BUDDHISM

Introduction 

The most important non Vedic religion to have developed in the sixth century BC was Buddhism. It challenged the Brahmanical dominance. The improvement in agriculture and development in trade, money and urbanization had an impact on the society leading to social conflict and inequality. Buddhism came as a reprieve from new social problems like violence, cruelty, theft, hatred and falsehood. It preached the concept of peace and social equality and emphasized that true happiness does not lie in material prosperity or performance of rituals but in charity, frugality, non-violence, and good social conduct.

Foundation 

The founder of Buddhism was Gautama Buddha. He was born in 566 BC at Lumbini, located in the foothills of Himalayas (now in Nepal). He was a royal. Since his childhood he was very compassionate and non-violent. He used to be disturbed by the violence and social inequality around him and often used to meditate to find answers to happiness.

One night he left his palace in search of truth of life and wandered in the forest for many years, living with hermits. Ultimately he attained the true knowledge in Bodhgaya and was enlightened. He gave his first sermon at Sarnatha near Varanasi and established his Sunga here. He was then begin to be called the Buddha or the Enlightened One. He died at the age of 80 in 486 BC at Kusinara near modern day Gorakhpur in eastern UP.

Tenets 

Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and  asceticism. The philosophy of Madhyama Marg or the Middle Path is reflected in all the issues related to Buddhism.

The main teachings of Buddhism are encapsulated in the basic concept of four noble truths – Arya Satya and the eightfold path or Astangika Marg.

Arya Satya 

• Suffering or Dukkha is the essence of the world and is like an ocean of miseries

• Every suffering has a cause – Dukkha Samudya

• Suffering could be extinguished – Dukkha Nirodha

•  There is a path leading to the extinction of suffering – Dukkha nirodha damini pratipada

He said that everything in this world like birth, old age and death leads to suffering. If one wants to get rid of sufferings one has to conquer the desire. The removal of desire can be achieved through the eight fold paths – right faith, right resolve, right speech, right action, right living, right effort, right thought, right self concentration.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddha used Pali language spoken by masses to propagate his teachings. Buddha allowed lower Varnas and women to join the Sunghas. Four Buddhist Councils organized over different periods played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism. In the fourth council, during the reign of Kanishka, Buddhism split into two major sects – Hinayana and Mahayana. Mahayana adopted Sanskrit as its language and started worshiping Buddha in the form of an idol., while Hinayana continued to follow Pali and treated Buddha as a guide.

Legacy of Buddhism 

Buddhism became weak by seventh century AD but the impact of Buddhism can be seen in all spheres of life in Indian history. Buddhist scholars created many literary texts like Tripitaka, Milindapanho, Buddhacharita, etc. Buddhism became an inspiration for the promotion of arts and architecture, in the form of stupas, rock-cut  caves and paintings.  These can be noticed at Sanchi, Bharhut, Amravati, Ajanta, etc. Buddhism inspired Gandhara and Mathura schools of art.

Buddhism by opening its door to all the classes challenged the superiority of Brahmanism and gave better social position to lower castes.