Jainism and Buddhism
THE GREAT PREACHERS
The religion of the Early Vedic period, based on nature worship, was simple and easy to follow. By the end of the Later Vedic period, however, religion became complex and difficult. Many evil customs crept into society in the name of religion. Costly sacrifices, superstitions and elaborate and meaningless rituals destroyed the simplicity and appeal of the original religion. The Vedic texts were written in Sanskrit, which the common people could not understand. The brahmanas explained the texts in a manner that increased their own power, wealth and status. The rites and rituals introduced by them led to the exploitation of the common people. Religion became expensive and oppressive. The caste system became rigid. The lower castes, especially the shudras, were increasingly isolated and persecuted. They were denied the right to study the religious scriptures and were not even allowed to recite Sanskrit hymns.
Two great preachers-Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha-were born at this time (6th century BCE). Both started reform movements as a reaction to the evil practices prevailing in society in the name of religion. Their teachings led to the emergence of two religious sects-Jainism and Buddhism.JAINISM: VARDHAMANA MAHAVIRAEarly Life
Vardhamana Mahavira is regarded as the most important teacher of Jainism. Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and the last tirthankara (teacher) of the Jains. He was born in 540 BC in Kundagram near Vaishali. He was a kshatriya prince but he gave up his life of luxury and comfort. At the age of 30, he left home in t search of truth and became an ascetic.Search for Truth Mahavira wandered from place to place in search of truth. After about 12 years of penance and meditation, he gained spiritual knowledge. Mahavira became a jina, L.e. conqueror of self. His philosophy is known as Jainism and his followers are called Jains.Teachings of Mahavira. Ahimsa or non-violence is the first great teaching of Mahavira. He preached that no one should harm any living creature, not even insects and plants.Sacrifices, Yagnas and Rituals. Mahavira did not accept the Vedas and opposed all forms of religious rites and rituals Caste System Mahavira believed that all people are equal and did not believe in dividing people into different castes God Mahavira did not believe in the existence of God.Karma and Rebirth. A person's soul is reborn again and again because of his/her karma (actions). The highest goal of a person's life was to attain moksha, Le freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Moksha could be achieved by following the triratna (three jewels) of Jainism. The three jewels are (i) right knowledge (ii) right belief and (iii) right conduct, which includes the practice of ahimsa and hard penance.
Subsects of JainismWhen Mahavira died at the age of 72, he had a large number of followers. His followers.included Bimbisara and Ajatashat rulers of Magadha. After his death, was divided into two sects-Digambara Svetambaras. The Digambaras (sky clas not wear any clothes and followed th teachings of Mahavira. The (white clad) wore white clothes and d believe in hard penance. The Jain who lived and worked in the monas established by Mahavira helped to t Jainism to different parts of the They preached in Prakrit, the language common people.
Several kings adopted Jainism as ther religion. Jain art, architecture and liter flourished under their patronage Dilwara Temple in Mount Abu (Rajas is a fine specimen of Jain architecture religious literature of the Jains is fo in the Purvas and the Angas. Jainism has a large following among the trading classes in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka Tamil Nadu.
BUDDHISM: GAUTAMA BUDDHA Early LifeSiddhartha, later known as Gautama Buddha, was born in Lumbini near Kapilavastu in 567 BCE. Siddhartha was a kshatriya prince, surrounded by the luxuries and pleasures of royal life. He was married to a beautiful princess, Yashodhara, and had a son named Rahul. A happy family life and the luxuries of the palace failed to satisfy him. He was restless and detached.Search for TruthThe 'four great sights' proved to be the turning point in Siddhartha's life. It is believed that once, while he was on an outing in his chariot, he saw an old man, a sick man and a dead man. These three sights saddened and disturbed him greatly. Then he saw an ascetic who looked calm and serene, unaffected by the sorrow and misery around him. Siddhartha decided to renounce all worldly ties and go out in search of answers to the mysteries of life and death. One night, at the age of 29, while his son and wife were asleep, he quietly slipped out of the house, breaking all worldly ties. He became an ascetic. For 6 years, Siddhartha wandered from place to place in search of truth. One day, he sat down under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya and began to meditate.
Indian Ancient History
concept in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism Simplified
Life and Teachings of Buddha and Mahavira
