Study Notes: Buddhism and Jainism - UPSC History

Buddhism and Jainism: Comprehensive Study Notes

These notes cover the rise, doctrines, spread, and impact of Buddhism and Jainism in ancient India, based on NCERT sources. They are structured for thorough understanding and effective exam preparation.

1. The Context: Rise of New Religious Movements (6th Century BCE)

The 6th century BCE was a period of significant intellectual and religious ferment in India, leading to the emergence of heterodox schools that challenged the orthodoxy of Vedic Brahmanism.

Reasons for the Rise of Buddhism and Jainism

Rigidity of the Vedic Religion: Complex rituals, dominance of Brahmins, and the expensive sacrificial system became inaccessible to common people.
Socio-Economic Changes: Growth of trade, urbanization, and the rise of a wealthy merchant class (Vaishyas) who sought a religion that accorded them higher status.
Political Context: The rise of powerful monarchies (like Magadha) which often patronized new religions to counter the influence of Brahmanical priesthood.
Use of Vernacular Languages: Both Buddha and Mahavira preached in Prakrit, making their teachings accessible to the masses, unlike Sanskrit.
Reaction to Social Evils: Opposition to the caste system, animal sacrifices, and excessive ritualism.

2. Jainism

Founders and Tirthankaras

Jainism believes in a succession of 24 Tirthankaras (ford-makers or teachers). The 23rd was Parsvanatha and the 24th was Vardhamana Mahavira.

Vardhamana Mahavira (540-468 BCE): Born in Kundagrama (Vaishali) to a Kshatriya clan. At 30, he renounced the world. After 12 years of rigorous penance, he attained Kaivalya (supreme knowledge). He became a Jina (the conqueror) and his followers were called Jains.

[IMAGE: Map showing important Jain sites: Kundagrama, Pavapuri, Rajgir.]

Core Doctrines and Teachings

Triratna (Three Jewels): The path to liberation.
- Right Faith (Samyak Darshana): Belief in the truth.
- Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana): Knowledge of the true nature of reality.
Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows): For ascetics.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence)
- Satya (Truth)
- Asteya (Non-stealing)
- Aparigraha (Non-possession)
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Anekantavada (Theory of Pluralism): Reality is complex and has multiple aspects. It encourages tolerance.
Syadvada (Theory of Maybe): All judgments are conditional; no absolute affirmation or denial.
Concept of Soul and Karma: Every living being has a soul (Jiva). Karma is a material substance that binds to the soul due to actions. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved by freeing the soul from karma through asceticism.
Strict Ahimsa: Extreme emphasis on non-violence, extending to all life forms (plants, insects, etc.).

Sects and Spread

Schism: After Mahavira's death, a famine led to migration. Later, a split occurred:
- Digambaras (Sky-clad): Monks who believe in complete nudity and that women cannot achieve liberation. More conservative.
- Svetambaras (White-clad): Monks who wear white clothes and believe women can achieve liberation.
Spread: Primarily confined to India. Patronized by rulers like Chandragupta Maurya (in his later life), Kharavela of Kalinga, and Rashtrakutas. Strong base in the trading community.

[VIDEO: "Jainism Philosophy and Teachings Explained"]

3. Buddhism

Gautama Buddha (563-483 BCE)

Born as Siddhartha in Lumbini (Sakya Kshatriya clan).
Witnessed the Four Great Sights (an old man, a sick man, a corpse, an ascetic) which led him to renounce worldly life (Mahabhinishkramana).
After years of meditation under a Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana).
Delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park), known as Dharmachakrapravartana (Setting in Motion the Wheel of Law).

[IMAGE: Chart showing the life events of Buddha from birth to Mahaparinirvana.]

Core Doctrines and Teachings

Four Noble Truths (Arya Satya): The foundation of Buddhist philosophy.
- The world is full of suffering (Dukkha).
- Suffering has a cause (Samudaya), which is desire (Trishna).
- Suffering can be ceased (Nirodha).
- There is a path to end suffering (Ashtangika Marga).
Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga): The practical path to end suffering.
- Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.
Middle Path (Madhyama Pratipada): Avoidance of extremes of indulgence and severe asceticism.
Law of Dependent Origination (Pratityasamutpada): Everything in the universe is conditioned and interdependent; "This being, that becomes."
Concept of No-Soul (Anatman): Rejects the permanent, unchanging soul (Atman) of Upanishadic thought. The individual is a combination of five aggregates (Skandhas).
Karma and Rebirth: Actions have consequences leading to rebirth, but there is no permanent soul to transmigrate.
Goal - Nirvana: The ultimate goal is the extinction of desire and suffering, leading to a state of bliss and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Buddhist Councils and Sects

First Council (483 BCE, Rajgir): Presided by Mahakasyapa. Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's sermons) and Vinaya Pitaka (monastic code) were compiled.
Second Council (383 BCE, Vaishali): Split over monastic rules. Led to division into Orthodox Sthaviravadins and Liberal Mahasanghikas.
Third Council (250 BCE, Pataliputra): Presided by Moggaliputta Tissa under Ashoka. Abhidhamma Pitaka added. Decision to send missionaries abroad.
Fourth Council (1st Century CE, Kashmir): Under Kanishka. Division into Hinayana and Mahayana finalized.

Major Sects:

Hinayana/Theravada: "The Lesser Vehicle." Orthodox, focused on individual salvation through monastic life. Buddha is a great teacher. Scriptures in Pali.
Mahayana: "The Greater Vehicle." Liberal, believed in Bodhisattva (enlightened being who postpones Nirvana to help others), idol worship, and universal salvation. Scriptures in Sanskrit.
Vajrayana: "The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt." Emerged later, incorporated tantric rituals and practices.

Spread and Patronage

Royal Patrons: Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Ashoka (sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia), Kanishka (convened 4th council), Harsha.
Institutions: Monasteries (Viharas) and educational centers (Universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila) played a key role.
Spread Beyond India: To Sri Lanka, Tibet, Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia via the Silk Road and maritime routes.

[IMAGE: Map showing the spread of Buddhism from India to other parts of Asia.] [VIDEO: "Buddhism Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path"]

4. Comparative Analysis and Impact

Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism

Both originated in the 6th century BCE in the same geographical region (Eastern India).
Both were founded by Kshatriya princes.
Both opposed the authority of Vedas, elaborate rituals, animal sacrifices, and the caste system.
Both preached in vernacular languages.
Both emphasized Ahimsa, though Jainism was more extreme.
Both believed in the concept of Karma and the cycle of rebirth.
Both advocated ascetic life and the establishment of monastic orders (Sangha).

Differences between Buddhism and Jainism

Concept of Soul: Jainism believes in a permanent soul (Jiva). Buddhism denies a permanent soul (Anatman).
Extremism in Ahimsa: Jainism is extremely strict (e.g., filtering water, sweeping path). Buddhism advocates a moderate approach.
Metaphysics: Jainism has elaborate theories like Anekantavada. Buddhism is more practical and psychological.
Spread: Buddhism spread internationally. Jainism remained largely confined to India.
Attitude towards Vedas: Jainism outrightly rejected them. Buddhism did not explicitly reject but ignored their authority.

Impact on Indian Culture and Society

Art and Architecture: Stimulated the development of stupas (Sanchi, Bharhut), rock-cut caves (Ajanta, Ellora), and monastic architecture.
Language and Literature: Buddhist texts in Pali (Tripitakas) and Jain texts in Prakrit (Agamas) enriched literature. Contributed to the growth of regional languages.
Social Impact: Challenged Brahmanical supremacy, provided an alternative social order, and attracted people from lower varnas and women into the Sangha.
Education: Establishment of great universities like Nalanda and Vallabhi.
Weakening Factors: Gradual absorption into Hinduism (Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu), corruption in Sanghas, loss of royal patronage, and the revivalist movements like those of Kumarila Bhatta and Shankaracharya.

Key Takeaways

Context is Key: Both religions emerged as reform movements against Vedic ritualism and social rigidity in the 6th century BCE.
Core Doctrines: Master the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and Nirvana for Buddhism; the Triratna, Pancha Mahavrata, and Anekantavada for Jainism.
Founders and Events: Know the life events of Mahavira and Buddha, and the details of the Buddhist Councils (order, location, outcome).
Compare and Contrast: Clearly understand the similarities (opposition to Vedic orthodoxy, emphasis on ethics) and key differences (concept of soul, extremism in practice, spread).
Historical Impact: Their contribution to art, architecture, literature, and social structure is immense and a frequent area of examination.

Chapter 6: Buddhism and Jainism