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BUDDHISM AND JAINISM 

  • March 8, 2025
  • Posted by: Beauty Kumari
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Rise of New Religious Movements in the Later Vedic Period (6th–5th Century BCE)

During the later Vedic period, around the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, many religious and philosophical movements emerged in India. There were about 62 different sects, but three of them became major religions—Ajivikas, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Reasons for the Emergence of New Religions

Several social, economic, and religious factors led to the rise of new faiths:

  • Complex Vedic rituals: The religious ceremonies in the Vedic tradition were expensive and difficult to understand. Many people found them confusing.
  • Difficult teachings of the Upanishads: The Upanishads contained deep philosophical ideas, which were not easily understood by ordinary people.
  • Rigid caste system: Society was divided into strict social classes (varna system), which created tensions among different groups.
  • Costly sacrifices: The rituals required sacrificing animals and other expensive offerings, making it difficult for common people to participate.
  • Demand for a simpler path to salvation: People wanted an easy and practical way to achieve spiritual liberation.
  • Kshatriya dissatisfaction: The warrior class (Kshatriyas) was unhappy with the dominance of Brahmins (priests) in religious and social matters.
  • Rise of the Vaishya class: Merchants and traders (Vaishyas) gained wealth and wanted higher social status.
  • Resentment towards Brahmin supremacy: Many people opposed the growing influence of Brahmins in religious and social matters.
  • Objection to cow slaughter: Killing cows and oxen was a common practice in Vedic rituals, but it became a problem for the newly developing agricultural economy.

Buddhism

Founder: Gautama Buddha

  • Birth: Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BCE at Lumbini (modern-day Nepal).
  • Parents: He was born into the royal Shakya clan and was a prince.
  • Teachers: His spiritual mentors were Alara Kalama and Udraka Ramputra.
  • Enlightenment: At the age of 33, he attained enlightenment under a Peepal tree at Bodh Gaya, near the Niranjana River (Falgu River).
  • First Sermon: He preached his first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park), known as Dharmachakra Pravartana. His first five disciples included Mahakasyapa.
  • Death (Mahaparinirvana): He passed away at Kushinagar at the age of 80.

Core Teachings of Buddha

Buddha emphasized a balanced life, avoiding both extreme pleasure and extreme self-denial. This was called the Middle Path (Madhyam Marg).

Three Jewels of Buddhism (Triratna)

  1. Buddha – The enlightened teacher
  2. Dhamma – The teachings or path
  3. Sangha – The community of monks and followers

Major Principles of Buddhism

Five Precepts (Panchshila)

  1. Do not kill – Respect all living beings.
  2. Do not steal – Be honest and do not take what is not given.
  3. Avoid sexual misconduct – Maintain moral purity.
  4. Do not lie – Speak truthfully.
  5. Avoid intoxication – Do not consume drugs or alcohol.

Four Noble Truths (Arya Satyas)

  1. Dukkha (Suffering exists) – Life is full of suffering.
  2. Samudaya (Cause of suffering) – The cause of suffering is desire and attachment.
  3. Nirodha (End of suffering) – Suffering can end if desire is controlled.
  4. Magga (Path to end suffering) – The way to end suffering is by following the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path (Astangika Marga)

This is a set of moral, mental, and meditative practices:

  1. Right View – Understanding the truth about life.
  2. Right Intention – Having pure thoughts.
  3. Right Speech – Speaking truthfully and kindly.
  4. Right Action – Behaving ethically.
  5. Right Livelihood – Earning a living in an honest way.
  6. Right Effort – Developing good habits and avoiding bad ones.
  7. Right Mindfulness – Being aware of thoughts and actions.
  8. Right Concentration – Practicing meditation for mental clarity.

Sacred Texts of Buddhism

Three Pitakas (Tripitaka)

  1. Vinaya Pitaka – Rules for monks and nuns.
  2. Sutta Pitaka – Teachings of Buddha, including sermons and discourses.
  3. Abhidhamma Pitaka – Advanced philosophical and psychological teachings.

Other Important Buddhist Texts

  • Jataka Tales – Stories about Buddha’s past lives.
  • Milindapanha – A dialogue between the Greek King Menander (Milinda) and Buddhist monk Nagasena.
  • Mahavamsa & Dipavamsa – Chronicles of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history.
  • Divyavadana – Buddhist legends and stories.

Important Events in Buddha’s Life and Their Symbols

EventSymbol
Conception (Avakranti)White Elephant
Birth (Jati)Lotus & Bull
Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana)Horse
Enlightenment (Nirvana/Sambodhi)Bodhi Tree
First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)Wheel
Death (Mahaparinirvana)Stupa

Buddhist Sangha (Monastic Order)

  • It was one of the earliest religious organizations.
  • Restrictions: People suffering from serious diseases, slaves, and those in debt were not allowed to join.
  • Women were allowed: Buddha later permitted women to become nuns, though under strict rules.
  • Strict discipline: There were 64 rules (Pathimokshas) that monks and nuns had to follow.
  • Famous Disciples: Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda, Kassapa, and Upali.
  • Royal Supporters: Many kings, including Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of Magadha and Prasenjit of Kosala, became followers of Buddha.
  • Major Centers of Buddhism: Buddha traveled and preached in places like Varanasi, Rajgriha, Sravasti, Vaishali, Nalanda, and Pataligrama.

Buddhism emerged as a response to the social and religious challenges of the Vedic period. Its simple teachings, ethical code, and emphasis on personal spiritual progress made it popular among people from all classes. Over time, it spread across India and beyond, influencing cultures and civilizations across Asia.

Important Buddhist Scholars and Their Contributions

Many Buddhist scholars played a crucial role in spreading and developing Buddhist philosophy. Some of the most notable scholars include:

  • Moggaliputta Tissa – He was instrumental in launching Emperor Ashoka’s Dhamma campaign, which helped spread Buddhism.
  • Asvaghosha – A renowned Buddhist poet and philosopher, he wrote Buddhacharita (a biography of Buddha) and a Sanskrit drama called Sariputra Prakarana.
  • Nagarjuna – He established the Madhyamika School of Mahayana Buddhism and introduced the concept of Sunyavada (the theory of emptiness). His key work is Mulamadhyamakakarika.
  • Buddhaghosa – A great commentator of Theravada Buddhism, his most significant work is Visuddhimagga, which explains Buddhist teachings.
  • Dharmakirti – A teacher at Nalanda University, he is often called the “Kant of India” for his contributions to Buddhist logic and philosophy.

Bodhisattvas in Buddhism

In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a being who has the ability to attain Nirvana (liberation) but chooses to stay in the world to help others. This concept is similar to incarnations in Hinduism. Bodhisattvas are widely depicted in Buddhist literature and art.

Important Bodhisattvas and Their Traits

  • Maitreya – Known as the Future Buddha, he is one of the earliest Bodhisattvas. He is often depicted holding a water vessel. The popular Laughing Buddha is considered an incarnation of Maitreya.
  • Samantabhadra – The Universal Bodhisattva, he symbolizes meditation and action.
  • Vajrapani – Known for his strength, he is often depicted holding a thunderbolt like Indra. He is one of the three protective deities of Buddha, along with Manjusri and Avalokitesvara.
  • Avalokitesvara – The Bodhisattva of Compassion, he is believed to manifest Buddha’s kindness.
  • Kshitigarbha – He is considered the guardian of purgatories and children, as well as the protector of beings in hell.
  • Amitabha – Known as the Buddha of Heaven, he represents boundless light and compassion.
  • Sadaparibhuta – He represents the spirit of never giving up or losing faith.
  • Manjushri – The Bodhisattva of Wisdom, he holds a book and a flaming sword, symbolizing enlightenment and the destruction of ignorance.
  • Akasagarbha – He is considered as vast as space and symbolizes infinite wisdom.

Major Buddhist Councils

Several councils were held after Buddha’s death to compile his teachings and resolve differences within the Buddhist community.

CouncilYearLocationChairmanPatron KingKey Outcomes
First483 BCERajgriha (Sattapani Cave)MahakasyapaAjatasatruPreservation of Buddha’s teachings. Compilation of Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka by Upali.
Second383 BCEVaishaliSabakamiKalashokaSplit between Sthavira and Mahasanghikas.
Third250 BCEPataliputraMoggaliputta TissaAshokaCompilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Fourth98 CEKashmirVasumitra & AsvaghoshaKanishkaCompilation of Mahavibhasa Sastra. Division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana.

Major Schools of Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism (“Great Vehicle”)

  • Emphasizes salvation through the help of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
  • Originated in northern India and Kashmir, later spreading to Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet.
  • Worships Buddha in idol form and believes he will be born again.
  • Uses the Sanskrit language.
  • Sub-schools: Chittamatra & Madhyamaka.
  • Zen Buddhism (a form of Mahayana) is popular in China, Korea, and Japan.

Hinayana Buddhism (“Lesser Vehicle”)

  • Focuses on individual enlightenment through self-discipline and meditation.
  • Buddha is seen as an intellectual teacher, not a god.
  • Does not practice idol worship.
  • Uses the Pali language.
  • Sub-schools: Sarvastivada, Theravadin, Sautantrika.
  • Practiced mainly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

Theravada Buddhism

  • The oldest and most conservative Buddhist tradition, also known as the “Doctrine of Elders”.
  • Aims for Arhatship (personal liberation).
  • Uses Pali texts and follows the original teachings of Buddha.
  • Popular in Southeast Asian countries.

Sarvastivada Buddhism

  • Believes that everything in the world exists eternally but appears momentarily in different forms.
  • Emphasizes philosophical analysis of reality.

Vajrayana Buddhism (“The Thunderbolt Vehicle”)

  • A form of Tantric Buddhism that developed in India around 900 CE.
  • Focuses on magical rituals and mystical practices to attain enlightenment.
  • Prominent in Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia.
  • Worships female deities called Taras.

Zen Buddhism

  • A Mahayana school that originated in China and spread to Japan in the 7th century.
  • Emphasizes meditation as the key path to enlightenment.

Important Buddhist Terms

TermMeaning
ArhatsEnlightened beings who have achieved Nirvana.
NirvanaA state of supreme bliss and liberation from suffering.
SheelMoral discipline and ethical conduct.
ShramanaA seeker who practices asceticism and self-discipline.
UpasampadaThe formal ordination process for Buddhist monks.
VassaA three-month annual retreat observed by Buddhist monks during the rainy season.
UposathaA Buddhist day of observance for cleansing the mind.
SamsaraThe cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
ParinirvanaThe final Nirvana attained after the death of a Buddha or an enlightened being.

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Recent Discoveries Related to Buddhism

  • Chaukhandi Stupa – The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared this ancient Buddhist site a protected monument of national importance.
  • Ancient Buddhist Monastery – A 900-year-old monastery was recently discovered by ASI in the Sitagarha Hills, Jharkhand.

Reasons for the Decline of Buddhism

  1. Corruption in Buddhist Monasteries – Many monks stopped following Buddhist principles and discipline.
  2. Language Barrier – Buddhism started using Sanskrit, the language of elites, making it difficult for common people to connect.
  3. Foreign Invasions – Huns (5th–6th century) and Turkish invaders (12th century) destroyed many Buddhist monasteries.
  4. Urban Influence – Buddhism was mainly followed in cities, while Hinduism remained dominant in villages. When Islam spread, it affected cities, leading to Buddhism’s decline.
  5. Rise of Brahmanism – The revival of Hindu traditions and internal divisions among Buddhists weakened the religion.
  6. Rajput Rulers – They were warriors and did not follow Buddhism’s non-violence (Ahimsa) principles.
  7. Loss of Royal Support – Many kings who earlier supported Buddhism shifted back to Hinduism, leading to a decline in patronage.

Contributions of Buddhism

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)

  • Promoted peace and non-violence, which later influenced Gandhi’s movement.

2. Art and Architecture

  • First human statues for worship.
  • Stone pillars with Buddha’s life stories at Gaya, Sanchi, and Bharhut.
  • Gandhara Art – Beautiful images of Buddha with Greek-style influence.
  • Cave architecture at Barabar Hills (Gaya) and Nasik.
  • Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda – Important Buddhist art centers.

3. Buddhist Architecture

  • Stupa – Dome-shaped structures containing Buddha’s relics (e.g., Sanchi Stupa).
  • Chaitya – Buddhist temple with a prayer hall.
  • Vihara – Monasteries where monks lived and studied.

4. Education and Language Development

  • Famous universities: Nalanda, Vikramashila, Taxila, and Nagarjuna Konda.
  • Encouraged the use of Pali and regional languages like Kannada and Gujarati.

5. Social Reforms

  • Improved women’s status and uplifted lower castes.
  • Replaced blind faith with logic and reasoning.

6. Economic Impact

  • Encouraged trade and commerce.
  • Helped spread Indian culture across Asia through Buddhist teachings.

JAINISM: ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Jainism became widely known in the 6th century B.C. when Lord Mahavira promoted its teachings.

  • The term ‘Jain’ comes from ‘Jina’ or ‘Jaina’, meaning ‘Conqueror’ (one who has conquered worldly desires).
  • There were 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) in Jainism.
  • First Tirthankara: Rishabhanath (Rishabhadev).
  • 23rd Tirthankara: Parshvanatha (born in Varanasi).
  • Last (24th) Tirthankara: Vardhaman Mahavira.
  • Jain teachings are older than Buddhism.

LIFE OF MAHAVIRA (539-467 B.C.)

  • His teachers were Alarakama and Udraka Ramputra.
  • He attained Kaivalya (ultimate knowledge and enlightenment) at the age of 42, under a Sal tree.
  • Titles given to Mahavira:
    • Mahavir (Great Hero)
    • Jina (Victor over desires)
    • Jitendriya (Conqueror of senses)
    • Nigrantha (Free from bonds)
  • He gave his first sermon at Pava.
  • He died at Pava near Rajagriha at 72 years old.
  • His symbol was a lion.

TEACHINGS OF MAHAVIRA

  • Rejected Vedic rituals and authority of the Vedas.
  • Did not believe in God as a creator but accepted divine beings at a lower status than Jina.
  • Strongly believed in Karma and reincarnation (transmigration of the soul).
  • Supported equality, but did not oppose the caste system.
  • Preached a life of simplicity, discipline, and non-violence.

KEY PRINCIPLES OF JAINISM

1. Anekantavada (Doctrine of Multiple Perspectives)

  • Truth is complex and has many aspects.
  • Encourages acceptance of different viewpoints, even if they seem contradictory.

2. Syadavada (Theory of Conditional Judgment)

  • No absolute truth; everything depends on conditions.
  • Explains reality through seven different perspectives (Saptabhangi Nayavada).

3. Five Major Vows (Panch Mahavratas)

Jains follow five core principles:

  1. Ahimsa (Non-violence) – Do not harm any living being.
  2. Satya (Truthfulness) – Always speak the truth.
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing) – Do not steal or take anything without permission.
  4. Aparigraha (Non-possession) – Avoid greed and material attachments.
  5. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity) – Practice self-control (added later by Mahavira).

THE THREE JEWELS (TRIRATNA) OF JAINISM

Jainism aims to achieve liberation (Moksha) through three core principles:

  1. Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) – Having the correct belief.
  2. Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) – Understanding reality correctly.
  3. Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – Living a disciplined and moral life.

SPREAD OF JAINISM

  • Jainism spread through monastic groups (Sanghas), which included both men and women.
  • Important royal patrons:
    1. Chandragupta Maurya (who later became a Jain monk).
    2. Kharavela of Kalinga.
    3. South Indian dynasties like the Ganga, Kadamba, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta rulers.
  • Jainism split into two sects due to a famine in Magadha:
    1. Digambaras (Sky-clad) – Followers of Bhadrabahu who migrated to South India.
    2. Svetambaras (White-clad) – Followers of Sthulabahu who stayed in North India.

SECTS OF JAINISM

1. Digambara (Sky-clad, South India)

  • Monks practice complete nudity.
  • Believe women cannot attain liberation.
  • Strictly follow all five vows.
  • Major Sub-sects: Mula Sangh, Bisapantha, Terapanth, Taranpantha.

2. Svetambara (White-clad, North India)

  • Monks wear white clothes.
  • Believe women can attain liberation.
  • Follow only four vows (do not practice celibacy strictly).
  • Major Sub-sects: Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi.

IMPORTANT JAIN COUNCILS

CouncilYearLocationLeaderOutcome
1st300 B.C.PataliputraSthulabahu (Patron: Chandragupta Maurya)Compilation of 12 Angas
2nd512 A.D.VallabhiDevardhiganiFinal compilation of Jain scriptures

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS IN JAINISM

  • Asrav – Inflow of karma into the soul.
  • Samvara – Stopping the inflow of karma.
  • Nirjara – Removing past karmas to attain liberation (Moksha).
  • Sallekhana (Santhara) – Voluntary fasting to death to attain Moksha.
  • Kaivalya (Kevala Jnana) – Supreme knowledge, leading to liberation.

JAIN LITERATURE

  • Jain Agamas (Sacred texts based on Mahavira’s teachings).
  • Kalpasutra – Written by Bhadrabahu, contains biographies of Tirthankaras.
  • Jain literature is mainly in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, and regional languages.
  • Manastambha – Ornamental pillar with Tirthankara images, found in Jain temples.
  • Basadis – Jain monasteries in Karnataka.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF JAINISM

1. Social Contributions

  • Promoted non-violence and respect for all living beings.
  • Opposed caste discrimination.
  • Supported charity and social service.

2. Language and Literature

  • Helped in the growth of Prakrit, Kannada, Gujarati, and other local languages.
  • Mahavira preached in Ardha-Magadhi, making Jainism accessible to common people.

3. Art and Architecture

  • Famous Jain statues: Gommateshwara at Shravanabelagola.
  • Jain temples: Khajuraho, Abu, Ellora (Indra Sabha), Udayagiri (Tiger Cave).

4. Economic Contributions

  • Jainism flourished among traders and merchants.
  • Encouraged the guild system (business associations).

Similarities Between Jainism and Buddhism (Simplified)

  1. Belief in God:
    • Both religions do not believe in a creator god.
    • Buddha was unsure about God’s existence (agnostic), while Mahavira completely rejected the idea of God creating the universe.
  2. Rejection of Vedic Practices:
    • Both Jainism and Buddhism started as movements against certain rituals and practices of the Vedic religion (Brahmanism). However, they did not reject all aspects of it.
  3. Opposition to Caste System:
    • Both religions opposed the caste system but were unable to completely remove it from society.
  4. Belief in Karma and Rebirth:
    • Both religions teach that a person’s actions (karma) determine their future lives (rebirth).
  5. Focus on Liberation (Moksha/Nirvana):
    • Both religions emphasize giving up worldly attachments to achieve ultimate peace and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
  6. Origins in Kshatriya Class:
    • Both Mahavira and Buddha were born into the Kshatriya (warrior) class.

Differences Between Jainism and Buddhism (Simplified)

  1. Belief in God:
    • Jainism believes in the existence of divine beings but considers them lower than enlightened souls.
    • Buddhism does not believe in a creator god.
  2. Caste System:
    • Jainism accepts the caste system but tries to reduce its negative effects.
    • Buddhism strongly opposes the caste system.
  3. Followers’ Role:
    • Jainism gives importance to both monks and ordinary followers.
    • Buddhism mainly focuses on monks and their monastic community (Sangha).
  4. Rebirth Concept:
    • Jainism believes in reincarnation, where the soul moves from one body to another.
    • Buddhism does not believe in a permanent soul but teaches that actions (karma) influence future lives.
  5. Spread of Religion:
    • Jainism remained mostly in India and still exists today.
    • Buddhism spread to many other countries but declined in India.
  6. Philosophical Ideas:
    • Jainism retained many deep philosophical ideas from ancient Hinduism.
    • Buddhism avoided complex metaphysical discussions and focused on practical teachings.
  7. Way of Life:
    • Jainism encourages extreme self-discipline and strict lifestyle practices.
    • Buddhism teaches a “middle path”—a balanced way of living that avoids both extreme luxury and extreme hardship.

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