In this article we will discuss the topic of Buddhism and Jainism for SSC RRB NTPC PSC exams. At the end we will have a quiz session for self-evaluation.
Rise of Buddhism and Jainism
The primary reason behind the rise of Buddhism and Jainism was the religious upheaval in Indian states in the 6th century B.C. People became more focused on ethical and moral values rather than established socio-religious norms. People were trying to escape from complex rituals and sacrifices to adopt alternatives like Buddhism and Jainism which emphasised in true happiness instead of material prosperity.Here are some reasons of rise of Buddhism and Jainism
- Kshatriyas reacted negatively against the ritualistic domination of Brahmanas
- Rise of Agricultural Economy and animal husbandry. This agrarian economy made people realise the importance of animals in the society thus made them against the animal sacrifices.
- Support of Vaishyas and other mercantile groups who appealed for better social status.
- People became interested in more peace-centered and simple principles of Buddhism and Jainism rather than complex and expensive rituals.
- The rigid caste system generated tensions among all the varnas in the society.
Buddhism
Buddha’s Doctrine
His teachings are based on three important pillars
- Buddha- Founder of Teacher
- Dhamma – Teachings
- Sangha- Order of Buddhist Monks
“I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. That’s all I teach”: Buddha
The Four Noble Truths are the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. Here are these four principles.
The Noble Eightfold Path
Other Names of Buddha
- Siddhartha
- Sakyamuni
- Tathagata
Family Tree Of Buddha
Some Facts of Life of Buddha
- Goutam Buddha was born as Siddhartha in 563 BC on Vaishaka Poornima Day at Lumbini
- He married Yashodhara at the age of 16
- He left his family at the age of 29
- He left his palace with Channa, the charioteer and his loving horse named Kanthaka
Summary of Buddha’s Life story
Age | Place | Event | Name | Symbol |
0 | Lumbini | Birth | Janma | Lotus and Bull |
29 | Lumbini | The great departure | Mahavinishkraman | Horse |
35 | Gaya | Enlightenment | Nirvana | Bodhi Tree |
35 | Sarnath | First Sermon | Dharmachakraprabartan | Wheel |
80 | Kushinagar | Death | Mahaparinirban | Stupa |
Buddhist Council
Council | Year | Venue | Chairman | Patron |
1st | 483 BC | Rajgriha | Mahakasappa | Ajathsatru |
2nd | 383 BC | Vaisali | Sabbakami | Kalashoka |
3rd | 250 BC | Pataliputra | Mogaliputta | Ashoka |
4th | 98 AD | Kundalvan(Kashmir) | Vasumitra | Kanishka |
Note:
- Abhidharma Pitaka was added in 3rd Buddhist Council
- Buddhism was divided into Mahayan and Hinayan in 4th Buddhist Council
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Jainism
- Jainism was propagated in 6th century B.C by Lord Mahavira.
- There were 24 great teachers or Tirthankaras, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira.
- Tirthankaras are people who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living and preached it to the people.
- The first Tirthankara was Rishabnatha.
- The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.
- Mahavir was also known as Jitendriya and Arihant.
- Mahavir was born in 599 BC Kundalgram village near Vaishali
- He was born in Jnatrika clan.
- At the age of 30 years, he renounced his home and become an ascetic.
- He practised austerity for 12 years and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (i.e conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42 years.
- He delivered his first sermon at Pava.
- A symbol was associated with every Tirthankara and Mahavira’s symbol was a lion.
- Mahavir passed away at the age of 72 years at Pavapuri
Family Tree of Mahavir
- Jamali was his first disciple
Jain Literature
Jain literature is classified into two major categories:
- Agam or Canonical Literature (Agam Sutras)
- Non‑agam Literature
Spread of Jainism
- Mahavira ordered his followers which considered both men and women.
- Jainism spreaded gradually into West and South India where brahmanical order was weak.
- The great Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya, during his last years, became a jain ascetic and promoted Jainism in Karnataka.
- Famine in Magadha led to the spread of Jainism in South India.
- The famine lasted for 12 years. Many Jains went to South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu to protect themselves from the famine. Which is known as the great exodus.