[Ancient History - Notes]*Chapter 5. The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

[Ancient History - Notes]*Chapter 5. The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

Notes of Ancient History - The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

The 6th century BCE, often hailed as a golden age of thought, witnessed the emergence of influential thinkers and religious movements across the globe. In India, this period was marked by the rise of heterodox sects that challenged the prevailing Vedic orthodoxy, dominated by elaborate rituals and sacrifices. Among these heterodox movements, Jainism and Buddhism had a particularly profound impact on Indian society.

6th Century BCE: A Golden Age of Thought

* Emergence of Heterodox Sects: Challenged Vedic orthodoxy

* Republican Institutions: Conducive environment for new ideas

Jainism

* Founder: Mahavira

* Key Beliefs:

   * Non-violence (ahimsa)

   * Asceticism

 * Soul's eternal cycle of rebirth and liberation (moksha)

   * Multiple souls (jiva) trapped by karma

* Goal: Achieve moksha by eliminating karma

Buddhism

* Founder: Gautama Buddha

* Key Beliefs:

   * Four Noble Truths: Suffering, cause of suffering, end of suffering, path to end suffering

   * Eightfold Path: Ethical conduct, mental discipline, wisdom

    * Rejection of Vedic Authority: Alternative paths to spiritual enlightenment

Impact

* Challenged Vedic Orthodoxy

* Diversified Religious Thought

* Developed New Philosophical and Cultural Traditions

* Significant Influence on Indian Society

Causes for the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

The rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th century BCE can be attributed to a combination of religious, social, and economic factors.

Religious Factors

* Rejection of Vedic Rituals: Complex, expensive, superstitious

* Search for Simpler Path: Upanishads not easily understood

* Alternative Perspectives: Non-violence, ethical conduct, personal discipline

Social Factors

* Caste System Tensions: Inequalities, resentment

* Kshatriya Resentment: Dominance of Brahmins

* Support from Vaisyas: Dissatisfaction with Vedic system

Economic Factors

* Rising Influence of Vaisyas: Economic advancement, restricted social mobility

* Support for New Religions: Alternative paths for social and spiritual advancement

The rise of Jainism and Buddhism was a response to the religious, social, and economic challenges of the Later Vedic period. They offered alternative perspectives, challenged Vedic authority, and appealed to a wider range of people.

Jainism

The Life of Vardhamana Mahavira: The 24th Tirthankara (539- 467 B.C.)

Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the Jain tradition, was born in Kundagrama, near Vaisali, to Kshatriya parents Siddhartha and Trisala. He married Yasoda and had a daughter.

24th Tirthankara

* Birth: Kundagrama, near Vaisali

* Parents: Kshatriya Siddhartha and Trisala

* Marriage: Yasoda, daughter

Renunciation and Enlightenment

* Ascetic: Embarked on twelve-year penance

* Kevala Jnana: Attained omniscience

* Transformation: Mahavira (great hero), Jina (conqueror)

Preaching and Teachings

* Thirty Years: Preached doctrines throughout India

* Followers: Jains, Jainism

* Principles:

   * Non-violence (ahimsa)

   * Truthfulness (satya)

   * Non-stealing (asatyagraha)

   * Chastity (brahmacharya)

   * Non-possessiveness (aparigraha)

* Advocated: Asceticism, vegetarianism, avoiding harm to living beings

Passing Away

* Age: Seventy-two

* Place: Pava, near Rajagriha

* Teachings: Preserved in Jain scriptures, continue to inspire followers

The Teachings of Mahavira: The Three Gems and the Five Great Vows

Mahavira's teachings provide a framework for a moral and ethical life, emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness, and renunciation. These principles continue to guide followers of Jainism today.

Three Gems (Triratnas)

* Right Faith: Belief in Mahavira and Jain Tirthankaras

* Right Knowledge: Acceptance of Anekantavada (multifaceted reality), absence of creator god, souls in all objects

* Right Conduct: Adherence to five great vows

Five Great Vows

* Ahimsa: Non-violence, even to plants and insects

* Satya: Truthfulness

* Asatyagraha: Non-stealing

* Brahmacharya: Chastity

* Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness

Emphasis on Non-Violence and Asceticism

* All objects have souls: Extreme practice of non-violence

* Renunciation: Self-torture, starvation, nudity, etc.

* Goal: Purification of soul and liberation from rebirth

The Spread of Jainism

Mahavira organized the Sangha, a community of monks and lay followers, to spread his teachings. This dedicated group played a crucial role in the rapid dissemination of Jainism, particularly in Western India and Karnataka.

Sangha and Patronage

* Sangha: Community of monks and lay followers

* Spread: Western India and Karnataka

* Royal Patronage: Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela, Gangas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas

Great Famine and Sect Division

* Late 4th Century BCE: Severe famine in Ganges valley

* Migration: Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya to Sravana Belgola

* Changes in Code of Conduct: Sthulabahu in northern India

* Division: Svetambaras (white-clad) and Digambaras (sky-clad)

Jain Councils

* First Jain Council: Pataliputra, early 3rd century BCE, Sthulabahu

* Second Jain Council: Valabhi, 5th century CE

* Role: Preservation and codification of Jain scriptures and doctrines

Final Compilation of Jain Literature

* Twelve Angas: Completed during second Jain Council

* Insights: Jain philosophy, theology, and history

The spread of Jainism was facilitated by the Sangha, royal patronage, adaptation to circumstances, sect division, and the compilation of sacred texts.

Buddhism

The Life of Gautama Buddha (567- 487 B.C.): The Founder of Buddhism

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 567 BCE in Lumbini Garden, near Kapilavastu. His father was Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, and his mother was Mayadevi. Tragically, Mayadevi passed away shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his aunt, Prajapati Gautami.

Birth and Early Life

* Birth: Lumbini Garden, near Kapilavastu

* Parents: Suddhodana (Sakya clan) and Mayadevi

* Raised by: Aunt, Prajapati Gautami

* Marriage: Yasodhara, son Rahula

Quest for Enlightenment

* Renunciation: At age twenty-nine

* Seven Years: Wandering and seeking guidance

* Enlightenment: Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, age thirty-five (Nirvana)

Preaching and Disciples

* Forty-Five Years: Preaching throughout northern India

* First Sermon: Sarnath, near Benares

* Important Disciples: Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda, Kassapa, Upali

* Royal Followers: Prasenajit of Kosala, Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of Magadha

Impact

* Profound Influence on Indian Society

* Establishment of Buddhism

* Emphasis on Compassion, Non-Violence, and Spiritual Enlightenment

The Teachings of Buddha: The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

The core teachings of Buddha are encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Buddha's teachings offer a path to spiritual liberation through eliminating suffering and developing a virtuous life. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path provide a practical framework for achieving this goal.

Four Noble Truths

* Dukkha: Suffering is inherent in human existence

* Samudaya: Desire is the cause of suffering

* Nirodha: Suffering can be ended

* Magga: There is a path to end suffering (Eightfold Path)

Eightfold Path

* Right View: Understanding Four Noble Truths

* Right Resolve: Commitment to ending suffering

* Right Speech: Truthful, kind, beneficial

* Right Action: Ethical and compassionate behavior

* Right Livelihood: Honest and ethical livelihood

* Right Effort: Cultivating positive qualities

* Right Mindfulness: Awareness of thoughts, feelings, sensations

* Right Concentration: Deep meditation for spiritual insight

Emphasis

* Practical Ethics and Social Equality

* Rejection of Caste System

* Cultivation of Wisdom, Compassion, Non-Violence

The Spread of Buddhism

Buddha's teachings were disseminated by a dedicated group of followers known as the Sangha. This community consisted of both monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas). The Sangha was open to all individuals, regardless of gender or caste, fostering a sense of inclusivity. However, nuns were subject to specific restrictions regarding their residence and movement.

The Sangha

* Dedicated Followers: Monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas)

* Inclusivity: Open to all individuals, regardless of gender or caste

* Prominent Disciples: Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda

* Democratic Governance: Members empowered to enforce discipline

Early Popularity

* North India: Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi, republican states

Ashoka's Role

* Conversion: Approximately two centuries after Buddha's death

* Missionary Efforts: West Asia and Ceylon

* Transformation: From local sect to global religion

Establishment of Buddhist Institutions

* Monasteries: Facilitated spread of Buddhism

* Dissemination of Scriptures: Contributed to global reach

Impact

* Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe

* Lasting Impact on Cultures and Civilizations

The Buddhist Councils: Preserving and Developing Buddhist Teachings

The Buddhist Councils played a crucial role in preserving and developing the teachings of the Buddha. These gatherings of Buddhist monks and scholars aimed to ensure the purity of the faith and to address any doctrinal disputes.

Role of Buddhist Councils

* Preservation and Development of Buddha's Teachings

* Addressing Doctrinal Disputes

First Buddhist Council

* Place: Rajagriha

* Chairman: Mahakassapa

* Objective: Maintaining purity of Buddha's teachings

Second Buddhist Council

* Place: Vaisali

* Purpose: Addressing doctrinal differences

Third Buddhist Council

* Patronage: Ashoka

* Chairman: Moggaliputta Tissa

* Focus: Standardizing Buddhist teachings, compiling Tripitakas

* Tripitakas: Sutta, Vinaya, Abhidhamma Pitakas

Fourth Buddhist Council

* Place: Kashmir

* Chairman: Vasumitra

* Emergence: Mahayana Buddhism (Bodhisattva concept)

* Contrast: Hinayana (individual liberation, Nirvana)

Compilation of Tripitakas

* Monumental Achievement: Five hundred years after Buddha's death

* Comprehensive Record: Buddha's teachings and early development of Buddhism

The Decline of Buddhism in India

The decline of Buddhism in India can be attributed to several factors, including religious competition, socio-political changes, and external invasions.

Religious Competition

* Revival of Brahmanism: Alternative paths to spiritual liberation

* Bhagavatism: Devotional movement within Hinduism

Socio-Political Changes

* Shift in Language: Adoption of Sanskrit alienated common people

* Erosion of Moral Standards: Mahayana Buddhism

External Invasions

* Huns: 5th and 6th centuries

* Turkish Invaders: 12th century

* Destruction of Monasteries and Persecution

The decline of Buddhism in India was influenced by religious competition, socio-political changes, and foreign invasions. These factors contributed to the decline of Buddhism's popularity and influence.

Buddhism's Contributions to Indian Culture

Buddhism, despite its decline as a dominant religion in India, has made significant contributions to the development of Indian culture.

Ahimsa: Principle of Non-Violence

* Enduring legacy in Indian culture

* Emphasis on avoiding harm to any living being

* Influence on philosophy, ethics, and social thought

Art and Architecture

* Stupas: Iconic examples (Sanchi, Bharhut, Gaya)

* Chaityas and Viharas: Development and spread

Promotion of Education

* Residential Universities: Taxila, Nalanda, Vikramasila

* Intellectual Development of India

Language Development

* Spread of Buddhism: Development and standardization of languages like Pali

* Contribution to language growth and evolution

Cultural Exchange

* Spread of Indian Culture: Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, China

* Transmission of Ideas, Philosophies, and Artistic Traditions

Buddhism's contributions to Indian culture are multifaceted and enduring, encompassing principles, art, education, language, and cultural exchange.

Overview of The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

The 6th century BCE witnessed a remarkable period of religious and intellectual ferment in India, marked by the rise of heterodox movements like Jainism and Buddhism. These movements challenged the prevailing Vedic orthodoxy, offering alternative paths to spiritual liberation and promoting social and ethical reforms.

6th Century BCE: Pivotal Period

* Religious and Intellectual Ferment

* Rise of Heterodox Movements

* Challenge to Vedic Orthodoxy

Jainism and Buddhism

* Shared Values: Non-violence, ethical conduct, spiritual enlightenment

* Philosophical and Doctrinal Differences

Factors Contributing to Rise

* Religious Factors: Complex Vedic rituals, caste system, economic hardships

* Social and Economic Factors

Impact on Indian Culture

* Non-Violence: Promoted by both Jainism and Buddhism

* Social Equality: Advocated by both

* Ethical Conduct: Emphasized by both

* Art and Architecture: Influenced by Buddhism

* Education: Promoted by Buddhism

Spread and Decline

* Spread: Facilitated by Sangha and patronage

* Decline: Revival of Brahmanism, shift in language, erosion of morals, foreign invasions

The 6th century BCE was a pivotal period for Indian religion and culture. Jainism and Buddhism, with their significant contributions, shaped the spiritual and philosophical landscape of India and continue to influence the values and traditions of the subcontinent.