CHAPTER 4 - JAINISM & BUDDHISM

~ 62 religious sects arose in the middle Gangetic basin in the sixth century B.C.Jainism and
Buddhism were the most important, and they emerged as the most potent religious reform
movements.

Causes of Origin -

● Kshatriya Reaction: The Kshatriya reaction against the domination of the Priestly class
called Brahmanas as Buddha and Mahavira both belonged to the Kshatriya clan.
● Jainism Attempt to mitigate Varna evils: Jainism made the first serious attempt to
mitigate the evils of the Varna order and the ritualistic Vedic religion.
● Domination of higher varnas over Shudras: Domination of three higher varnas over the
Shudras who appeared as domestic slaves, agricultural slaves, craftsmen etc.
● Agricultural Economy: Introduction of a new agricultural economy in NE India. The
agricultural economy based on the iron ploughshare required the use of bullocks.
● Sacrificial Practices: The cattle wealth slowly decimated because of sacrificial
practices which stood in the way of the progress of new agriculture.
● Trade and Commerce: The period saw the rise of a large number of cities in NE India.
Cities had many artisans and traders, who began to use coins for the first time.
● Use of Coins: The use of coins naturally facilitated trade and commerce adding to the
importance of the Vaisyas. So, they looked for a religion which improves their position.
● Less emphasis of existing varna system:Jainism and Buddhism in the initial stage did
not attach any importance to the existing Varna system.
● Simple Living: Jainism and Buddhism preferred simple, puritan, ascetic living.
● Non-violence: They preached the gospel of non-violence, which would put an end to
wars between different kingdoms and consequently promote trade and commerce.
● Brahmanical law-books, called the Dharmasutras, decried lending money on interest.
● Sharp Social Inequalities: There was a strong reaction against various forms of private
property created social inequalities that caused misery and suffering to the masses.

JAINISM

– Established by Rishabadeva (Adinath). His birth place - Ayodhya ; Symbol - Bull

– 23rd Tirthankara Parshavanatha laid down 4 principles of Jainism. His symbol - Snake
– 24th Tirthankara Mahavira gave the 5th principle of Jainism. His symbol - Lion

● Vardhamana Mahavira was born in 540 B.C. at Kundangram near Vaishali in Bihar.
● He abandoned the world at the age of 30 and became an ascetic.
● After 12 years, He attained perfect knowledge or kaivalya at the age of 42 under a Sal
tree on bank of Rijupalika river near Vaishali.
● He conquered misery and happiness and came to be known as Mahavira/Jina.
● In 468 BC, he attained nirvana at Pavapuri (Rajgir).
Themes of Jainism -
– Based on Anekanthavada i.e., no absolute truth
– Karma & Karmaphala shape the destiny of man
– Rejected the Authority of Vedas
– Believed in Transmigration of soul

Three Jewels of Jainism -

. Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) - World created by universal laws
. Right Faith (Samyak Darshana) - Believe in teachings of Mahavira
. Right Conduct (Samyak Charita) - Observance of Pancha Mahavrata

Pancha Mahavratas (The Five Cardinal Truths)

. Ahimsa - Do not commit violence.
. Asatya - Do not speak a lie.
. Asteya- Do not steal.
. Aparigraha - Do not acquire property.
. Brahmacharya - Observe continence.
~ Fifth doctrine added by Mahavira and other four by Parshavanatha.

Jain councils :
. Stulabahu - Split into Swetambara (Under Stulabahu) & Digambara (Under
Bhadrabahu)
. Devaradi - compilation of Jain literature (12 angas & 12 upangas) in Prakrit & later in
Sanskrit

Division in Sects - Jainism was divided into two sects

● Svetambaras: Svetambaras or those who wear a white dress.
● Digambaras: Digambara for those who keep themselves naked.
~ For Swetambaras, 19th Tirthankara ‘Mali’ was a female but for Digambaras, he is
‘Mallinatha’ who is a male.

*View on God: Jainism recognized the existence of the gods but placed them lower than the
jina and did not condemn the Varna system, as Buddhism did.
*Sangh: In order to spread the teachings of Jainism, Mahavira organized an order of his
followers called as ‘Sangh’ which admitted both men and women.
*Jainism did not clearly mark itself out from brahmanism. So, it failed to attract masses.
Spread:
● The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya and famine in
Magadh so in order to protect themselves many Jaina went to the south.
● Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela and penetrated Malwa,
Gujarat and Rajasthan in later centuries.
~ Imp.Patrons of Jainism - Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, CGM , Bindusara, Kharavela
Language: Jainas discarded Sanskrit language and patronized Prakrit language. Their
religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi.
Jaina literature: The Jaina literature contains epics, Puranas, and novels. They contributed to
the growth of Kannada, in which they wrote extensively.
*Biography of 24 Tirthankaras named ‘Kalpasutra’ was written by - Bhadrabahu

*Only 2 Tirthankaras were mentioned in the Vedas - 1st & 22nd (Aristanemi)
*Jain philosophy shows close affinity to Sankhya Philosophy
*Jain monasteries are called as ‘Basadis’
*Jain temple at Pattadakal was built by - Rashtrakutas

BUDDHISM

Gautama Buddha -
● Born in 563 B.C in Kapilavastu, near Lumbini, Nepal [Lotus]
● Mahabhinishkramana @29yrs [Horse]
● Nirvana under a peepal tree near Niranjana river@35yrs [Bodhi tree]
● Dharmachakra pravarthana @Sarnath, UP [Wheel]
● Mahaparinirvana @Kushinagara [Footmark, Stupa]

Doctrines of Buddhism -

*Arya Satya / Four Noble truths :

. Dukha = World is full of sorrow
. Dukha Samudaya = Desire is cause of all sorrows
. Dukha Nirodha = Triumph over desires ends sorrow
. Dukha Nirodha Gamini = Avoid extremes, follow middle path

*Ashtangika Marga / Eight fold Path : [EVIL SCAM]

1. Right Effort 2. Right View 3. Right Intention 4. Right Livelihood
5. Right Speech 6. Right Concentration 7. Right Action 8. Right Mindfulness

*Triratnas / Three vows :

. Buddha = ideal of human growth and development
. Dhamma = means to attain enlightenment
. Sangha = rules and regulations
*Believes in cycle of birth and death but does not believe in concept of Soul
*Does not recognize the existence of god.

Buddhist councils
. 483BC @Rajgir ⸻— Ajathashatru — Mahakasyapa ⸺ Vinaya pitaka & Sutta pitaka
. 383BC @Vaishali ⸻ Kalasoka ⸻ Sabakami ⸻— Conflict resolution
. 250BC @Pataliputra —- Ashoka ⸻— Mogaliputta ⸻ Abhidamma pitaka
. 100AD @Kundalvan ⸺ Kanishka ⸻ Vasumitra ⸻— Hinayana & Mahayana sects
Sects of Buddhism :

1)Hinayana -
● Old school that strictly obeys teachings if Buddha
● Buddha is considered only intellectual and not God
● Don’t believe in rebirth of Buddha
● Uses Pali language for its spread
● No idol worship. Worships Buddha through symbols
● Practiced in Srilanka, Tibet, Mayanmar

2)Mahayana -
● Follows the spirit of teachings of Buddha
● Believes in Bodhisatva ie., Buddha is God
● Worships Buddha through Idols
● Believes in rebirth of Buddha
● Used Sanskrit language for its spread
● Practiced in China and Japan

3)Vajrayana -
● Believes in super human powers
● Practice miracles and tantra
● This was patronised by Pala kings

*Madhyamika School of Buddhism - by Acharya Nagarjuna

*Navayuga School of Buddhism - by Dr. B.R.Ambedkar
*Yellow hat school of Buddhism - by Dalai Lama

Buddhist Literature :
● Buddha Charita - Autobiography of Buddha by Ashvaghosha
● Milinda panho - by Nagasena (in Sanskrit; all others in Pali)
*Tripitakas -
. Sutta pitaka = Sermons and teachings of Buddha
. Vinaya pitaka = Collection of rules governing Sangha and monks
. Abidhamma pitaka = Philosophy of Buddhism

Buddhist stupas :
● Oldest stupa - Piprivaha stupa (Lumbini)
● Biggest stupa - Borobundur stupa (Indonesia)
● Largest Stupa in India - Kesariya Stupa (Bihar)
● Stupa where Buddha was cremated - Ramabhar Stupa (UP)

*Buddha’s Guru - Alara Kalama, Udraka Ramputra

*Buddha’s disciples - Ananda, Upali
*Buddha’s horse - Kantaka ; Charioteer - Chana
*First woman to be ordained as a Bhikkuni in Buddhism - Mahapajapati Gotami
*Chaitya = Buddhist Prayer halls ; Viharas = Rest houses of Buddhist monks
*Chetiyagiri Vihara - Buddhist festival celebrated in Sanchi
*Previous Buddha = Dipankara ; 2nd Buddha = Padma sambhava ;
Most Recent Buddha = Gautama ; Future Buddha = Maitreya

*Buddhism particularly won the support of the lower orders as it attacked the Varna system
and admitted women and people from lower caste.
*Gautama Buddha also organized the Sangha whose doors were kept open to everybody.
*The monarchies of Magadha, Koshala and Kaushambi and several other republican states
adopted this religion.
*Maurya king Ashoka spread Buddhism into Central Asia, West Asia and Sri Lanka, and thus
transformed it into a world religion.
– It continues to hold ground in the countries of South Asia, East Asia and SE Asia

Causes of Decline of Buddhism -

● Rituals and Ceremonies: Buddhism extinct from India by 12th century A.D. as it
succumbs to rituals and ceremonies it originally denounced.
● Brahmanas reformed their religion to meet the challenges from Buddhism.
● Gave up of Pali: Buddhist monks gave up Pali and took to Sanskrit.
● They practiced idol worship on a large scale and received numerous offerings.
● Royal Grants: Generous royal grants to the Buddhist monasteries made the life of
monks easy and had become corrupted.
● Women: Buddhists came to look upon women as objects of lust.
● Invasion: The Turks killed a large number of Buddhist monks due to which some of the
monks managed to escape to Nepal and Tibet.

DEVELOPMENT OF HINDU PHILOSOPHY

– There are two broad divisions of Indian Philosophy

. Orthodox or the Astika School of philosophy
. Heterodox or the Nastika School of philosophy
● Authority - The orthodox philosophy has bestowed its religious authority on the Vedas
whereas the heterodox school has denied the supremacy of the Vedas.
● Objective - All the schools of Indian thought have related the concept of Indian
philosophy very closely with the practical world. They believe that philosophy is not
merely an academic discipline but it is a guide to human life. The schools of Indian
thought have also given adequate focus on the essence of good life on earth.
● By the beginning Of the Christian era, six schools of philosophy developed. These were
known as - Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Vedanta.
I. Samkhya
● Founder of Samkhya Philosophy is 'Kapila' who has written the script 'Samkhya Sutra'.
● The Samkhya philosophy holds that reality is constituted of two principles one female
and the other male i.e. Prakriti, Purusha respectively. Prakriti and Purusha are
completely independent and absolute.
● Purusha - According to this system, Purusha is mere consciousness, hence it cannot
be modified or changed.
● Prakriti - It is constituted of three attributes : thought, movement and the change or
transformation of these attributes brings about the change in all objects.
● The world owes its creation and evolution more to Prakriti than to God. It was a rational
and scientific view.
● Later it said that nature and the spiritual element together created the world.
● Thus, at the outset the Samkhya School of philosophy was materialistic, but later it
tended to become spiritualistic.

II. Nyaya
● The Nyaya is the work of the great philosopher and sage Gautama and is said to be the
author of the Nyaya Sutras.
● It is a realistic philosophy based mainly on logical grounds.
● It admits four separate sources of true knowledge - 1.Perception (pratyaksa)
2.Inference (anumana) 3.Comparison (upamana) 4.Testimony (sabda)
● According to Nyaya, salvation can be attained through the acquisition of knowledge.
● The Nyaya philosophy considers God who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.

III. Yoga
● Yoga literally means the union of the two principal entities. It admits the existence of
God as a teacher and guide.
● The origin of yoga is found in the Yogasutra of Patanjali. By purifying and controlling
changes in the mental mechanism, yoga systematically brings about the release of
purusha from prakriti.
● Yogic techniques control the body, mind and sense organs. Thus this philosophy is also
considered a means of achieving freedom or mukti. This freedom could be attained by
practising self-control (yama), observation of rules (niyama), fixed postures (asana),
breath control (pranayama), choosing an object (pratyahara) and fixing the mind
(dharna), concentrating on the chosen object (dhyana) and complete dissolution of
self, merging the mind and the object (Samadhi).

IV. Vaisheshika
● Kanada wrote the basic text of Vaisheshika philosophy. A number of treatises were
written on this text but the best among them is the one written by Prashastapada.
● Vaisheshika system is considered as the realistic and objective philosophy of the
universe. The reality according to this philosophy has many bases or categories which
are substance, attribute, action, genus, distinct quality and inherence.
● Vaisheshika thinkers believe that all objects of the universe are composed of five
elements- earth, water, air, fire and ether.
 ● They believe that God is the guiding principle. The living beings were rewarded or
punished according to the law of karma, based on actions of merit and demerit.
Creation and destruction of the universe was a cyclic process and took place in
agreement with the wishes of God.
● Vaisheshika School of philosophy explained the phenomena of the universe by the
atomic theory, the combination of atoms and molecules into matter and explained the
mechanical process of formation of the Universe.

V. Mimamsa
● Sage Jaimini was an ancient Indian scholar who founded the Mimamsa school of Hindu
philosophy. He is considered to be a disciple of Rishi/Sage Veda Vyasa.
● Mimamsa philosophy is basically the analysis of interpretation, application and the use
of the text of the Samhita and Brahmana portions of the Veda.
● According to Mimamsa philosophy Vedas are eternal and possess all knowledge, and
religion means the fulfilment of duties prescribed by the Vedas.
● This philosophy encompasses the Nyaya-Vaisheshika systems and emphasises the
concept of valid knowledge.

VI. Vedanta
● Also called Uttar Mimamsa. By Adi Shankaracharya
● Vedanta means the end of the Veda. The Brahmasutra of Badarayana compiled in the
second century BC formed its basic text.
● According to it, brahma is the reality and everything else is unreal (maya).
● If a person acquires the knowledge of the self (atma), he acquires the knowledge of
brahma, and thus attains salvation.
● The theory of karma came to be linked to Vedanta philosophy.
● It implies that people suffer not because of social or worldly causes but because of
causes which they neither know nor which they can control.

Charvaka / Lokayata Philosophy -

● Founded by Brihaspati. Mentioned in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
● It is mainly to promote the monopoly of Brahmins.
● Promoted materialism- believes in Karma, Artha.
● It accepted the existence/reality of only those things that could be experienced by
human senses and organs.