16.Jainism and Buddhism

Jainism And Buddhism

The factor responsible for the emergence of the new religious ideas like Jainism and Buddhism

Religious Reasons

  • Complexity of Vedic Religion: The Vedic religion has grown to be intricate, costly, and protracted. It was connected with complex rituals and ceremonies that needed a lot of resources.
  • Meaning Loss: As time passed, the common people lost all understanding of the later Vedic religion. It’s possible that the customs and traditions have become irrelevant or disconnected from the general public’s daily existence.

Social Reasons

  1. New Professions : A change in societal structures and values may have resulted from the emergence of new professions. It’s possible that different professional groups looked for religious expressions that more closely matched their everyday experiences.
  2. New Classes (Setthis, Gahapattih) : The emergence of wealthy and influential classes like Setthis and Gahapattih may have had an impact on the religious landscape. It’s possible that the financial clout of these social classes inspired and enabled the creation of novel religious concepts.

Economic Reasons

  • Material Conditions : R. S. Sharma asserts that the people’s material circumstances played a major role in the emergence of new religious concepts. Reassessing religious practices may have been necessary due to changes in the economy and way of life.
  • Incompatibility with New Economy : The old Vedic religion, with its emphasis on practices like cattle sacrifice, may not have been conducive to the evolving economic structures. The emergence of alternative religious ideas may have been sparked by the disjunction between traditional religious practices and the demands of the contemporary economy.

Jainism

The Jain religion and philosophy owe their origins and development to twenty-four Tirthankaras. The first twenty-two of these are arguably not very historic.
Parsvanath , the 23rd-born son of Varanasi King Asvasena. He discussed four fundamental of Jainism 1.Satya 2.Ahimsa 3.Aparigraha 4.Asteya

24th Tirthankara is Mahavira
Tirthankara means Jain preachers who acquired supreme knowledge.

Vardhamana Mahavira

  1. He was born in 540 B.C. in Kundagrama (Vaishali, Muzaffarpur).
  2. The Jnatrikas clan was led by his father, Siddhartha.
  3. Trishala, a princess of Lichchhavi, was his mother.
  4. Vardhamana married Yashoda and received a top-notch education.
  5. He left his family and turned into an ascetic at the age of thirty.
  6. He obtained the “supreme knowledge” at the age of 42. In Pawa, close to Rajagriha, he passed away at the age of 72.
  7. He included Brahmacharya, the fifth Jain principle.

Teachings

  • Ratnatreya: Correct understanding, Faith, and behavior.
  • Right knowledge: Right knowledge is ‘reality is manifold (anekanta)’.
  • Having right faith means accepting what Mahavira said.
  • The correct conduct is Punchmahavrata.

Punchmahavrata ?

  1. Ahinsa- Do not commit violence.
  2. Satya- Do not speak a lie.
  3. Asteya- Do not steal
  4. Aparigraha- Do not acquire property.
  5. Brahmacharya- Do not indulge in Sexual Acts.

According to Mahavira’s philosophy, matter (Ajiva) and the soul (jiva) are the two basic components. In line with his teachings, every entity—living or nonliving—had a soul. Matter was made up of groups of atoms called pudgala that could be felt and had properties like form, color, taste, and smell.

Mahavira argued that although the soul was in a state of servitude, it was possible to free it. His philosophy held that the universe was shaped by universal laws rather than acknowledging the existence of a divine being, in contrast to belief in a divine entity.

Mahavira believed that each person was the creator of their own destiny. Living a life devoted to virtue and purity made salvation possible. The idea that the universe followed eternal laws was reinforced by the denial of the existence of a god.
This viewpoint holds that the Eternal Law guided the universe through cycles of advancement and decline known as upsargani and utsargani. This cyclical pattern represented the universe’s ongoing evolution through discrete stages of progress and regression.

Spread Of Jainism

Mahavira was a major contributor to the spread of Jainism, but after his death, there was a split in the Jain community that resulted in the creation of the Swetambara and Digambara sects. Over time, there were challenges to the survival of Jainism as new divisions emerged even within these sects. Following Mahavira’s death, Gandhar, a close disciple of Mahavira, made a substantial contribution to the growth of Jainism.

The maintenance and spread of Jainism were greatly aided by Jaina Councils. Important issues were discussed at the First Council, which was called in Patliputra around 300 BC under Chandragupta Maurya’s rule and chaired by Sthulbhadra. An important part of compiling Jain texts was the Second Council, presided over by Devarddhigani Kshamashramana and convened in Vallabhi in 512 AD.

Many kings supported Jainism with their royal patronage. The Magadhan emperor Udayin played a significant role in the spread of Jainism. King Kharavel of Odisha, the Nanda emperors, and Chandragupta Maurya all vigorously promoted the growth of Jainism. Jainism became increasingly popular in the southern regions during the reigns of the Ganga, Kadamba, and Rastrakuta dynasties. The spread and acceptance of Jainism throughout India were greatly aided by the backing of these emperors.

The gradual decline of Jainism

  • The lack of a charismatic leader like Mahavira who could captivate and motivate devotees was a factor in Jainism’s declining popularity.
  • The internal discord and weakened unity of the Jain community was caused by the division of Jainism into sects such as the Svetambar and Digambar factions.
  • In spite of powerful and well-liked leaders, Jainism did not receive enough defense and assistance, making its adherents susceptible to outside influences.
  • Jainism lost the support it once had when later rulers did not offer the same degree of protection and patronage that previous rulers had.
  • Jainism’s decline was aided by the increasing prominence of Buddhism, which has its own set of teachings and practices. This caused followers to turn away from Jainism.
  • The Jain community declined as a result of the revival of Hinduism and its changing doctrines and practices, which drew people who might have otherwise followed Jainism.
  • The strict and extreme beliefs of Jainism may have prevented the religion from attracting a wider audience, which in turn may have contributed to its decline in adherents.

Contribution of Jainism

Jain Literature

Jainism has a rich literary tradition, encompassing sacred texts and philosophical
treatises. The Agamas and the canonical works known as the Jain scriptures provide
guidance for Jain followers.

Jain Temples, Sculpture, and Architecture

India’s architectural and artistic landscape bears a lasting legacy from Jainism.
The intricate designs and architectural brilliance of Jain temples are widely recognized as testaments to the cultural and artistic achievements of the Jain community.

Kindness and Non-Violence Attitudes:

The concepts of ahimsa (non-violence) and anekantavada (the doctrine of non-absolutism) are highly valued in Jainism. These ideas support having compassion for all living things.

Attitude of Humanism

The core humanism of Jain teachings is emphasized, and adherents are urged to develop attitudes of tolerance, compassion, and understanding.

Buddhism

Early life of Budhha

  1. Siddhartha, also known as Gautam Buddha, founded Buddhism.
  2. His mother was Maya, a princess of the Koliya clan, and his father was Suddhodhana, the chief of the Sakya clan (from Kapilavastu).
  3. He was born in Lumbini, Nepal, which is now Rummindei.
  4. Rahul is the son he had with Yashodhara.
  5. He saw an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and finally a religious mendicant one day outside the palace.
  6. At 29, he moved out of his family.
  7. Leaving the city, he rode in his chariot drawn by his favorite horse, Kanthaka, and driven by his charioteer, Channa.
  8. Convening with Ramaputta and Alara Kalama.
  9. At the age of 35, he achieved enlightenment following 49 days of meditation.

Basic Teachings of Buddha

He gave four noble truths

a. There is suffering (Dukkha);
b. It has a cause (Samudaya);
c. It can be removed (Nirodha);
d. And the way to achieve this is following the Atthanga- magga (Eight-fold Path).

Ashtanga Marga

❖ Right views
❖ Right Resolve
❖ Right Speech
❖ Right Action
❖ Right means of Livelihood
❖ Right mental exercise
❖ Right awareness
❖ Right Mediation

Buddhism also rejected the idea of the soul, and Buddha neither confirmed nor denied the existence of God. His attention was mainly on the person and what they did. Buddhism gave great weight to the concept of “Karma.” Nirvana, the ultimate goal in life, was attained by destroying desire. Buddha prioritized practical teachings and was a pragmatic reformer.

Buddha as a social reformer

  • According to Buddha, all social bonds are causes of suffering and fetters. An individual could only achieve liberation by escaping these limitations.
  • “The doctrine of the Buddha was undoubtedly more socially inclusive than that of the Brahmanical tradition, but it did not seek to eradicate social distinctions.”

Sangha

  1. In a relatively short time, Buddhism became an official religion.
  2. People with infectious diseases, lepers, and criminals were not admitted.
  3. The monks had to wear saffron or yellow robes and ceremoniously shave their heads in order to be admitted.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddhism was widely embraced during the Buddha’s lifetime. It was also accepted by rulers such as Prasenjit, Ajatshatru, and Bimbisara. Emperor Ashoka promoted Buddhism and aided in its dissemination. Buddhism was introduced to China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia with the aid of monks and trade routes. Buddhism underwent cultural transformations that led to the emergence of diverse schools of thought. Buddhism’s emphasis on enlightenment, ethical teachings, and promise of relief from suffering made it popular. As a result, Buddhism gained widespread acceptance and rose to prominence as one of the world’s main faiths.

Buddhist Councils

  1. The Saptparni Cave in Rajgriha served as the venue for the First Buddhist Council.
  2. The Sthavirvadin and Mahasanghika sects met at Vaishali for the Second Council.
  3. In Patliputra, the Third Council met under Ashoka’s auspices.
  4. Following the Fourth Council in Kashmir, Buddhism split into Hinayana and Mahayana schools, giving rise to a number of different sects and starting a slow process of disintegration.

Hinayana and Mahayana

  • Hinayana adhered strictly to the text of the Buddha’s teachings, while Mahayana focused on the spirit;
  • While Mahayana developed with the individual at its center, Hinayana did so with the Sangha;
  • Mahayana scriptures are composed of the Sutras and are written in Sanskrit; Hinayana scriptures are primarily written in Pali and are based on the Tripitaka.
  • Mahayana believes in salvation by faith, while Hinayana believes in salvation by works, requiring each man to work out his own salvation;
  • While Mahayana focuses on the symbolism of the Buddha’s life and character, Hinayana is centered on the deeds of the Buddha.
  • The law of karma and virtuous deeds were emphasized by Hinayana; Mahayana believed that the law of karuna, or compassion, superseded the law of karma;
  • The Bodhisattva, or savior, who is concerned with the salvation of others, is the ideal upheld by Mahayana; the Arhat, who pursues his own redemption, is the ideal upheld by Hinayana.

Emergence of different Sects

  1. Lokottaravadins
  2. Kukkutikas
  3. Bahusrutiyas
  4. Vatsiputriyas
  5. Dharmottariyas
  6. Bhadrayanikas
  7. Sammatiyas
  8. Sautrantikas

Why Buddhism was accepted by a large section of the people?

  • Buddhist morality was grounded in practicality. basic instruction.
  • Easy to understand
  • They discuss social justice.
  • Assistance from Wealthy Retailers
  • response against the religion of Brahman.
  • They were patronized by strong kings. similar to Kanishka and Ashoka.
  • They had better organization.
  • Sangha had better organization.

Buddhism & Women

  1. Buddha was not initially keen to establish a bhikkhuni sangha.
  2. Buddhist texts reflect stereotyped ideals of the submissive and obedient woman.
  3. But, Buddhist texts contain several references to learned nuns.
  4. They could attain salvation.
  5. Evidence of Therigatha.

Why the decline of Buddhism?

Both external and internal factors can be attributed to Buddhism’s decline.
Buddhism changed on the inside, embracing practices that it had opposed at first. The deterioration of the Sangha system, internal strife, and corruption all led to its loss of uniqueness.
Buddhist institutions faced external threats from Huna and Turk invasions. The stability and expansion of Buddhism in some areas were hampered by the competitive influence and resurgence of Hinduism.

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Inline image credit :- World History Encyclopedia

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