Emergence of new faiths: buddhism (History of India up to c. A.D. 1200)

Summary

This script delves into the emergence of new religious movements in 600 BC India, highlighting the socio-economic backdrop of urbanization and iron use that led to wealth disparity and dissatisfaction. It focuses on the life of Gautama Buddha, detailing his quest for enlightenment and the teachings that formed Buddhism, emphasizing the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of Nirvana. The script also touches on the spread of Buddhism, its adaptation to various societies, and the division into Theravada and Mahayana traditions, showcasing the religion's profound impact on Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Takeaways

• 🕰️ The script discusses new religious movements in the Indian subcontinent around 600 BC, during the early historic period, marked by significant changes from the earlier Vedic period.
• 🏙️ Urbanization and the beginning of urban centers during this period, including the formation of mahajanapadas and the introduction of the earliest Indian coins, the punch-marked coins.
• 🛠️ The use of iron implements in the production process from 800 BC onwards, leading to a surplus in production, especially in the Ganga valley, and the rise of new urban centers.
• 👥 Emergence of new social groups, such as the Vaisyas and Gajjakas, who were wealthy but lacked prestige within the traditional fourfold Varna system.
• 🙏 Discontent with the rituals and sacrifices of the Vedic period, which were elaborate and costly, leading to the rise of new religious movements as a form of protest.
• 🌏 Global context of religious reformation around 600 BC, including movements in China and Persia, indicating a widespread phenomenon.
• 👶 The life of Gautama Buddha, from his birth in the Shakya clan to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and the establishment of his teachings.
• 🗣️ Buddha's teachings focused on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing the middle way, self-improvement, and the cessation of suffering through nirvana.
• 🌐 Buddha's teachings were inclusive, opposing the caste system and superstitions, and were spread in the language of the common people, not Sanskrit.
• 👗 Buddha's acceptance of women in his monastic establishment, challenging societal norms and promoting equality within his teachings.
• 📚 The preservation and recording of Buddha's teachings in the form of oral tradition, later written down in the form of the Tripitaka and the five Nikayas during the 3rd Buddhist Council.

Q & A

What significant changes occurred in the Indian subcontinent around 600 BC?

Around 600 BC, the Indian subcontinent experienced significant changes from the earlier Vedic period, including the process of state formation, urbanization, and monetization. This period marked the beginning of urban centers, the transformation from Jana Padas to Mahajanapadas, and the introduction of the earliest coins of India, the punch-marked coins.

Why did the new urban centers emerge during this period?

The new urban centers emerged due to the surplus in production, particularly in the Ganga valley, as a result of the use of iron implements in the production process, which began around 800 BC and became widespread by 600 BC.

What social groups were affected by the changes in the early historic period of India?

New social groups that emerged included the Shresthas, who were wealthy merchants, and the Gahapaputras, who were related to agricultural production. Despite their wealth, these groups did not receive adequate prestige in the traditional fourfold Varna system.

What religious dissatisfaction led to the rise of new religious movements around 600 BC?

There was widespread dissatisfaction with the elaborate rituals and sacrifices of the Vedic period, which were costly and often inaccessible to the common man. This dissatisfaction, along with a desire for social prestige, led to the rise of new religious movements and reformers, such as Buddha and Mahavira.

What were the Four Noble Truths taught by Gautama Buddha?

The Four Noble Truths taught by Gautama Buddha are: 1) Worldly existence is suffering (dukkha), 2) The cause of suffering is thirst or craving (tanha or trishna), 3) The cessation of suffering can be achieved by extinguishing the cause (nirodha), and 4) The path to the cessation of suffering is the Eightfold Path (Ariya Ashtanga Marga).

What is the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

The Eightfold Path in Buddhism is a set of guidelines for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom that, when followed, leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana. It includes right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

How did Buddhism challenge the existing social and religious norms of the time?

Buddhism challenged the caste system and the rituals of Brahminical religion, promoting a more inclusive society where everyone was welcome, regardless of their social status. It also advocated for the use of the common language, Prakrit, over Sanskrit, to make its teachings accessible to the masses.

What is the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

Nirvana in Buddhism is the ultimate goal, representing the end of all suffering, desire, and the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is a state of blissful existence free from illness, incapability, and sadness, achieved by following the teachings and practices of Buddhism.

How did Buddhism spread and evolve over time?

Buddhism spread through the efforts of its followers, including monks and patrons from various social backgrounds. It evolved into different sects, such as Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana, with the former focusing on individual enlightenment and the latter emphasizing the role of Bodhisattvas who help others achieve enlightenment.

Why did Buddhism eventually decline in the Indian subcontinent?

Buddhism declined in the Indian subcontinent due to various factors, including the rise of other religions, political changes, and a lack of patronage. However, it continued to thrive in other regions, such as Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia.

What are the three Pitakas and what do they contain?

The three Pitakas, or 'baskets' of Buddhist scriptures, are the Sutta Pitaka, which contains the discourses of the Buddha; the Vinaya Pitaka, which details the monastic rules and discipline; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which includes philosophical and metaphysical expositions of Buddhist doctrines.

What is the significance of the five Nikayas in the study of Buddhism?

The five Nikayas are additional collections of the Buddha's sayings and the teachings of the elders. They provide a broader understanding of Buddhist doctrine and are considered important sources for the study of the religion, alongside the three Pitakas.