BUDDHISM AND JAINISM
During later vedic period [around 5 circa B.C]. These two important religions came up
with new philosophies.
CAUSE OF ORIGIN
• Expensive & complicated Vedic rituals, Superstitious beliefs, mantras confused
the people.
• The teachings of the Upanishads were highly philosophical, therefore not
understood by all.
• The rigid caste system prevalent in India generated tensions in society.
• Desire of Vaishya to improve their social position due to the increase in trade
and economic prosperity.
• Unrest in society due to supremacy Brahmina.
• practice of killing cows became hindrance to new agri economy.
BUDDHISM
The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha
Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE. Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes
of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and scepticism. He
ascribed instead the ‘Madhyam Marg’or the middle path which was to be followed.
GAUTAMA BUDDHA (563 BC-483 BC)
• He is also known as Siddharta, Sakyamuni & Tathagata
• Belong to Sakya Clan
• Father: Siddhodana
• Mother: Mayadevi
• Birth Place: Lumbini, capital of Sakya republic
• Teachers: Alarakama and UdrakaRamputra
• Enlightenment: At age of 33 under Pipal tree at Uruvella (Bodhgaya) on banks of
river Niranjana (Falgu).
• First Sermon: Sarnath (Deer Park) on Dharma Chakra Parivarthana to 5 disciples
including Mahakasyapa (first disciple)
• Mahaparinirvana: At Kushinagar at age of 80.
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LITERARY SOURCES:
Ceylonese Chronicles – MAHAVAMSA by Mahanama, DEPAVAMSA and
ATTAKATHA by Wattagamani.
Tibetan Chronicles- DIVYAVANDANA-KALACHAKRA
TRIPITAKA/ Three baskets of Buddhist scripture –
SUTTAPITAKA [sutra related to Buddha and companion]
VINAYPITAKA [monastic rules] and
ABHIDHAMPITAKA [Doctrine and philosophy of Buddhism]
JATAKA FOLKLORE [stories related to birth of Buddha]/ In Chinese they are called
SADOK.
MILINDAPANHA [Questions of Milinda that is greek king Meander and answers of
Buddhist monk nagasena]
3 JEWELS OF BUDDHISM (TRIRATNA)
Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha.
Roots of Buddism in past- Vedanta, Sankhya philosophy & Upansihada.
GREAT EVENTS OF BUDDHA’S LIFE SYMBOLS
Avakranti (conception or descent) - White Elephant
Jati (birth) - Lotus and Bull
Mahabhinishkramana (Great Renunciation) - Horse
Nirvana/ Sambodhi (enlightenment) - Bodhi tree
Dharmachakra Parivarthana (first Sermon) - Wheel
Mahaparinirvana (Death) - Stupa
5 TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA [PANCHSHILA]
1. No killing Respect for life.
2. Abstention from theft.
3. Abstention from sexual misconduct.
4. Abstention from falsehood.
5. Abstention from intoxication.
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4 NOBLE TRUTHS: ‘ARYA SATYAS’
1. World is full of misery (Sabbam Dukkam)
2. Desire is a root cause of sorrow (Pratitya Samputpada)
3. Desire can be conquered (DukhaNirodha)
4. Desire can be conquered by following Astangika marga.
EIGHT-FOLD PATHS (ASTANGIKA MARGA)
The path consists of various interconnected activities related to knowledge, conduct,
and meditative practices.
Right view + Right intention + Right speech + Right action + Right livelihood +
Right mindfulness + Right effort + Right concentration
FIVE PRECEPTS OR PANCHASHIL
Buddha also established code of conduct both for the monastic order and the laymen to
follow which are also known as the Five Precepts or Pancasil and refrain from them:
Violence + Stealing + Sexual misconduct + Lying or gossip + Taking intoxicating
substances e.g. drugs or drink.
THREE PITAKAS
The Vinaya Pitaka consists of rules of conduct and discipline applicable to the monastic
life of the monks and nuns.
The Sutta Pitaka consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into
five Nikayas or collections:
1. Digha Nikaya
2. Majjhima Nikaya
3. Samyutta Nikaya
4. Anguttara Nikaya
5. Khuddaka Nikaya
The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching
and the scholarly activity of the monks.
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Other important Buddhist texts include Divyavadana, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milind
Panha etc.
BUDDHIST SANGHA AND ITS FEATURES:
The oldest prayer place in history where slaves, Insolvents, and diseased were not
allowed.
There were 64 types of crimes called Pathimokshas, which were prohibited
Women were also allowed to join.
IMPORTANT BUDDHIST SCHOLARS:
MOGGALIPUTTA TISSA – launched ASHOKA’S dhamma campaign
ASVAGOSHA– wrote BUDDHACHARITA and Sanskrit drama SARIPUTRA
PRAKRAN [sariputra the disciple of Buddha]
NAGARJUNA – Founded madhyamik school of mahayanbuddism, gave theory of
SUNYAVAD’ EMPTINESS’ and important work include
‘MULAMADHYAMAKAKARIKA’
BUDDHAGOSH – most important commentator of Theravada, important work is
VISUDDIMAGGA.
DHARMAKIRTI – Teacher at Nalanda, called as ‘kant of india’.
BODDHISATTVAS:
In Mahayana, Buddhism Boddhisatva is a person who can reach nirvana but delays
doing so through compassion for suffering beings
It is similar to the concept of Incarnations in Hindu Mythology.
Bodhisattvas are common figures in Buddhist literature and art.
BODDHISATVA - TRAITS
MAITREYA
Future Buddha & Earliest bodhisattva
Also known as Ajitaboddhisatva
Holds a waterphial in his left hand
Popular laughing Buddha is claimed to be an incarnation of maitreya.
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SAMANTABHADRA
Universal Boddhisatva
associated with Meditation
Manifestation is Action
VAJRAPANI
Like Indra holds thunderbolt [depict power]
Depicted as one of the 3 protective deities around Buddha.
Other 2 – Manjusri and Avlokiteshwara
AVLOKITESVARA
Kind-hearted.
Manifests Buddha’s compassion.
KSHITIGARBHA
Guardian of purgatories and children
Boddhisatva of hell-beings or earth immortal beings
AMITABHA
Buddha of Heaven
SADAPARIBHUTA
Manifests Never disparaging spirit.
MANJUSHRI
Stimulator of understanding and he holds book describing 10 paramitas
Depict male boddhisatva wielding flaming sword in his left hand
AKASAGARBHA
He is oundless as space
Manifestation of wisdom
SCHOOLS OF BUDDHISM
MAJOR SCHOOLS à Mahayana & Hinayana
OTHER SCHOOLS à Theravada, Vajrayana & Zen.
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MAHAYANA BUDDHISM
• The term Mahayana is a Sanskrit word which literally means “Great Vehicle”.
• Sought salvation through grace & help of Buddha & Bodhisattvas.
• It originated in northern India and Kashmir and then spread east into Central Asia, East
Asia and some areas of Southeast Asia.
• Believed that Buddha will be born again.
• Worship Buddha in idol form.
• Language- Sanskrit.
• Sub-schools Chittmatra & Madhyamaka
• ZEN is a subschool of Mahayana which is prevalent in china, Korea and related to
Taoism.
• Buddhist schools embedded in China, Korea, Tibet and Japan belong to the Mahayana
tradition.
HINAYANA BUDDHISM:
• Considered Lesser vehicle. Also known as Abandoned Vehicle or Defective
vehicle. It believes in the original teaching of Buddha or Doctrine of elders.
• Followed original teachings of Buddha.
• Sought individual salvation through self-discipline & meditation.
• Buddha will never be reborn.
• Did not believe in Idol worship.
• Language- Pali language.
• Buddha was an intellectual, not a god.
• Encompasses 18 subschools.
• Most important – Sarvastivada, Theravadin & Sautantrika.
THERAVADA AND SARVASTIVADA:
• Theravada Buddhism is older and the more conservative of the two main
divisions of Buddhism and is often referred to as the ‘traditions of the elder’
• Theravada is a Hinayana sect.
• Theravada Buddhists strive to become Arhats and gain freedom from the cycle
of samsara.
• Sarvastivadins consider everything empirical to be impermanent, they maintain
that the dharma factors are eternally existing realities.
• The dharmas are thought to function momentarily, producing the empirical
phenomena of the world, which is illusory, but to exist outside the empirical
world.
• Theravada Buddhism developed in Sri Lanka and subsequently spread to the rest
of Southeast Asia. It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
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VAJRAYANA:
• Vajrayana means “The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt”, also known as tantric Buddhism.
• This Buddhist school developed in India around 900 CE.
• Believed in acquiring magical power for liberation.
• Developed in Tibet and believes in the worship of female deities – Taras.
• It became popular in Eastern India, particularly Bengal and Bihar.
ZEN:
• It is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang
dynasty as the Chan school of Chinese Buddhism in and later developed into
various schools.
• It spread to Japan in 7th century C.E.
• Meditation is the most distinctive feature of this Buddhist tradition.
CONTRIBUTION OF BUDDHISM:
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL SPHERE
• Stressed on ethical living rather than rituals, animal sacrifices, etc.
• Does not recognizes the existance of god/soul.
• Taught Middle path for salvation.
• Propagated Liberal & democratic values.
• Women were given equal status as men.
• Opposed caste and Varna system, any form of hierarchy and discrimination.
• The Authority of Vedas was challenged. Faith was given a rational basis.
IMPORTANT TERMS & MEANINGS RELATED TO BUDDHISM:
ARHATS - Liberated beings
NIRVANA - State of Supreme Bliss
SHEEL - Refers to when a layperson leaves home to live the life of a Buddhist
renunciate among a community of bhikkhus
ŚRAMAṆA - One who labors, toils, or exerts themselves (for some higher or religious
purpose) or “seeker, one who performs acts of austerity, ascetic.
UPASAMPADĀ - Refers to the rite and ritual of ascetic vetting (ordination) by which a
candidate, if deemed acceptable, enters the community as Upasampadā (ordained) and
authorised to undertake ascetic life.
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VASSA - Three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada practitioners. Taking place
during the wet season, Vassa lasts for three lunar months, usually from July to October.
UPOSTHA - It is a Buddhist day of observance, The Buddha taught that the Uposatha
day is for “the cleansing of the defiled mind,” resulting in inner calm and joy.
PAVARANA - Assembly at the end of Vassa
POSADHA - Restoration of vows
CAUSES FOR DECLINE OF BUDDHISM:
• Decline of Buddhist Sanghas due to violation of Buddist principles & discipline.
• The Buddhists began to adopt Sanskrit, the language of the elite. So masses
moved away.
• The attack of Huns in 5th & 6th centuries and Turkish invaders in 12th century
destroyed the monasteries.
• Buddhism was mainly urban religion with rural India always Hindu. When Islam
came to India, it impacted the urban regions & thus Buddhism.
• Revival of Brahmanism and Division among Buddhists
• Rajput rulers were warlike and could not follow the policy of Ahimsa.
• Loss of Royal Patronage.
UNESCO’S HERITAGE SITES RELATED TO BUDDHISM:
• Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, MP
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
• Ajanta Caves Aurangabad, Maharashtra
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JAINISM
• Jainism came into prominence in 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira
propagated the religion.
• The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.
• There were 24 Tirthankaras (teachers) & the first Tirthankara was Rishabhanath
or Rishabhadev.
• The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi.
• The last – 24th Tirthkara was Vardhaman Mahavira.
• The doctrine of Jaina is older than the Buddhist doctrine.
VARDHAMAN MAHAVIRA (539-467 BC)
• Birth – Kundagrama near Vaishali. Belongs to Gnatrika Clan. Buddha and Mahavira
were contemporaries.
• Parents – Siddhartha and Trisala (Sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka).
• He was married to Yasoda and had a daughter Anojja or Priyadarsana.
• Teachers – Alarakama and Udraka Ramputra.
• He attained Kaivalya-highest spiritual knowledge, at the age of 42 under Sal tree.
Thus, he is called Mahavir, Jina Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses), Nigrantha
(free from all bonds).
• First sermon – At Pava
• Died at Pava near Rajagriha at the age of 72.
• A symbol was associated with every Tirthankara and Mahavira’s symbol was a lion.
TEACHINGS OF MAHAVIRA
• Rejected authority of the Vedas & Vedic rituals.
• Did not belive in the existance of God.
• Believed in Karma & Transmission of Soul.
• Emphasised the equality but did not condemn varna system.
• Advocated a life of austerity and non-violence.
TENETS OF JAINISM
• Belief in God: Jainism recognised the existence of god but placed them lower than
Jina (Mahavira).
• It did not condemn the varna system but attempted to mitigate the evils of the varna
order and the ritualistic Vedic religion.
• According to Mahavira, a person is born in higher or lower varna as the consequence
of the sins or the virtues in the previous birth. Thus, Jainism believes in the
“transmigration of the soul” and the “theory of Karma.”
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ANEKANTAVADA
• Emphasises that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects
i.e “theory of plurality”.
• It refers to the simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, even contradictory
viewpoints.
SYADVADA
• All judgments are conditional, holding good only in certain conditions,
circumstances, or senses.
• Seven modes of prediction (Saptabhangi Nayavada)
• Syadavada literally means the method of examining different probabilities.
FIVE DOCTRINES OF JAINISM
• AHIMSA: Non-injury to a living being
• SATYA: Do not speak a lie
• ASTEYA: Do not steal
• APARIGRAHA: Do not acquire property
• BRAHMACHARYA: Observe continence
THREE JEWELS / TRIRATNA
It mainly aims at the attainment of liberation, for which no ritual is required.
It can be attained through three principles called Three Jewels or Triratna i.e.
1. Right Faith (Samyakdarshana)
2. Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana)
3. Right Action (Samyakcharita)
SPREAD OF JAINISM
• Through Sangha, consists of women & Men.
• Under the patronage of Chandragupta Maurya, Kharaveli of Kalinga and the
royal dynasties of south India such as the Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas
and the Rashtrkutas.
• When Bhadrabahu (Guru of Chandragupta Maurya) left for South India,
Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers.
• After Bhadrabahu returned with his follower, Jainism spilt into two sects:
1. SWETAMBARAS: White-clad; Northerners
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2. DIGAMBARAS: Sky-clad (naked); Southerners.
SECTS/ SCHOOL OF JAINISM
• Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The
division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led
by Bhadrabahu to move South India.
• During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stick to the strict practices
while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white
clothes.
• After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the
changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.
DIGAMBARA
• Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear clothes
while female monks wear unstitched plain white sarees.
• Follow all five vows (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya).
• Believe women cannot achieve liberation.
• Bhadrabahu was an exponent of this sect.
• Major Sub-Sects: Mula Sangh, Bisapantha, Terapantha, Taranpantha or
Samaiyapantha.
• Minor Sub-Sets: Gumanapantha, Totapantha.
SHVETAMBARA
• Monks wear white clothes.
• Follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya).
• Believe women can achieve liberation.
• Sthulabhadra was an exponent of this sect.
• Major Sub-Sects: Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi
IMPORTANT TERMS RELATED TO JAINISM
ASRAV- Inflow of karmas to the soul that occurs at every second in life.
SAMVARA– Stoppage of the influx of the material karmas into the soul consciousness.
NIRJARA – Shedding or removal of accumulated karmas from the atma (soul),
essential for breaking free from samsara, the cycle of birth-death and rebirth, by
achieving moksha, liberation. It is one of the seven fundamental principles, or Tattva in
Jain philosophy.
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SALLEKHANA– It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually
reducing the intake of food and liquids. Also Called Santhara.
KAIVALYA -- also known as Kevala Jnana, means omniscience in Jainism and is
roughly translated as complete understanding or supreme wisdom.
IMPORTANT JAIN LITERATURE AND ITS SCHOLARS
• Tha canonical jain literature is claimed to have started from ADINATH
[Rishabnath] [first tirthankara]
• Teachings of tirthankara before mahavira was known as PURVA.
• Jain literature is called as JAIN AGAMAS [canonical text based on mahavira’s
teaching]
• These agamas are further divided into – Angas, mulasutra, upangas, prakirnaka
sutra, chedasutra & ulikasutras.
• KALPASUTRA - written by bhadrabahu. It contains biographies of jain
tirthankaras.
• Jain literature is mainly written in Pakrit language.
AGAM OR CANONICAL LITERATURE (AGAM SUTRAS): Agam literature consists
of many texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain religion + They are written in the
Ardha-magadhi, a form of Prakrit language.
NON‑AGAM LITERATURE: Non-agam literature consists of commentary and
explanation of Agam literature, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and
scholars + They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa,
Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.
CONTRIBUTION OF JAINISM
• Preached Non-violence toward all living beings.
• Growth of Pakrit & kannda labguage. Vardhaman Mahavir preached in ‘Ardha-
Magadhi’ language, the language of the common man.
• Introduced new philosophy – syatvad.
• Art & architecture – statue of Gometeshwar (Shramanbdlogola), temples of
Khujaraho and Abu. Tiger cave of Udaigiri and Indira Sabha of Ellora.
• Jainism contributed for the growth of trading community.
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