Rise and Impact of Buddhism
Historical Perspective
- Watershed Moment: 6th and 5th centuries BCE, the zenith of Aryan culture at the upper poles of the Ganga-Yamuna.
- Jainism and Buddhism: Both emerged during the same period, influenced by social, economic, and political conditions of the society.
Reasons for the Rise of Buddhism
- Caste System: The expansion of birth-based caste system in Later Vedic culture.
- Growth and Trade: Increase in trade and commerce enhanced the importance of the Vaishya class.
- Old Lifestyle: Conservative people began demanding the old lifestyle.
Gautama Buddha
- Introduction: Siddhartha, Shakya Muni, born in Lumbini near Kapilavastu, Nepal.
- Four Sights: Influenced by seeing an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and an ascetic.
- Renunciation: Left home at the age of 29 in search of knowledge.
Principles of Buddhism
- Suffering and Desires: The root cause of suffering is desires.
- Nirvana: Achieving Nirvana through controlling desires, liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- Eightfold Path: Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Comparison of Buddhism and Jainism
- Cycle of Existence: The cycle of birth and death can be broken by Nirvana.
- Sin: In Jainism, causing harm is sin, whereas Buddhism does not define sin.
- Doctrines: Mahayana and Hinayana are the two main sects.
Spread of Buddhism
- Opposition to Caste System: Association with lower classes.
- Liberal and Democratic Vision: Compared to Brahmanical religion.
- Organization and Preaching: Formation of Sangha and propagation.
Buddhist Councils
- First Council: Compilation of Buddha's teachings.
- Second Council: Division and redetermination of rules.
- Third and Fourth Councils: Division of Mahayana and Hinayana.
Global Impact of Buddhism
- Principle of Non-violence: Contribution to Indian values.
- Architecture and Art: Bodh Gaya, Sanchi, and Indian architecture.
- Influence on Gandhi: Non-violence and Satyagraha.
Conclusion
- Rise and fall of Buddhism, yet still a significant religion globally today.
- Lasting impact of Buddha's teachings on humanity.
The story of Buddhism is about its rise, spread, and impact on the world, which remains relevant today.