COMPLETE Buddhism & Jainism | Explained Through Animation | OnlyIAS

Summary

The video explores the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism during the sixth century BCE, a transformative period in Indian civilization. It delves into the Shramana Movement, which rejected Vedic ritualism, and the societal and economic factors that led to the rise of these two religions. The teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and Mahavira, along with their core doctrines like the Eightfold Path and the concept of non-violence in Jainism, are discussed in detail. The video also touches on the key differences between the two religions and their historical development, including the various Buddhist schools and Jain sects.

Takeaways

• 😀 The sixth century BCE was a transformative period in Indian civilization, marked by the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, alongside other social, political, and religious changes.
• 😀 The Shramana Movement in the sixth century BCE rejected the increasing dominance of Brahminical rituals, leading to the development of new religious movements like Buddhism and Jainism.
• 😀 Buddhism originated from the life experiences and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha.
• 😀 The core principles of Buddhism include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of Nirvana, which aims to end suffering and attachment to desires.
• 😀 Buddha's teachings emphasized the Middle Path, which avoids extremes of indulgence and severe asceticism, focusing on ethical living and mental discipline.
• 😀 After Buddha's death, his teachings were orally passed down, eventually being written into Buddhist scriptures called the Pitakas, which include the Sutpatak, Vinaya Patak, and Abhidhamma Patak.
• 😀 The Four Buddhist Councils played a significant role in preserving and codifying Buddha’s teachings, leading to the formation of different schools of Buddhism such as Mahayana and Hinayana.
• 😀 Jainism, founded by Lord Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, chastity, and non-attachment as central principles for achieving spiritual liberation.
• 😀 Jainism was spread across India, eventually leading to a split into two major sects: Digambara (who practice complete nudity and believe women cannot achieve liberation) and Shwetambara (who allow women to achieve liberation and practice different rituals).
• 😀 Jain texts are divided into Agam (original teachings of Mahavira) and Non-Agam (commentaries and expansions on these teachings), written in languages like Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Hindi.

Q & A

What was the Shramana Movement, and how did it contribute to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism?

The Shramana Movement in the 6th century BCE rejected the dominance of Brahmins in Vedic rituals and promoted asceticism and non-violence. This movement laid the foundation for the emergence of both Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasized individual spiritual development, social equality, and non-violence.

What were the key economic and social factors that supported the rise of Buddhism and Jainism?

The growing agricultural economy, the rise of trade and commerce, and the support from the Vaishya (merchant) class played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism. Both religions promoted non-violence, which aligned with the ethical needs of a society increasingly involved in agriculture and trade.

Who was Siddhartha Gautama, and how did he attain enlightenment?

Siddhartha Gautama, born in 563 BCE, was the founder of Buddhism. He became disillusioned with his royal life and left home at 29 to seek truth. After years of wandering and meditation, he attained enlightenment under a peepal tree in Gaya, Bihar, and became known as Buddha, the enlightened one.

What are the core principles of Buddhism?

The core principles of Buddhism include the Four Noble Truths, which focus on the nature of suffering (Dukkha), its cause (Samudaya), its cessation (Nirodha), and the path to its cessation (the Eightfold Path). Additionally, Buddhism emphasizes the concept of Nirvana, which is liberation from desires and suffering.

What is the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, and what does it entail?

The Eightfold Path in Buddhism is a guide to ethical living and personal development, comprising right vision, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. This path leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.

What was the role of the Buddhist Councils in shaping early Buddhism?

The Buddhist Councils were crucial in preserving and codifying Buddha’s teachings after his death. The first council, held in 483 BCE, focused on recording Buddha's teachings, while subsequent councils addressed doctrinal disagreements, leading to the development of various Buddhist sects and schools.

What is the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism?

Mahayana Buddhism, meaning 'Great Vehicle,' is a more inclusive school that believes in the idol worship of Buddha and his heavenly nature. It spread to East Asia. Hinayana, meaning 'Lesser Vehicle,' adheres strictly to the original teachings of Buddha, emphasizing individual enlightenment and meditation, without idol worship. It is prevalent in Southeast Asia.

What is Jainism, and how is it different from Buddhism?

Jainism, propagated by Lord Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, emphasizes liberation through non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and asceticism. Unlike Buddhism, which denies the soul, Jainism believes in the soul's existence and its liberation through ethical living. Jainism also focuses on strict practices like non-possession (Aparigraha) and celibacy.

What are the three core principles (Triratna) of Jainism, and what do they mean?

The three core principles of Jainism are Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). These principles guide followers towards liberation, focusing on correct perception, understanding, and behavior, all in alignment with Jain ethics.

What are the differences between the two main sects of Jainism, Shwetambara and Digambara?

Shwetambara and Digambara are the two main sects of Jainism. Shwetambara Jains wear white clothing and believe women can attain liberation. Digambara Jains, on the other hand, practice complete nudity and believe women cannot achieve liberation. These sects arose due to differences in practices following a famine in Magadh, leading to variations in ascetic practices.