known Anga is
life. As a result there was surplus production the Vyakyha Pragnapti which is more popularly
of food grains. This surplus produce could be known as Bhagavati Sutra. While the former
utilised by the kings to meet their military and deals with the code of conduct which a Jain
administrative needs. It could also be used by the monk is required to follow, the later expounds
people in the towns who specialised in various the Jain doctrines in a comprehensive manner.
arts and crafts. All these advantages enabled Based on these Angas, the seers also compiled
12 auxiliary works that came to be known as
the people to lead a settled life and to expand
Upangas.
further in neighbouring areas. It is said that these Angas
This Cxpansion rcsulted in wars between were not written for a long time. and Upangas
differen! ribts. In these wars, the larger and orally passed on by the religious They were
nore powerfu! tribes defeated the smaller their pupils. leaders to
ones and expanded their territory and created According to
lasge kingdons. These kingdoms were called Maiumdar, *Towardsfamous historian, R.C.
janapadas A number of janapadas joined century BCE, a faminethein close
South
of the fourth
LOgether to form bigger and nore powerful
the exodus of an Bihar led to
important section of Jains,
headed by Bhadrabahu,
independent kingdoms called naajanapadas. to South India.
Those

34 Total History and

Cluics-DX
 Pataliputra called for a Buddha identifying the lives
behindin of the people
r e m a i n e d

revive the
knowledge of the introductory story with such people fromin the
that
in
o r d e r to

was the
compilation of the nast.The future Buddha the
council,
result
council held at Valabhi as a king, an outcast, may appear in them
The
tanother
in whatever form, a god, an elephant -
At century AD, a but.
Angas.

Angas.
fifth or sixth he exhibits some
twelve
in the
scriptures was
made for the tale thereby highlights. virtue that
of the
Gujarat

in collection
Prakrit language". Many Jataka
Mahabharata and tales have parallels in the
Ardhmagadhi
time in
final

the first asthe mostimportant clsewhere

Angas are
regarded
The Jain doctrines. They discuss religious literature. The Jataka stories inhave
non-Buddhist
part of
the h o u s c h o l d e r ' s life, the
vows of illustrated frequently in sculpture and also been
stages of a
conduct and other
features of throughout the Buddhist world. According paintings
A. K. Warder, the
Jatakas are the precursorsto
rites,
rules of
chastity,
to the various legendary
Jain philosophy.)

vt) Tripitikas: (ripitikas are the most Buddha, which were composedbiographies of the
of the Buddhists. at later dates.
literary works Although many Jatakas were written
important

Tripitika' means
"Three Baskets' of early period, which describe previous from an
The word
canon. The earliest
writings of these the Buddha, very little biographical lives of
Buddhist
onlong, narrow leaves, sewn about Gautama's own life has been rmaterial
However, the Jatakas throw significantrecorded.
taken
texts were
side and bound in bunches.
together on One
baskets; therefore, they were the politícal, economic and social light on
stored in conditions
then These works, written of people from the fifth to the second
called The Three Baskets.
incude the
following:) BCE. They also reflect Buddhist morals,century
ethics
in Pali language with the and principles.)
(The Vinaya Pitaka)dealswhich Buddha
rules and regulations CAUSES FOR THE RIS 0B
promulgated for the monks (bhikkhus)
and the nuns (bhikkhunis). It also
gives JAINISM AND BUDDHISM
teachings
an account of the life and The following factors favoured the rise and
of Buddha as well as some important growth of Jainism and Buddhism:
aspects of ancient Indian history, customs
and arts of the period. (i) Reaction against Ritualism: Religious
(The Sutta Pitakacomprises the discourses ceremonies by then had become very expensive,
of Buddha on various occasions. It also beyond the means of ordinary people. Some
has discourses by some of the disciples of priests hardly realised the sufferings of the
Buddha such as Sariputta, Ananda and common man. Thiswas an important cause that
others. The Dhammapada (way of truth) gave rise to faiths that were simple and
is an important componentof this Pitaka, inexpensive.
which comprises Buddha's teachings.
(The Abhidhamma Pitaka) deals with
Buddhist philosophy. It describes things
like the working of the human mind and
the state of matter.
Besides being the most reliable source
of information about Buddhist
religion and
philosophy, the Tripitikasprovide a glimpse of
the social, economic and political
of Buddha. life in the age
Vti) Jatakas:Jatakas refer
describe the previous births ofto the tales which
human and animal Buddha, in both
Bach tale begins
form.)
that prompted its by noting the occasion
telling and ends with the Statue of Mahavira

Jainism and Buddhism 35

 (iü) Corruption in ReligionfCorruption crept That is why Mahavira is
into religious practices. In order to increase their
systematic.
as the founder of Jainism.) considered
OWn wealth, priests encouraged
tO Pertorm yajnas and conduct ordinary people Mahavira was born in Kundagrama
Bihar in the second half near
beyond their household mtes Vaishali in of 6th
means)Kshatriya
against the dominoce of such rulers protested
practices. The
century BCE.
COMmon man could not reconcile to His father was the chief of a Kshatriya
O1 the priests. this attitud clan
Both,Jainism and Buddhism and his mother Trishala belonged to the
founded by two Kshatiya
were
family of Lichchavis. Mahavira received his royal
(iii) Rigid Caste System: princes. early
education in all specialised branches. He is saa
sOciety into Brahmans, Kshatriyas, the division of
to have been very brave and to have saved b:
Shudras had Vaishyas and
SOCial mobility.become rigid. It did not colleagues from dangers. For these
bravery, he was called Mahavira. At thedeeds
allow
of one caste could any time of
A
becomne a member person
of the other caste. not his birth, his father's kingdom was
restrictions on the basis There were
so the boy was called Vardhamana prosperoug:
and marriage. Interchangeof caste on food, drinks
(iv)
of caste was impossible He got absorbed in spiritual (Prosperity).
Difficult
considered a sacred Language:(Sanskrit was childhood. He was marriedpursuits from eary
to Yashoda. Thie
language. Most of
literature was composed in the Vedic was done in order to divert his
class gave discourses Sanskrit. attention from
The priestly asceticism. At the age of thirty, after
this language, which and chanted mantras in of his parents, Mahavira the death
difñcult to understand.the common people found and roamed about as an renounced the world
began to look for an Therefore, many people ascetic practising severe
penance for 12 years. He silently
they could understand alternative religion that endured all
(v) Political better.)
BCE, situation:/in the sixth
Magadha was ruled century
by Ajatashatru.
Both bBimbisara and later
andtolerant. They too, these rulers were liberal
infiuence and condemned were free from
their kingdoms.) Brahmanic
certain social
When the opportunity evils in
they patronised both came,
(vi) AgriculturalJainism and Buddhism.
animals to perform Economy: Killing of
sacrifices
interests of farmers in the was against the
use of iron had Gangetic valley. The
made the
popular. Such farmers animal-drawn
Would give protection to needed a religionplough
that
preached animals.
and Buddhism Both Jainism
against animal sacrifices.non-violence and were
JAINISM
The doctrines
of the Jains
saints or acharyas were preached by
meaning, thOse whocalled tirthankaras)literally
across the river of guide men and women
tirthankaras preceded
tirthankara was
existence.(Twenty-three
Mahavira. The first
Rishubhadev
third was Parshvanath.) and the twenty
Vardhamana Mahavira
Mahavira was the
the tirthankaras. Hetwenty-fourth
made Jainismand the last of
popular and
36 Bhutanese painting
showing Jataka Tales
 At last
he obtained the supreme Punya (results of good
hardships.

his desires and became (good deeds), deeds), Pap (sin), Ashrav
the
k n o w l e d g e .
He subdued
His followers came to karma), BandhaSanvar (hindrances in the way of
of karmas) and (bondage), Nirjara
conqueror.

or the those who have

Jina
c o n qcalled
finas
uered their desires.
or Jains-i.e.,
Moksha (salvation).(destruction
Preachings
of Mahavira:
spent his
After becoming the
life in preaching. He
DgéreamEs OF JAINISM
VAi) Tri-ratnas:( (Mahavira
Jina,
Mahavira

at Mount Vipul situated in ultimate goal of preached that the

worldly bonds orman is to attain
sermon
his first
gave capital of Magadha. He was noW to attain freedom from
Rajgriha, the 'mnoksha'. It can be
(all-knowing) or Lord Mahavira. He obtained by following
a
Kevalin
number of followers. He preached tri-ratnas
(a) right faith, (b) right or three jewels:
alarge Avanti, Kosala, Anga,
had
at various
centres like
Videha and Vaishali. Lord (c) right conduct) knowledge, and
Champa,
Mithila,
salvation at the age of 72 at These three jewels
attained
have faith in the inspire a true
24 Tirthankaras Jain to
Mahavira

Pavapuri in
Bihar. At the time of his death, he
14,000 followers. those who guide men (literally,
had about
river of existence), to and women across the
MAIN TEACHINGSOF JANISM acquire knowledge frorm
their sermons and to lead
of the a good life.
Jainism did not accept the authority .ii) Karma:(The Jains
It is said
theory of Hinduism and believe
Vedas. Jainism preaches five vows. in the Karma
added by Mahavira. that one should be
that only the fifth vow was
respornsible for one's own Karma or
1. The Five Vows: A Jain householder has Good deeds alone liberate a actions.
to take the following five vows: of life and death) man frorn the cycle
(i) Ahimsa: non-violence.
(1) Achaurya or Asteya: not stealing. V(iii) Equality: Mahavira laid
between men and men as well as stress on equality
(ii) Satya: not telling a lie.
(iv) Aparigraha: not possessing property. and women. He preached universal betweern men
He considered all men equal brotherhood.
() Brahmacharya: practising chastity. irrespective of their
These doctrines came to be regarded as five caste or creed. Mahavira believed that the
vOws, which every Jain is supposed to take. deeds could achieve ultimate salvation or virtuous
nirvana.
The most important precept in Jainism is All living beings, from the tiny insect to the
that the entire world is animated, i.e., even form of life, should be shown compassion.highest
stones, rocks and water have life. Therefore,
non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, Abode of the liberated soul
animals, plants and insects, is important in Jain
philosophy. According to Mahavira Right Conduct
of three kinds-(a) Physical violence violence is Right Faith Right
like killing, Knowledge
causing injury or pain, (b) Violence in words or
harsh language and (c) Mental violence
will towards others. Jains like ill Human: Heaven
believed in the sanctity
of life or the right of every Animal Hell
2. Nine Truths: living being to live.
Besides the
general doctrines of Jainism, five vows and other
to have the Jains are expected
knowledge of the nine truths.
Aocording to Jain philosophy, the
of these Non-violence
Nine is essential knowledge
renunciation is Truths
the shortest way and only
These to salvation.
Nine Truths have
the philosophy of
a central
place in
Jiva (living Jainism. The Nine Truths are:
things), Ajiva (non-living things), Symbolof Jainism

Jainism and Buddhism

37
 received rove1
Patronage: Jainism
(ii) Royal have
Maurya is said to
patronage. Chandragupta vea
Hundreds of young Jainismn in the later
to Jain been converted to
people belonging century CE Chalukvas
IHINKTT Community, both girls of his rule. In the 5th patronised Jainism
and Rashtrakutas also
and boys are renouncing (Odisha), helbed
the material world to Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga
Jainism in eastern India.
take up the life of ascetics who walk barefoot, in the spread of
eat only the food that is received as alms, and devOut Jain
(iii) Saints: There were many Ujjain and
never use any gadgets. Can you think of the lived in
reasons that attract these young girls and saints like Kalkacharya who
Jain Saint
boys to take vows to lead a life of asceticism? made ita centre of Jainism. Another
Bhadrabahu took Jainism to Karnataka.
(iv) Eternal soul: Mahavira believed in the People found the
(iv) Appeal to People: based
immortality of the soul (atma). He said that the religion attractive as it was
on austerity,
body dies but not the soul.
simplicity and spirituality. There were no animal
v) Salvation: Like the Hindus, Jains sacrifices nor was there any class distinction
believe in Moksha (Salvation) or freedom fromn
the cycle of birth and rebirth. This can be DIVISION INTOo Two SECTS
achieved onlv by leading an austere life based on
non-violence and self-denial. To attain salvation During the time when Bhadrabahu took Jainism
it is necessary to practise the tri-ratnas of right to Karnataka, there arose differences between
faith. right knowledge and right action) him and Sthulabhadra, who was based in
(vi) Belief in Penance: Jains believe in Magadha. In the first Jain council held around
penance. To die of starvation, called santhara 300 BCE, these differences came to surface. As
or sallekhana is considered a virtue.
Jainism a result, Jains were divided into two grOups.
lavs so much stress on severe penance that (a) Shuetambaras or the white clads were led
very
few people could lead such an austere life. This by Sthulabhadra. They remained in Magadha.
explains why Jainism had few followers. They wore white clothes and covered their faces
SPREAD OF JAINISM with a small white cloth to avoid killing the
Jainism had royal patronage. Therefore, it tiniest of insects or germs that might enter
the
easity around Kosala, Magadha, Mithila, spread nose while breathing. They fasted but did
not
and other parts of the country. Lord Champa believe in extreme penance and
founded monasteries headed by learned Mahavira austerity.
(sages). They lived an austere life to munis
example to the people to follow. In the give an DO A 108 feet tall idol
parts of India, Jainism was western YOU of Lord
business community. patronised by the
KNOW Rishabhdeva,
tirthankara of
the first
Jains, carved
In South India, out of a
by the RashtrakutaJainism was patronised
and Chalukya kings.
entered the "Guinness
World
single rock, has
Later, Jainism becarne a world's tallest Jain Records" as the
statue. Till now, the 57
Karnataka. Jainisrn spread dominant religion in
to Odisha, Rajasthan
feet idol of Lord
in Karnataka Bahubali in
and Gujarat. was
Shravanabelagola
considered the world's
tallest Jain statue. The
CAUSES OF THE SPREAD OF is located statue of Rishabhdeva
JAINISM atopMangi-Tungi mountain in
(i) Local Dialect: Maharashtra's Nasik
language of the common Mahavira adopted the been carved out of district. The statue has
instead of Sanskrit to people, i.e., Prakrit 150 feet x 50 feet a single rock
preach his doctrines. x 6O feet. that was
Later, the monks began in 2012 and The carving work
followed the same practice.
People found it easier to follow More than 300 was completed in
of Jainism in the the preachings sculptors
carving, The statue is were involved in 2016.
local language.
Ahimsa. known as the Statuethe
oj
38

Total H0story and

 followed Bhadrabahu. They
believe in covering their
Digambaras

(b) and did not

living without
to Digambaras
s k y - c l a d

detachment from worldly

were According

bodies.

could avoid
s i g n i f i e d

clothes
According to them, one
clothes because
by not wearing
p l e a s u r e s .

life
forms
many germs would get
killing clothes,
Mahavira.
orthodox followers of
washing

while
They were an austere life.
killed. fasts and led
long
kept
They
IMPACT OF JAINISM

accommodation
in the spirit of
believes
pragmatic. It,
Its a p p r o a c h was
Jainism

impact on the political

equality.
and
had a profound
therefore,
people.
andsocial life
of the Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Impact: In early stages,
Political
more remarkable than that Karkala in Karnataka are good exarnples of Jain
(a)
was
its
success
mainly the art and architecture. The Dilwara ternples at Mt.
Buddhism. However, it was
of took to this new faith. As Abu in Rajasthan and at Ranakpur near Jodhpur
Kshatriyas
who
instincts. It is one and the Jain Tower at Chittor are farnous for
result they
lost their war-like
Jains did not try to build Jain architecture. The most famous Jain holy
of the reasons why own. place is Palitana in Gujarat which has more
empire of their
anv political than 800 temples.
Impact: Jainism
(b) Social and Religiouscasteism, shunned
discarded the system of DECLINE OF JAINISM
rituals and encouraged social service.
Jain scholars
The following factors were responsible for the
(c) Language and Literature: decline of Jainism:
in literary
have made an important contribution (i) Jainism preached rigid austerity. It rose
Prakrit. but
feld. The Jain texts were written in at a time when Buddhism also existed. The
at some places these texts were also written in theory of ahimsa was extended even to wearing
the local languages. They were finally compiled of clothes. These factors prevented it from getting
in the sixth century CE at Valabhi in Gujarat. popular support.
The Angas, the twelve books containing
(i) The religion did not spread to foreign
Countries. It did not have missionarv effort.
the teachings of Mahavira, are a great source
of knowledge. The Mahapurana composed by (ii) Jainism did not get royal patronage irom
Jinasena, Kalpasutra compiled by Bhadrabahu contemporary rulers. In contrast, Buddhism
and Ratrna Malika by the Rashtrakuta ruler, received a large-scale support from Ashoka,
Amoghavarsha are outstanding literary works. Harsha and Kanishka.
Jain literature is in Ardhmagadhi and Prakrit of
dialects. It highlights the values of ahimsa. From (iv) Though Jainism advocated equality
the high
men, it did not do away totally with
the writings of the Jains, the history of India, and low positions in society.
especialy from the 6th to 4th century BCE, can and in later
be reconstructed. (v) During the Gupta period became popular.
years, Hinduism once again
(d] Art and Architecture: .Jains constructed Jainism remained restricted to a few
Therefore,
temples and monasteries. Jain relics are found pockets in the country.
in Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves in
Jains constructed hundreds of Odisha.
opened several orphanages and Dharamshalas, BUDDHISM of the
charitable institutions. supported many Buddhism catered to religious striving
Hinduism and
midway between
The gigantic time. It was a
presented the ascetic
structures of the Bahubali Jainism.) Buddhism
(Gomateswara) at Shravanabelagola and at traditionsto Indian
society. It has more
followers

Jainism and Buddhism 39

 ASick Man
An Old Man

An Ascetic
A Dead Man
The Four Great Sights

abroad than in India. Buddhism is one of the consoled when he saw an ascetic in search of
imprints that India has left on other civilisations. salvation. These sights are known as the Four
The background and causes for the rise Great Sights'. Gautama left home, his wife and
of Jainism and Buddhism have already been the child in order to find a solution. This event
presented earlier in this Chapter. is known as Mahabhiskramana or The Great
Renunciation'.
GAUTAMA BUDDHA
(Gautamna Buddha was the founder of Buddhism) ENLIGHTENMENT
He belonged to the Kshatriya clan of Sakyá. After leaving home in search of Truth, Gautama
Accordingto one legend he was born in 563 BCE wandered from place to place. For some timne he
at Lumnbini near Kapilavastu, in Nepal. His studied under renowned teachers of Rajgriha and
chidhood name was Siddharth. His father
then went to Gaya. He practised severe penance
Suddhodana was the ruler of Kapilavastu. Like
Mahavira, he was inclined from his childhood, and led a life of extreme austerity. Finally,
towards spiritual pursuits. at the age of thirty-five Gautama attained
All the royal luxuries in which Gautama enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. From
lived had no effect on him. He was married at then onwards he began to be called the Buddha
a young age to a princess called Yashodhara or the Enlightened One.
and had a son named Rahul. Dharmachakrapravartana: At the place where
The Great Renunciation: Once Gautama's Buddha got enlightenment, a temple known as
charioteer was driving him through the town. Mahabodhi Temple was constructed later. The
The appearance of an old man bent with age peepal tree is now referred to as the Mahabodhi
moved Gautama. Again the sight of a sick man. Tree. Buddha was also called the Tathagat, the
groaning with pain, was pathetic. Thedead body founder of Truth. After the enlightenment, he
of a man being carried for cremation made
Gautama think about man's destiny, He was embarked on preaching his religion. He delivered
his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath

40
Total Historyand Civics-IX
 ascetics.
presence of five
in the Buddhism is known
history of
Varanasi

in the or the turning of

near

Dharmachakrapravartana
event
This
law.
as sacred

the
wheel
of
spread far and wide. For
Buddha's
fame travelled all over the
years he established
forty He
another nessage.
spreading his
country (Buddhist order) at Magadha.
Bodh
Sangha
number
of followers including
Kosambi
He had a large Kosala and
Magadha,
the rulers of all classes of society.
were from
years went to
disciples
His
Gautama Buddha,
in his last district
Gorakhpur
Kushinagar,
is near
which mahaparinirvana

He obtained Gautama Buddha

in Uttar Pradesh. at Kushinagar. His disciples
of 80
at the age different places (iv) Rig ht living: Not to have dishonest
remains to eight
took his sacred were erected. dealings with others.
called stupas
where huge mounds
TEACHINGS OF BUDDHISM
(v) Right speech: Speak the truth and do
not think ill of others.
and inspired
Buddha followed a simple pathteachings have (vi) Right effort: Work for deliverance from
people to lead a simple life. Hisfound mainly in
sins and for the welfare of others.
been reconstructed from stories, (vii) Right reco llection: Think about pious
people was
the Sutta Pitaka. His message to things.
man
that the world is full of sufferings and a
could attain salvation by following his teachings (viii) Right meditation: Concentrate on only
contained in the Eightfold Path and Four Noble what is right. )
Truths. Attitude towards God: Buddha held that the
Vfour Noble Truths: (The essence of Buddhism whole universe was controlled by Dharma, a
lies in Four Noble Truths. They are: universal law. He was silent about the existence

() The world is full of suffering. of God, though he never formally denied it. Like
Mahavira he emphasised on non-violence.
(i) The suffering has a cause.
(iü) Desire is the cause of suffering. CoDE OF CoNDUCT
(iv) If desire is stopped, suffering can also be Buddha formulated a code of conduct
stopped.) for his followers. This included the following:
Eightfold Path: (The way to nirvana, in () Not to tell a lie.
Buddhism, or the path that leads to removal (i) Not to own property.
of suffering, is known as the Eightfold (ü) Not to consume alcoholic drinks.
Path
(Ashtangika Marg) or the middle path,) (iv) Not to commit violence.
(It is a path midway () Not to indulge in corrupt practices.
and hard penance. It between luxurious living
includes: Karma: Like Hinduism, Buddhism believed in the
) Right action: To remain theory of Karma, Buddhism said that man is the
luxuries and violence. away from theft, maker of his destiny and it believed in rebirth.
ii) Right thought: To The evil deeds will be punished. Therefore, man
empty rituals and worldly remain away from should follow a middle path. It is Karma
which
Aii) Right belief To evils. decides the type of man's existence in the next
give up desire. life. It is called the Wheel of Existence.

Jainism and Buddhism

41
 Stress on Morality: Buddha insisted on a
life based on good actions. His followers were
enjoined to practise non-violence and to lead
an upright life.
Nirvana: (The ultimate goal of life is to attain
Mirvana or salvation. It is a peaceful state of
mind, which conquers all diseases, makes the
person free from the cycle of birth and death.)
Universal Brotherhood: Lord Buddha preached
universal brotherhood of mankind. He wanted
people to live in peace, setting aside all their
differences. He invited people of all classes and
races to join Buddhism.
No Faith in Rituals and Sacrifices: Dharmachakra on Sanchi Stupa
Buddha
said that yajnas cannot change a man's (i) to abide by
destiny.
Sacrifices and rituals are empty ceremonies. Brahmacharya.
(ii0) not to harm creatures.
Ahimsa: Like Mahavira, Buddha
attached
importance to sanctity of life and followed (iv) not to own property.
path of non-violence. the (v) to shun music and dancing.
Thus, the importance (v) to take meals only at fixed
times,
values rather than claims ofgiven to conduct and (vin) not to use intoxicants.
birth, fellow feelings, superiority based on (vii) not to use scented goods.
and weak drew men compassion for the young (i) not to sleep on cushions.
and women to Buddhist
teachings. () not to keep money.
3. Viharas: The
ORGANISATION were required to roam
Bhikshusand the Bhikshunis
The Sangha: The
Buddhism came toorganisation for teaching of the country for eight about in different parts of
It was a monastic
be known as the had to sleep in months of the year. They
order established toSangha. Viharas
sections for mnen and women. which had separate
Buddhism. Later the spread
institution. It helped toSangha became a powerful
spread Buddhism far and
framed for the Special rules
Bhikshunis. This was donewereto
wide. The principles that ensure discipline. In the Viharas,
are the following: governed the Sangha a life of chastity, the members led
1. Membership: austerity, devotion, and purity.
monastic order were called The members of SECTS oF BuDDHISM
the
and Bhikshunis (nuns). TheyBhikshus (monks) During the deliberations
renounce the world before were required to Council, in the reign of of the 4th
Buddhist
The minimum age was joining the Sangha. intotwO sects the Kanishka, Buddhism spit
time. The members 15 years during Buddha's Hinayana the Mahayana.
had to take the
Buddham Shanam Gachhami, oath Hinayana: Hinayana stoodand for following the
Gachhami and Sangam Dharmam Sharnam doctrine of Buddha in
take shelter under Sharnam Gachhami. the existence of letter and spirit. It denied
Buddha; Itake shelter (I God. Hinayana
Religion; Itake shelter under Eightfold Path is the only holds that tno
followers had to undergounder the Sangha). The lt shuns means of salvation.
2. Ten training for 10 years. Buddha wasidol-worship and does not believe
had to lead aCommandments: The members human being
God. Buddha was thal
disciplined life and who regarded as
commandments (Paramita): follow the ten nirvana through hisattained enlightenment a
() to speak the by the own efforts.
truth. its
followers of Hinayana as Pali was us
scriptures. the
India, Sri Lanka,The Hinayana sect languago
is found
42 Myanmar, Cambodia and La0s.

Total Historu
 Mahayana: The term Mahayana means the
"Greater Vehicle" of salvation. It is a combination
of Buddhism and Hinduism. Mahayana believes
that Buddha was an incarnation of God and
he was the one who COuld ensure salvation
Simultaneously, the concept of the Bodhisatfvas
also developed. According to Mahayana, the
Bodhisattvas were those holy Buddhists who
had not as yet got Nirvana ike Buddha but who
were proceeding rapidly towards it. In fact, they
were Buddha in the making. They made their
goal to attain swarga (a state of Bliss) rather
than attaining Nirvana. The worship of images
of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas became an
important component of Mahayana.
Buddhist scholars like Nagarjuna and
Asanga founded the Mahayana sect. They wrote
their scriptures in Sanskrit. Kanishka was a
follower of Mahayana. The followers of this
sect are found in North-western parts of India,
South-east Asian countries, China and Japan. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara: Saviour
of the Sea
Merchants
IMPACT OF BUDDHISM Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, an
Buddhism made a lasting contribution to of compassion, is embodiment
said to have vowed to
Indian culture, religion, art and social life in free all beings from
the following respects: many forms, includingsufferings. He comes in
female deities such as
Guanyin from China. This gender
(i) Ahimsa: The doctrine of Ahimsa became a attributed to a Bodhisattva's ability tofuidity is
weapon against the ills in the society. After the in many forms. manifest
rise of Buddhism, animal protection became a At Ajanta Cave 1 in Aurangabad
new culture. Mahatma Gandhi later used Ahimsa district,
Maharashtra, is found the famous mural of
in the form of non-violent struggle a Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
against the depicted as
British rule. Padmapani. He holds a lotus flower in his hand
and his head is tilted to the side, as if he is
(ii) Influence on Religious Life: Buddhismn
provided a challenge to Hinduism. There soon trying to hear the cries of people in distress.
Moreelaborate stone images of Avalokiteshvara
are found in Ellora in Cave 7 and in Cave 90
of the Kanheri Caves in the western suburbs of
Mumbai. At both these locations, he is shown
surrounded by images of distress: fire, theft,
demons, elephants, lions, snakes, monkeys
and shipwreck. These are the eight great
perils (ashtamahabhaya) that Avalokiteshvara
rescued sea merchants from.

By the sixth century this image spread to

South-East Asia
South India and from there to
saviour deity of
where he is renowned as the
merchants. With multiple arms and heads,
sea and
compassionate
he is popular owing to his
The Sanchi Stupa helpful nature.

Jainismn and Buddhism 43

started a reform movement within Hinduism. Buddha began to be carved after the
The costly yajnas and sacrifices and rigidity of era, there emerged several schools of art
architecture. Even during Mauryan
Christian
Caste system were done away with. and
(iii) Influence on Social Life: Buddhism
specially during the time of Ashoka, tìm es,
cutting and chiselling of pillars required stone
go
br
fostered intellectual tradition and exposed the
weaknesses in our society. The weaker sections
technical skill. igh J
of the society, who had been subjected to many DECLINE OF BUDDHISM S
atrocities, got an opportunity to have their say (i) Split in Buddhism: The
in matters of political and social life. division
Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana se of ar
(iv) Political Impact: The republics of brought about many changes in Buddhism B
Shakyas, Vajis and Mallas embraced Buddhism.
Ashoka and Kanishka made Buddhism their state popularity and prestige suffered. Differences
religion. begun to surface right from the Second had
(v) Cultural Impact: Buddhism spread
Buddhist
Council. Hinayana and Mahayana actually Wex,
far and wide in South-East Asia, China only two major sects. There were sixteen
and sects and each had its own followers. other
Sri Lanka. It had a far-reaching cultural
in raising the prestige of India. There impact (ii)Language: Buddha preached his
emerged
close cultural contacts between
these countries in Pali. After his death, Sanskrit, the teachinos
and India. Buddhism acted as a
between different cultures.
vital force of the upper classes, also language
came to be adopted
(iii)) Corruption in Sangha:
(vi) Language and The monks
made valuable contributionLiterature: Buddhism
to the field of language
and nuns started living a
luXurious life, Thera
and literature.A vast and was deterioration in the
varied nature of
literature spiritual life. Buddhist
was produced in the
language
Sanghas received patronage of royalty
i.e., Pali. of the masses, become very rich. and had
The Tripitikas and the The monks and nuns used
most important literary works ofJatakas are the the riches for their personal
the benefit. They began
Besides these, other literary Buddhists. to lead a worldly life.
Therefore, the religious
importance, written in Pali works of decline was not a surprise.
Mahavamsha and Deepavamsha.language are (iv) Reforms in
Lalitvistara, Divyavadana, Hinduism: Reform movement
Saundaranand and Buddhacharita
are significant
in Hinduism started
with full vigour and the
works of Buddhist appeal of new religions
written in Sanskrit. literature vanished. Hinduism
(vii) Art and assimilated the positive aspects of Buddhism.
Architecture: Buddhism made
immense contribution Even foreign invaders
and settlers adopted
to the evolution of Hinduism as their new religion.
architecture. Stupas, chaityas, viharas art and
cut cave ternples were and rock are included the
Shakas and the
Among these
their unique contribution, Satavahanas.
The Stupa is a (v) Invasions: From
like structure semi-spherical solid dome the Turkish invasion the eighth century CB
containing
like hair, teeth or the relics of dealt a blow to
Buddhism.
bones. The Stupas at Buddha The monasteries,
which had
Bharhut andAmravati are Sanchi, wealth, were looted. The accumulated great
of art surviving upto remarkable specimens the monasteries of invaders plundered
this day. Nalanda and Takshila and
The Chaityas were forced some of the monks
a semi-circular rectangular halls with
roof supported countries like Nepal and toflee to neighbourit3
columns. These halls were by a number of Tibet.
meant for worship. (vi) End of
The Viharas
the monks to were the brave warriors Royal Patronage: Rulers bein5
live in. Later monasteries for could not follow the
ahimsa. Besides, the of
when statues polcy
patronised temples in kings
of of the Gupta per
44 honour of Hindu gods a

Total Historu and Ciics

 and followed the same path.
the lack of royal patronage
Thus,
Buddhism. (b) Both sought the attainment of
g o d d e s s e s .

decline of salvation
about
the (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
brought
BUDDHISM
COMPARED (c) Both did not accept the Vedas.
AND
JAINISM
JAINISM AND BUDDHISM (d) Non-violence was their creed.
BETWEEN

Mahavira (e) Monks and nuns of Buddhism and

of both religions,
S I M I L A R I T I E S

founders
Jainism had to renounce family life and the
The had similar backgrounds.
Gautam
Buddha

to the Kshatriya clan

world. They had to lead a life of chastity.
and belonged
them
Both of Dissimilarities

Jainism
Buddhism

century BCE
o t had been founded long before Mahavira.
religion in 6th He was the last of its Tirthankaras.
completely a new
" It was
e It believed in hard penance.
path.
|t followed a middle India. It did not spread beyond the Indian shores.
cultural evolution in
soread far and wide and led to
" lt

EXERCISES

I. Multiple-Choice Questions
answers to the questions from
the given options.
A. Choose the correct
Buddhist canon?
Which of the following means "Three Baskets" of
1. (d) Dwadashangi
(b) Tripitikas (c) Angas
(a) Jataka
are expected to have
the five vows and other general doctrines of Jainism, Jains
2. Besides
truths.
knowledge of the (d) nine
(b) five (c) ten
(a) seven
about
3. Jataka tales give information (b) Socio-economic conditions
(a) Buddha's previous births
(c) Climatic conditions (d) None of the above.

4. Vardhamana Mahavira was the

(b) Sixth tirthankara
(a) Twenty fourth tirthankara (d) Tenth tirthankara
(c) First tirthankara
5. Tirthankaras are
doctrines of Buddhism.
preaching doctrines of Hinduism. (b) saints preaching
(a) Saints the above.
(c) saints preaching doctrines of Jainism. (d) None of
6. Jain texts were composed in (b)
(a) Local languages (b) Prakrit (c) Sanskrit (d) Both (a) and

7. Buddha's Great Renunciation was the result of

a princess
(a) the four great sights (b) his marriage to
(C) his turning into an ascetic (d) Allof the above.
8. Which of the following is incorrect?
(a) Mahabhiskramana : The Great Renunciation
45
Jainism and Buddhism