Which factor disabled Buddhism from the very beginning to emerge as th...
Buddhism, which originated in India in the 6th century BCE, faced several challenges that prevented it from emerging as the triumphant religion of the region. One of the key factors that disabled Buddhism from gaining widespread acceptance and becoming the dominant faith in India was the acceptance of some of the well-known concepts of Aryanism.
Lack of clarity regarding life after death:
- Buddhism, unlike other religions such as Hinduism, did not provide a clear and definitive answer to the question of life after death.
- While Buddhism focused on the concept of rebirth, it did not provide a detailed explanation or a clear path to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- This lack of clarity regarding the ultimate goal or destination after death made it challenging for Buddhism to attract a significant number of followers.
Pride born out of royal patronage:
- Buddhism initially gained significant royal patronage in India, with many rulers, including Emperor Ashoka, embracing the faith and promoting its teachings.
- However, this royal patronage also led to a sense of pride and exclusivity among the Buddhist community.
- The support of the ruling class created a divide between the elites and the common people, making it difficult for Buddhism to connect with the masses and gain widespread popularity.
Acceptance of some of the well-known concepts of Aryanism:
- Buddhism, in its early stages, incorporated some of the principles and beliefs of Aryanism, which was prevalent in ancient India.
- Aryanism emphasized the caste system, rituals, and sacrifices, which were deeply ingrained in the social and religious fabric of Indian society.
- While Buddhism rejected the caste system, it retained certain elements of Aryanism, such as the use of rituals and the acceptance of the authority of Brahmins.
- This integration of Aryanism into Buddhism made it less radical and less appealing to those seeking a complete break from the existing social and religious order.
Division of Buddhist ranks immediately after the death of Buddha:
- The division within the Buddhist community immediately after the death of Buddha also hindered the growth and widespread acceptance of the religion.
- Different factions emerged within Buddhism, each interpreting and practicing the teachings of Buddha in their own way.
- This fragmentation weakened the unity and coherence of the Buddhist movement, making it difficult for it to establish a strong foothold and compete with other religious traditions.
In conclusion, while Buddhism faced several challenges that prevented it from emerging as the triumphant religion of India, the acceptance of some of the well-known concepts of Aryanism played a significant role in disabling its growth. The lack of clarity regarding life after death, the pride born out of royal patronage, and the division within the Buddhist ranks further contributed to the inability of Buddhism to establish itself as the dominant faith in India.
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