Buddhism

Gautama Buddha founded the Buddhism. Hinayana and Mahayana are the major sections of Buddhism. Pagoda is the temple of Buddha Religion. The Eightfold Path, Ashtanga Marga is the base of Buddhism. Jataka Tales are the story about earlier lives of Buddha in both human and animal forms. Edwin Arnold, an English poet mentioned Buddha as Light of Asia. Magadhi Prakrit, is supposed to be the language spoken by the Buddha. It is during the Fourth Buddhist Council, Buddhism is divided into two as Hinayana and Mahayana. The Triple Gem of Buddhism is Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The houses of Buddhist monks are known in the name of viharas and their temples are called as Pagodas. Tripitaka is known as the holy book of Buddhism followers. 

About Buddha

In 563 BC, Siddhartha was born with all kinds of good fortune as the son of Shuddhodhana, the leader of the Shakya dynasty and the ruler of Kapilavastu, and Mayadevi. Since he was born into the Shakya dynasty, he was also known as Shakyamuni. However, Siddhartha was not interested in pleasures from childhood. Siddhartha, who was always thoughtful and silent, makes his father feared that Siddhartha would leave home. So the father married him to Yashodhara at the age of eighteen. He was troubled by the suffering of the people and wanted to find a permanent solution to it. At the age of 29, he left home in search of truth. The incident that Buddha left his house and palace and had taken the sannyasa life is known as Mahaparithyaga. Siddhartha immersed himself in intense meditation to find the ultimate truth. While meditating under a Banyan tree in Bodh Gaya (Bihar), he attained unsurpassed, supreme enlightenment, thus Siddhartha became the Buddha. After enlightenment, the Buddha's first sermon was in Sarnath, near Varanasi. The Buddha's sermon was in the common language of the people, "Ardhamagadhi". He strongly opposed the religious and social evils that existed at that time and the caste system in the Hindu community. Believing that the cause of all human suffering is desire and that only by giving up desire can the problems of life be solved, he proposed the Ashtanga Marga as a solution. This discourse, given to five monks who were previously acquaintances, is called the 'turning of the wheel of Dharma' (Dharma Wheel Operation). This discourse contains the basic principles of Buddhism. The five monks who heard the first discourse also became Buddhists. The Buddha appointed them to spread the Dharma. With this, the 'Sangha' of Buddhist monks came into existence. The Buddha visited many places like Rajagriha, Sravasti, Kosala, and Kapilavastu and preached the Dharma. During this journey, he defeated many opponents of the religion in debate. The Buddha did not discriminate on the basis of wealth, position, or gender. For 45 years, he spread Buddhism among the common people. The Buddha died at the age of eighty (487 BC) in a place called Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. The death of Buddha is known in the name of Parinirvana. 

Buddhism is based on the principle of the Eightfold Path. The Three Jewels of Buddhism are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The event when the Buddha renounced everything, left the palace, and took up sannyasa is called the "Great Renunciation." The death of the Buddha is known as "Parinirvana." The Buddhist scriptures are the "Tripitaka".

Buddhist principles

The Buddha proposed a religious doctrine that was in harmony with the realities of life. These were principles that were related to the problems of this world. The basic principles of Buddhism are known as the 'Aryasatya' (Four Noble Truths). They are as follows.

1. Worldly life is full of suffering.

2. Craving is the cause of suffering.

3. The cessation of suffering is the elimination of craving.

4. The Eightfold Path is the way to destroy craving.

Right Belief, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Life, Right Effort, Right Remembrance and Right Meditation are the Eight Fold Path proposed by the Buddha for the cessation of suffering. These were recommended as the path to liberation (nirvana). The Eightfold Path was a middle path. Because it was a path between severe austerities and excessive pleasures. The Buddha believed in the theory of karma. He suggested that karma determines a person's destiny. Therefore, he urged people to lead a pure life for the attainment of liberation. Another fundamental principle of Buddhism is non-violence. The Buddha advised not to harm or kill any living being. The Buddha neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God. Like the Jain monks, the Buddha also prepared a code of conduct for his followers. It prescribed five things.

(1) Do not covet the property of others

(2) Do not be violent

(3) Do not use intoxicants

(4) Do not lie

(5) Do not commit adultery

Buddhism was liberal and democratic. It emphasized equality. The admission of women into the Sangha was an effort to implement equality. The Buddha also strongly opposed the varna system, which undermined the concept of equality. Buddhism put forward a philosophy based on moral virtues such as truth, justice, obedience, charity, and kindness.

Spread of Buddhism

The growth of Buddhism was amazing compared to Jainism. The religion, which was confined to Magadha during the time of Buddha, gradually spread throughout India. By the time of Ashoka, it had crossed the borders of India and become a world religion. The reasons for the spread of Buddhism are as follows.

• One of the main reasons for the growth of Buddhism was the personality of Buddha. As R.S. Sharma states, "He tried to combat evil with goodness and hatred with love". He was not irritated by slander or insults. Edwin Arnold described Buddha as the 'light of Asia'.

• Buddha preached his sermons in Pali, the language of the common people. The Buddhist scriptures were also written in Pali. Buddhism did not give any importance to Sanskrit, which was difficult for the common people to understand. Naturally, the common people were attracted to Buddhism.

• The missionary activities of the Sangha played a decisive role in the spread of Buddhism. The group of monks carried out organized activities to spread Buddhism. Buddhist monks traveled all over the country and engaged in propaganda activities.

• Buddhism had the qualitative advantage of attracting all sections of the society. The emphasis given by Buddhism on moral values ​​made life happy, and the masses were attracted to that religion. Buddhism rejected the caste/varna system. This gave new hopes to the lower castes and they gave full support to Buddhism. Buddhism encouraged trade. Naturally, the religion was able to gain the support of merchants, especially the Vaishyas. Buddhism also attracted foreigners.

• The contributions made by universities like Nalanda and Takshashila also helped the growth of Buddhism.

• Another important reason for the spread of Buddhism was royal support and encouragement. Emperor Ashoka took many steps to spread Buddhism in Central Asia, West Asia, and Sri Lanka. His actions made Buddhism a world religion. Kanishka, Harsha, and the Pala kings were also rulers who made great contributions to the spread of Buddhism.

Buddhist Sangha

Buddha formed a Sangha to train monks and propagate Buddhism. The Sangha was also a forum for laypeople or householders to gather and listen to the teachings of the monks. Buddhist followers were divided into two categories. Bhikkhus and laypeople (monks and householders). The Buddha had made a clear code of conduct for the functioning of the Sangha. Some rules were added later. There were separate Sanghas for monks and nuns. They lived in monasteries known as 'viharas'. Membership in the Sangha was granted to all individuals, regardless of caste, class or gender. Once admitted, they were obliged to faithfully observe all the rules and regulations of the Sangha. They had to take a vow of self-control, poverty and faith. They had to believe in the 'Trinity'. The Trinity is faith in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. A monk was allowed to possess only three robes, an alms bowl, a needle, footwear, umbrella, and writing materials. They were not allowed to use oils, flowers, perfumes, or mattresses. They were to beg until noon and the rest of the time was to be spent in meditation, discussion, etc. The Sangha functioned in a democratic manner. The Sangha meetings were not to be held without the presence of all members. The Sangha made significant contributions to the spread and growth of Buddhism. The Buddha is fully credited with creating an organizational framework for the systematic propagation of the religion.

Buddhist Literature

Buddhist scriptures are written in the Pali language. Their collection is called the 'Tripitakas'. It has three parts - Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka. The first part of the Tripitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka, has five books. It contains guidelines and rules of conduct for monks. It also contains rules for those seeking new entry into the Sangha. The second part of the Tripitaka, the Sutta Pitaka, is a collection of the Buddha's religious teachings. It is divided into five collections called nikaya. The third part of the Tripitaka, the Abhidhamma Pitaka, explains the precepts of Buddhism. It has eight books. Jataka tales in Buddhist literature describe the lives of bodhisattvas. They tell the stories of the Buddha's past lives (each birth story is called a jataka).

Hinayana and Mahayana

Differences of opinion arose in Buddhism from its infancy. These differences of opinion were expressed in Buddhist councils. Eventually, Buddhism split into two. Buddhist councils were convened with the aim of compiling and unifying the teachings of the Buddha. Differences of opinion also arose in the first Buddhist council held at Rajagriha shortly after the Buddha's death. The third Buddhist council was held at Pataliputra during the reign of Ashoka. The monk Moggaliputta was the president of the council. At this time, differences of opinion in Buddhism were acute. The council tried to end the sectarian tendencies in Buddhism. The council also prepared a book called the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The fourth Buddhist council was held in Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka. Vasumitra was the president and Ashvaghosha was the vice-president. The earlier bitter differences of opinion erupted at this conference. Buddhism split into two sects, Hinayana and Mahayana. The old pure sect of Buddhism was known as Hinayana or lesser vehicle. The Hinayana followed the original teachings of the Buddha. They were also known as Theravadas. The Hinayana did not worship the Buddha as a god. They considered Nirvana to be liberation from birth and death and supreme bliss. The Hinayana scriptures were written in Pali. Hinayana Buddhism gained acceptance in countries such as Ceylon, Burma, and Siam. The new form of Buddhism was known as Mahayana or greater vehicle. The Mahayana formulated new precepts and moral codes. They considered the Buddha as a god and worshipped his image. They prayed to the Buddha for guidance and salvation. Thus, devotion became the basic characteristic of Mahayana Buddhism. They saw salvation as a personal realization. They used Sanskrit to write religious texts. Mahayana Buddhism was most popular in India. It also gained popularity in Afghanistan, Central Asia, China, and Japan.

Buddhist Councils 

There were four major Buddhist Councils that were organised to institutionalise and shape the ideas and philosophy of Buddhist doctrines. The first one being held around 483 BC under the patronage of King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka Dynasty under the Magadha. Mahakasyapa is its president and Rajagriha of Bihar is its Venue. The second buddhist council was held around 383 BC under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Shishunaga Dynasty. Sabakami is its president and Vaishali of Bihar is its Venue. The third buddhist council was held around 250 BC under the patronage of King Asoka of the Maurya Dynasty. Moggaliputta Tissa is its president and Pataliputra of Patna is its Venue. The fourth buddhist council was held around 72 AD under the patronage of King Kanishka. Vasumitra is its president and Kashmir is its Venue. There are two Buddhist councils (fifth and sixth) organised in the contemporary period. Both councils are held in Burma (Myanmar) in AD 1871 and AD 1954 to commemorate and preserve the Buddha’s teachings and practices.

Decline of Buddhism

Buddhism, which had gained importance both inside and outside India, gradually began to decline. By the 12th century AD, it had almost disappeared from India. There are several reasons for the decline of Buddhism.

• Buddhism emerged as a reaction against Vedic religion. But Buddhism gradually began to deviate from its original principles. The rituals and practices of Brahmanism also entered Buddhism. With this, Buddhism lost its originality.

• The revival of Brahmanism led to the decline of Buddhism. Brahmanism reformed itself to meet the challenge of Buddhism. The Brahmins took steps to protect cattle wealth. They upheld non-violence as the supreme religion. They were also ready to provide certain benefits to the Shudras and women. They accepted Buddha as a god and an incarnation of Vishnu. Buddha images took their place in Hindu temples. With this, many Buddhist followers returned to Hinduism.

• The corrupt practices that had infiltrated Buddhism weakened the religion. Buddhists started worshipping idols, using Sanskrit, and distancing themselves from the mainstream of public life, which disintegrated Buddhism.

• The moral decline of the Buddhist Sangha paved the way for the decline of Buddhism. The monks started living a luxurious life using offerings and donations. The moral decline of the Sangha affected the popularity of Buddhism.

• The split in Buddhism was a major blow to the religion. This broke the unity of Buddhism and affected its strength.

• After Buddha, there was no good leadership to lead the religion. The lack of capable leaders weakened the religion.

• Buddhism also suffered from the loss of royal support and encouragement.

• The growth of the feudal economy also dealt a blow to Buddhism. As feudalism began to grow, the commerce and trade that had helped the growth of Buddhism began to collapse. Foreign invasions also dealt a severe blow to Buddhism. The Huns, Turks, and Afghans attacked Buddhists and destroyed their monasteries. Many Buddhist temples, monasteries, and centers of learning like Nalanda were destroyed.

Buddhist Education and Language

Buddhist monasteries in India were centers of knowledge. Nalanda, Vikramshila, Takshashila, Vallabhi etc. were famous centers of knowledge and education of Buddhism. They gained fame in India and abroad. Students from abroad used to stay and study here. All those who sought knowledge without distinction of caste, religion or class were given admission in Buddhist universities. A.S.Altekar opines that organized public educational institutions emerged in India as a result of the influence of Buddhism. Buddhism encouraged regional languages ​​like Pali, Prakrit, Ardha Magadhi, Tamil etc. Religious texts like Tripitakas and Jataka tales were written in Pali language. Buddhist texts like Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa were also written in Pali.

Buddhist Architecture

Buddhism also contributed to the growth of architecture, sculpture and painting in India. The Ashoka Pillars, the stupas at Sanchi, Sarnath, Nalanda, Amaravati and Ellora are the best examples of Buddhist architecture. The monasteries and chaityas carved out of granite rocks are very famous. The sculpture of the lions on the Sarnath Pillar and the carvings on the gates of Barhat, Gaya and Sanchi are also excellent examples of Buddhist art. The first human idols worshipped in India are of Buddha. The Gandhara art that flourished here during the Kushan period also shows the influence of Buddhism. The mural paintings at Ajanta and Bagh are excellent examples of Buddhist painting. The Ashoka Chakra on the Sarnath Pillar has been adopted as the symbol of our national flag.