An in-depth exploration of the origin and influence of Jainism and Buddhism in ancient India. Discover how Mahavira and Buddha shaped Indian society and their global impact.

Indian Religious Movements: Jainism and Buddhism: Causes of the Origin of Jainism and Buddhism in Ancient India

• Jainism and Buddhism originated in ancient India during a period of socio-religious ferment. The primary cause of their origin can be attributed to:
  • Dissatisfaction with ritualistic practices
  • Rigid social hierarchy prevalent in Brahmanical society
• Influenced by prevailing ascetic traditions and teachings of earlier reformers, figures such as:
  • Vardhamana Mahavira (founder of Jainism)
  • Siddhartha Gautama (later known as the Buddha)
  emerged as significant leaders, offering new paths to spiritual liberation emphasizing:
  • Ethical conduct
  • Meditation
  • Pursuit of inner transformation

  

Jainism and Life Teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira

• Jainism, founded by Vardhamana Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, is one of the oldest religions in India.
  • Mahavira was born into a royal family in modern-day Bihar.
  • He renounced his princely life at the age of 30 to embark on a spiritual journey.



• After rigorous penance and meditation, Mahavira attained kevala jnana (omniscience) and became a Jina, a conqueror of inner passions.
  • He spent the rest of his life teaching the path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing: Ahimsa, Anekantavada, Aparigraha, Asteya & Brahmacharya.
  • List of 24 Jain Tirthankars and their birth places
  • Rishabha (Adinath) - Ayodhya
  • Ajitnath - Ayodhya
  • Sambhavanath - Sravasti
  • Abhinandannath - Ayodhya
  • Sumatinath - Ayodhya
  • Padmabrabha - Kausambhi
  • Suparshvanath - Kasi (Banaras)
  • Chandraprabha - Chandrapuri
  • Pushpadanta (Suvidhinatha) - Kakandi
  • Shiatnath - Bhadrikapuri
  • Shreyansanath - Simhapuri
  • Vasupujya - Champapuri
  • Vimalnath - Kampilya
  • Anantnath - Ayodhya
  • Dharmanath - Ratnapuri
  • Shantinath - Hastinapura
  • Kunthunath - Hastinapura
  • Aranath - Hastinapura
  • Malinath - Mithilapuri
  • Munisuvrata - Kusagranagara (Rajgrih)
  • Naminatha - Mithilapuri (Mathura)
  • Neminatha - Sauripura (Dwarka)
  • Parsvanatha - Kasi (Banaras)
  • Mahavira (Vardhamana) - Kundapura
• Mahavira also organized a monastic community (Sangha) upholding strict ascetic vows. His teachings, collected in the Agamas, formed the foundation of Jain philosophy.

Core Doctrines of Jainism Philosophy: Ahimsa, Anekantavada & Aparigraha

• The core doctrines of Jainism revolve around:
  • Ahimsa (non-violence)
  • Anekantavada (non-absolutism)
  • Aparigraha (non-attachment)
  • Asteya (Don't Steal)
  • Brahmacharya (Observe Continence)Continence refers to the ability to control sexual desires1or to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily

  

• Ahimsa advocates strict non-violence towards all living beings, influencing Jains to adopt:
  • A strict vegetarian diet
  • Avoidance of harm to any sentient being
• Anekantavada teaches acceptance of multiple perspectives, promoting:
  • Dialogue and tolerance
  • Respect for diverse viewpoints

  

• Aparigraha encourages:
  • Non-attachment to material possessions
  • A simple and minimalist lifestyle
  • Inner peace and contentment

Spread of Jainism in Southern India and Beyond

• Jainism spread across ancient India due to the efforts of:
  • Jain monks
  • Merchants who traveled extensively



• The southern regions, especially Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, became strongholds due to:
  • Patronage from local rulers
  • Flourishing trade networks
• Jain monastic centers (mathas) and temples were established, fostering growth of Jain communities.
• Jainism also spread to regions like:
  • Sri Lanka
  • Southeast Asia

Contributions of Jainism to Indian Culture and Philosophy

• Jainism contributed to Indian philosophy, ethics, and culture, especially in promoting:
  • Principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion
• The Jain concept of ahimsa inspired:
  • Movements for social justice
  • Environmental conservation
  • Animal rights
• Jain literature, including the Agamas, provides insights into:
  • Metaphysics
  • Epistemology
  • Ethics
• Jain art and architecture reflect spiritual aspirations through intricate carvings and temple complexes.

• Symbol of 5 great events of Buddha’s life
  • Buddha’s birth - Lotus & bull
  • The great departure (Mahabhinishkramana) - Horse
  • Enlightenment (Nirvana) - Bodhi tree
  • First sermon (Dhammachakraparivartan) - Wheel
  • Death (Parinirvana) - Stupa

• Early Buddhist texts speak of six foremost opponents of Lord Buddha
  • Ajit Kesh Kamblin - Believed in Materialism
  • Maskari Gosal - Founder of Ajivaka sect
  • Puran Kasyap - Atomist
  • Pakudh Katyayam - Believed in Fatalism
  • Sanjay Vethaliputta - Believed in materialism cynicism
  • Niggantha Nathputta - He was Bhagvan Mahavir

Important Notes

• Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons in Sravasti
• Sravasti was the place where Buddha gave the maximum number of discourses and instructions.
• Sanchi is famous for Buddhist art and architecture. Sanchi became a pilgrimage site when Ashoka Maurya erected a stupa and column there.
• Hiuen Tsang arrived in Kashmir taking the route from Tibet and Ladakh and had a significant influence in spreading Buddhism in Kashmir.
• Gautama studied under various teachers
• Alara Kalama - Taught meditation leading to "the state of no-thingness"
• Udraka Ramaputra - Taught meditative absorption leading to "the state of neither perception nor non-perception"

Gautama Buddha's Life and Enlightenment

• Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, was born into a royal family in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal) around the 6th century BCE.
• Dissatisfied with worldly life and seeking answers to the nature of suffering, Gautama renounced his princely status and embarked on a quest for enlightenment.



• After years of spiritual practice and meditation, Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, realizing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• The Buddha spent the remainder of his life teaching the Dharma (the path to liberation) to his disciples, establishing the monastic Sangha, and promoting peace and compassion.

Core Doctrines of Buddhism: Noble Truths & Path

• Buddhism's core teachings revolve around the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose the root cause of suffering (dukkha) and prescribe a path to its cessation.



• The Eightfold Path, consisting of right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration, serves as a practical guide to ethical living and spiritual development.
• Buddhism emphasizes the impermanence of all phenomena (anicca), the unsatisfactory nature of existence (dukkha), and the absence of a permanent self (anatta).
• Meditation, mindfulness, and ethical conduct are central to Buddhist practice, leading to the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.

Key Features of Buddhist Practice: Meditation & Monasticism

• Buddhism places great emphasis on meditation and mindfulness as tools for developing self-awareness, concentration, and insight.
• Monasticism plays a vital role in preserving and transmitting Buddhist teachings, with monks and nuns dedicating themselves to a life of simplicity, celibacy, and service.
• Compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta) are fundamental virtues in Buddhism, guiding practitioners to cultivate empathy, altruism, and goodwill towards all beings.
• Buddhism encompasses a diverse range of traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each with its own practices, scriptures, and philosophical interpretations.

Spread of Buddhism Across Ancient India and Beyond

• Buddhism spread rapidly across ancient India and beyond due to several factors, including the missionaryefforts of the Buddha's disciples, the patronage of kings and merchants, and the adaptability of Buddhist teachings to local cultures.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka: The last of the three Pitakas of Theravada Buddhism, dealing with philosophy, psychology, and metaphysics. The Sutta Pitaka focuses on doctrine and ethics, and the Vinaya Pitaka outlines monastic rules.
• Emperor Ashoka played a significant role in promoting Buddhism by erecting pillars and inscriptions, sending emissaries to spread the Dharma, and adopting policies of religious tolerance and social welfare.
• Trade routes facilitated the transmission of Buddhist ideas and practices to regions like Central Asia, Southeast Asia, China, and beyond, leading to the establishment of vibrant Buddhist communities.
• Buddhism's emphasis on universal truths, ethical conduct, and personal transformation resonated with people from diverse backgrounds, contributing to its widespread acceptance and influence.

Cultural and Intellectual Impact of Buddhism

• Buddhism has had a profound impact on the cultural, artistic, and intellectual landscape of Asia, shaping the development of philosophy, literature, art, and architecture.
• Buddhist monasteries served as centers of learning and scholarship, preserving and transmitting knowledge across generations through oral teachings, texts, and manuscripts.
• Buddhist art, characterized by stupas, statues, paintings, and reliefs, reflects the spiritual ideals, cosmology, and narrative traditions of Buddhism, inspiring awe and devotion among devotees.
• Buddhist philosophy, particularly the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools, has influenced diverse philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism, fostering cross-cultural exchange and dialogue.

Explain the causes of the origin of the religious sects in north-east India in the sixth century BC

• The sixth century BC in North-East India was marked by socio-political and economic changes, including the rise of urban centers, growth of trade networks, and the emergence of new social classes.
• These changes led to a sense of dissatisfaction and spiritual quest among people, resulting in the emergence of various religious sects seeking to address existential questions and provide spiritual guidance.
• The influence of heterodox thinkers like Mahavira and Buddha, along with the existing religious and philosophical diversity in the region, contributed to the proliferation of religious sects during this period.

Who was Vardhamana Mahavira and what were his teachings?

• Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, born in the 6th century BC in present-day Bihar, India.
• His teachings, known as Jainism, emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-attachment (aparigraha).
• Mahavira propagated the idea of karma and reincarnation, asserting that one's actions (karma) determine their future existence and that liberation (moksha) can be achieved through spiritual purification.

Trace the origin and development of Jainism in India

• Jainism traces its origin to the teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira, who revitalized and systematized the pre-existing ascetic traditions in ancient India.
• Mahavira's teachings gained prominence in the Magadha region of present-day Bihar, India, and gradually spread across different parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Jain community flourished under the patronage of kings and merchants, establishing monastic orders (sanghas) and contributing to the cultural and intellectual life of India.

Give an account of Jainism. What did it contribute to Indian society?

• Jainism is an ancient Indian religion founded on the principles of non-violence, truth, and compassion.
• It contributed to Indian society by promoting ethical and moral values, advocating for non-violence towards all living beings, and emphasizing spiritual liberation through self-discipline and meditation.
• Jainism also made significant contributions to Indian art, architecture, and literature, with its temples, sculptures, and manuscripts reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Jain community.

Who was Gautama Buddha? State his teachings

• Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism.
• His teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths and theNoble Eightfold Path, form the core of Buddhist philosophy.
• Buddha taught that suffering (dukkha) is inherent in human existence and identified its causes, including desire and ignorance.
• He prescribed a path to liberation from suffering, emphasizing ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.
• Buddha's teachings emphasized compassion, mindfulness, and the cultivation of insight to attain enlightenment (nirvana).

Explain the social aspects of Buddhism

• Buddhism advocated for social equality and compassion towards all beings, regardless of caste, class, or gender.
• It challenged the hierarchical social order of ancient India, rejecting the caste system and promoting the idea of universal brotherhood.
• Buddhist monastic communities provided opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue spiritual goals and attain social respectability.
• Buddhism also played a role in the empowerment of women, offering them a place within the monastic sangha and advocating for their spiritual and intellectual development.

Why did Buddhism spread in India and abroad?

• Buddhism spread in India and abroad due to several factors, including the patronage of kings, the missionary activities of Buddhist monks, and the appeal of its teachings to people from diverse backgrounds.
• The support of rulers like Emperor Ashoka facilitated the establishment of monasteries and the propagation of Buddhist doctrines throughout the Indian subcontinent.
• Buddhist monks traveled along trade routes, spreading the teachings of Buddha to regions like Southeast Asia, Central Asia, China, and beyond.
• The universality of Buddhist teachings, which emphasized compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of wisdom, resonated with people from different cultural and social backgrounds.

Account for the decline of Buddhism

• The decline of Buddhism in India can be attributed to various factors, including the resurgence of Hinduism, the loss of royal patronage, and the decline of monastic institutions.
• The revival of Hinduism under the Gupta Empire and the assimilation of Buddhist deities and practices contributed to the decline of Buddhism as a distinct religious tradition.
• The decline of urban centers and trade routes disrupted the economic foundations of Buddhist monasteries, leading to their decline and eventual abandonment.
• Internal divisions within the Buddhist community, doctrinal disputes, and schisms weakened the unity and coherence of the tradition, making it vulnerable to external challenges.

Discuss the importance and influence of Buddhism

• Buddhism played a significant role in shaping the cultural, social, and intellectual landscape of Asia, leaving a lasting impact on religious thought, art, and philosophy.
• It contributed to the development of Indian art and architecture, inspiring the construction of monumental stupas, rock-cut caves, and exquisite sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.
• Buddhism influenced the growth of vernacular languages and literature, with Buddhist texts being translated into various languages and serving as important sources of inspiration for poets, scholars, and storytellers.
• The spread of Buddhism promoted cultural exchange and trade networks across Asia, facilitating the exchange of ideas, technologies, and artistic styles.
• Buddhism played a key role in the development of philosophical thought, with Buddhist philosophers exploring profound questions about the nature of existence, consciousness, and the human condition.
• The ethical and moral principles of Buddhism, such as compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness, continue to resonate with people around the world, inspiring movements for social justice, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being.