Buddhism and Jainism | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Buddhism is key for UPSC exams, covering Prelims and Mains. This chapter explores Buddha's life, teachings, and Buddhism's impact on culture and history. It's crucial for understanding India's past and its global influence, helping UPSC aspirants in both knowledge and analytical skills for the exam.

How Buddhism Originated and Why

Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way life that had a potential of transforming a person. It is one of the important religions of South and South-Eastern Asian countries.

• Buddhism was founded in the north-eastern region of India in what is now Nepal and is based on the teachings of Siddharatha Gautama, TheBuddha, or the Enlightened/Awakened One .
•  It shares historical and philosophical connections with Hinduism and other religions of the Indian subcontinent.

Causes of Origin of Buddhism

1. Favorable Time Period:

• 6th Century BCE: During this time in ancient India, many changes were happening in society. Old Vedic rituals were declining, and new cities and political groups were emerging, making it easier for new ideas like Buddhism to spread.

• Public Discontent: People were unhappy with the complicated and rigid Vedic rituals. They found these practices burdensome and out of touch with their daily lives.
  

2. Rigidity of the Varna System:

• Varna System: The strict social classes of the Varna system created a lot of inequality and unhappiness. Buddhism’s message of equality was attractive to those who were dissatisfied with this rigid system.

3. Widespread Agriculture:

• Agriculture Expansion in mid-Gangetic plains: Played a crucial role in the rise of Buddhism. As agricultural practices improved and surplus production increased, new urban centers emerged. These centers became hubs of economic and cultural activity, providing a fertile ground for new ideas and religious movements, including Buddhism.

4. Expansion of Trade and Commerce: 

• Economic Growth: Increased trade and commerce allowed people from different regions to interact more. This helped spread Buddhism as new ideas and Buddhist missionaries traveled widely. 

5. Societal Demands:

• Changing Demands: As sections of society experienced improved economic conditions and increased demands for spiritual and philosophical alternatives, Buddhism offered a refreshing change from the established religious norms. The growing middle class, seeking more personal and accessible spiritual practices, found Buddhism’s teachings appealing and relevant to their lives.

The Founder of Buddhism: Gautama Buddha 

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 567 BC at  Lumbinivana in Kapilvastu within the Sakya Kshatriya clan. 

1. Family Background:
Gautama Buddha is also known as Shakyamuni. He was born into a Kshatriya Noble Family.  He liked meditation from early age. He got married in an early age but he was never interested in marriage

• Father: Suddodhana, king of Kapilvastu, headed the Shakya Clan.
• Mother: Mahamaya, princess of the Koshalan dynasty.
• Step Mother: Mahaprajapati Gautami. 
• Wife: Yasodhara (Princess of the Koshalan dynasty).
• Son: Rahul.

2. The Famous Incident of the Four Sights: Despite his privileged life, Siddhartha was deeply unsettled by the realities of human existence. One day, while venturing outside the palace walls—a move his father had hoped would shield him from the harshness of life—Siddhartha encountered four profound sights that changed his life forever.

• The First Sight: He saw an old man, frail and weakened by age, which made him realize that aging was an unavoidable part of life.
• The Second Sight: Next, he came across a sick man in great distress, highlighting the reality of illness and suffering.
• The Third Sight: Siddhartha then witnessed a funeral procession with a dead body, confronting the inevitable truth of mortality.
• The Fourth Sight: Finally, he saw an ascetic living a life of renunciation and peace, which offered a contrast to the suffering he had observed and inspired him with the possibility of finding a way beyond it.

These encounters deeply unsettled Siddhartha, leading him to question the purpose of life and suffering. At age 29, he renounced his royal life in what is known as Mahabhinishkramana, leaving behind his family and luxury to pursue a path of spiritual discovery.

Events associated with Buddha's life

3. The Journey to Enlightenment: Siddhartha became a wandering ascetic, seeking wisdom from various teachers, including Alara Kalama and Udraka Ramputra. 

• His relentless quest for understanding and the path to liberation led him to meditate under a peepal tree (Bodh Gaya - Bihar) at Uruvella, near the river Niranjana (now called the Falgu)
• There he attained enlightenment (Nirvana) at age 35 after 49 days of continuous meditation.

4. Key Events and Teachings:

• The First Sermon: After achieving enlightenment, the Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park), known as Dharmachakra Pravartana, or "Turning of the Wheel of Law." This sermon marked the beginning of his public teaching and the spread of Buddhism.
• Notable Disciples: Among his most devoted disciples were Ananda and Upali. A memorable moment during this period was when Sujata, a farmer’s daughter, offered him rice milk, symbolizing the end of his period of ascetic deprivation.
• Final Years: The Buddha passed away at age 80 in Kushinagar, in what is known as Mahaparinirvana, signifying his final liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

5. Eight Great Places Associated with Buddhism: Buddhism’s key sites include Lumbini (his birthplace), Sarnath (where he gave his first sermon), Sravasti, Rajgriha, Bodh Gaya (the place of enlightenment), Kushinagar (where he passed away), Sankisa, and Vaishali.

Doctrines of Buddhism

The "doctrines of Buddhism" refer to the fundamental teachings and principles established by Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the Buddha. These doctrines form the core of Buddhist philosophy and guide the practices and beliefs of followers. The key doctrines of Buddhism include:

1) Eight-Fold Path: (Astangika-Marga)

Eight-Fold Path is the practical guide to ethical and mental development leading to Nirvana.

The Eight-Fold Path is more about unlearning rather than learning, i.e., to learn in order to unlearn and uncover. The path consists of eight interconnected activities and is a process that helps one to move beyond the conditioned responses that obscure one’s nature. The Ashtangika-Marga consists of the following:

Eight Fold Path

1. Right Vision (Samma-Ditthi) – it is about understanding the nature of reality and the path of transformation.

2. Right Thought or Attitude (Samma-Sankappa) – it signifies having emotional intelligence and acting from love and compassion.

3. Right or Whole Speech (Samma-Vacca) – it signifies truthful, clear, uplifting and unharmful communications.

4. Right or Integral Action (Samma-Kammanta) – it signifies an ethical foundation of life, on the principles of non-exploitation of oneself and others. It consists of five rules, which form the ethical Code of Conduct in Buddhism for the members of the monastic order and the laity. These are:

• Do not commit violence.
• Do not covet the property of others.
• Do not indulge in corrupt practices or sensual behaviour.
• Do not speak a lie.
• Do not use intoxicants.
• In addition to these, monks and nuns were strictly instructed to observe the following three additional precepts-
• To avoid eating after mid-day.
• To refrain from any sort of entertainment and use of ornaments to adorn oneself.
• To refrain from using high or luxurious beds, and from handling gold and silver (including money).

5. Right or Proper Livelihood (Samma-Ajiva) – it lays emphasis on livelihood based on correct action and on the ethical principles of non-exploitation. It is believed that this forms the basis of an ideal society.

6. Right Effort or Energy (Samma-Vayama) – it signifies consciously directing our life energy to the transformative path of creative and healing action that fosters wholeness thus moving towards conscious evolution.

7. Right Mindfulness or Thorough Awareness ( Samma-Sati) – it means knowing one’s own self and watching self behaviour. There is a saying by the Buddha, “If you hold yourself dear, watch yourself well”.

8. Right Concentration or Meditation (Samma-Samadhi) – samadhi literally means to be fixed, absorbed in. It means getting one’s whole being absorbed in various levels or modes of consciousness and awareness.

2) The Philosophy of Middle Path: 

The concept of the Middle Path emerged from the Buddha’s own experiences. Before attaining enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama explored both extremes Indulgence & Asceticism. He ultimately realized that neither of these extremes led to true enlightenment or liberation. Instead, he discovered that a balanced approach was necessary for achieving spiritual growth and understanding.

Key Principles of the Middle Path

The Middle Path is characterized by the following key principles:

• Avoidance of Extremes: The Middle Path advocates for a life that avoids both the extremes of sensual indulgence and severe asceticism. It teaches that neither extreme leads to lasting happiness or enlightenment. Instead, one should find a balanced and moderate way of living.
• Practical and Balanced Approach: It encourages a practical approach to life and spirituality. The Middle Path suggests that true understanding and liberation come from a balanced lifestyle that integrates both physical well-being and spiritual practice.

3) The Four Noble Truths

The four noble truths constitute the foundation of Buddhism's teachings:

1. Suffering (Dukha): In Buddhism, the acknowledgement of suffering, encapsulated in the phrase "Sabbam Dukham," signifies the universal nature of human distress. It refers not only to the specific pains and sorrows experienced but also to an individual's inherent capacity to endure hardship.
2. Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): The root cause of misery, identified as Trishna or desire, is highlighted in the Truth of the Cause of Suffering. According to Buddhist teachings, every form of suffering has a purpose and is an intrinsic part of the human experience.
3. End of Suffering (Nirodha): The Truth of the End of Suffering asserts that the attainment of Nibbana or Nirvana represents the culmination of pain and suffering. By reaching this state, individuals can liberate themselves from the cycle of suffering.
4. Path to the End of Suffering (Ashtangika-Marga): The Truth of the Path Leading to the End of Suffering outlines the Eightfold Path as the means to achieve the cessation of suffering. This path encompasses essential principles and practices that guide individuals towards a life free from the burdens of suffering.

Features & Causes of the Growth of Buddhism

Features of Buddhism

• Rejection of Soul and God: Buddhism challenged the prevailing religious norms in India by denying the existence of a permanent soul (atman) and a creator god. This radical departure from traditional beliefs sparked significant changes in religious thought and practice.
• Appeal to Non-Vedic Communities: Buddhism found resonance particularly among those in non-Vedic regions, who were disillusioned with the complexity of Vedic rituals and the dominance of Brahmanical authority.
• Use of Pali Language: Buddhist monks utilized Pali, a language accessible to common people, in their teachings. This choice facilitated Buddhism's spread among the general populace, contrasting with the Sanskrit used by the Brahmins, which was less accessible to the average person.
• Three Pillars of Buddhism:
  1. Buddha: The founder and teacher, Siddhartha Gautama, who achieved enlightenment and shared his insights.
  2. Dhamma: The teachings and doctrines imparted by the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
  3. Sangha: The community of monks and nuns who preserve and propagate the Buddha’s teachings. The Sangha played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddhism.
• Organized Preaching Model: The structured approach to teaching and organizing followers contributed to the rapid expansion of Buddhism.
• Royal Endorsement: The support of rulers, particularly Emperor Ashoka, significantly boosted Buddhism's prominence. Ashoka’s conversion after the Kalinga War and his efforts to promote Buddhism through rock edicts and missionary work had a profound impact on its spread.

Causes of the Growth of Buddhism

• Simplicity of Doctrine: Buddhism’s teachings, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, were straightforward and accessible. This simplicity made Buddhism appealing compared to the complex rituals of Jainism and the Brahmanical traditions.
• Royal Patronage: The support of influential figures such as Emperor Ashoka and other Kshatriya rulers facilitated Buddhism's growth. Their patronage provided the resources and political backing needed for Buddhism to flourish.
• Influence of Buddhist Universities: Institutions like Nalanda, Taxila, Puspagiri, and Vikramsila played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhist teachings. They attracted students from various regions, including foreign lands, who carried Buddhist ideas back to their own countries.
• Role of Buddhist Monks and Sangha: Dedicated monks and the growing Sangha, or order of monks and nuns, were instrumental in spreading Buddhism. Their ascetic lifestyles and commitment to teaching inspired many to adopt Buddhism.
• Buddhist Councils: After the Buddha’s death, several councils were convened to preserve and codify his teachings. These councils played a key role in organizing and disseminating Buddhist doctrines, contributing to the religion's growth and stability.

Buddhist Councils

1. First Council

• The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgriha in 483 B.C. under the patronage of King Ajatshatru. It took place just after the death of Lord Buddha. Buddha's teachings were divided into three pitakas in the first council of Buddhism which was presided over by Monk Mahakasyapa. The compilation of Sutta Pitak and Vinay Pitak took place during this council.
  
  Question for Buddhism and Jainism

  Try yourself:The first Buddhist Council was held at ________

  • A.

    Kashmir
  • B.

    Rajgriha
  • C.

    Pataliputra
  • D.

    Vaisali

  Explanation

  The correct answer is Rajgriha.

  • The council was held in the Sattapani cave at Rajgriha. It was presided by Mahakasyapa, a monk with the support of king Ajathasatru.
  • The council was held with the purpose of preserving Buddha's teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples.
  • During this council, the teachings of Buddha were divided into three Pitakas.
  • The Suttas were recited by Ananda, and the Vinaya was recited by Upali.

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2. Second Council

• It took place after 100 years of the death of Lord Buddha i.e. 383 in B.C. It took place in Vaishali under the patronage of King Kalashoka, it was presided by Sabakami. The spilt took place in this council on the issue of rules and discipline. As a result, two groups, Mahasanghika and Therivadi (Sthavirvadin) were formed.

3. Third Council

• It took place in Patliputra under the patronage of Ashoka. It was presided by Mogliputta Tisa. It is also known as the Council of Therivadins. “Katthavattu” was added to the Abhidhamma Patika during this council.
• However, none of the Ashokan inscriptions gives us information about the council.

4. Fourth Council

• Under the patronage of King Kanishka, It was held in Kundalgrama in Kashmir. The president of the council was Vasumitra and the vice president was Ashvagosha. Mahavibhasha, the doctrine of Sravastivadin was written in Sanskrit on a copper plate and enclosed in the stone boxes.
• During this council, the two sects of Buddhism i.e. Hinayana and Mahayana were formed officially.

Buddhism, with its rich and diverse history, has evolved into numerous sects and schools of thought over the centuries. Major sects include Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, and Zen, each with its unique features and philosophical underpinnings.

1. Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle)

Hinayana, meaning "Lesser Vehicle," represents an early school of Buddhism that emphasizes the original teachings of the Buddha.

• Core Beliefs: Followers adhere strictly to the teachings of the Buddha, seeking individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
• View on Buddha: The Buddha is regarded as a teacher rather than a deity, and idol worship is not a practice in this tradition.
• Literature: Texts are primarily in Pali.
• Geographical Spread: Known as the 'Southern Buddhist Religion,' it is predominant in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Sub-sects: Includes Vaibhasika and Sautantrika.

2. Theravada (Teaching of the Elders)

Theravada is a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, representing the most ancient and conservative form of Buddhism that adheres closely to the original teachings of the Buddha.

• Core Beliefs: It emphasizes personal enlightenment through meditation and ethical conduct, closely following early Buddhist practices.
• Historical Development: Originated in Sri Lanka and spread throughout Southeast Asia.
• Geographical Spread: Predominantly practiced in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

3. Mahayana (Great Vehicle)

Mahayana, or the "Great Vehicle," represents a more expansive approach to Buddhism, focusing on universal salvation and the worship of the Buddha as a divine figure.

• Core Beliefs: Followers seek salvation for all beings through the grace of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Idol worship and devotion to celestial Buddhas are prominent.
• Literature: Key texts are in Sanskrit.
• Geographical Spread: Known as the 'Northern Buddhist Religion,' it is prevalent in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of East Asia.
• Sub-sects:
  • Madhyamika (Shunyavada): Founded by Nagarjuna, focusing on the concept of emptiness.
  • Yogacharya (Vijananavada): Founded by Maitreyanath and Asanga, emphasizing consciousness and perception.

4. Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle)

 Vajrayana, also known as Tantric Buddhism, emerged around 900 CE and incorporates esoteric practices and rituals.

• Core Beliefs: This tradition emphasizes the use of ritual and meditation techniques to achieve enlightenment swiftly. The Vajra (thunderbolt) symbolizes the power to overcome ignorance.
• Geographical Spread: Developed in Tibet and became prominent in Eastern India, especially Bengal and Bihar.
• Worship: Includes veneration of female deities and figures like Tara.

5. Zen (Chan)

Zen Buddhism, originating from the Chan school of Chinese Buddhism, emphasizes direct experience and meditation.

• Core Beliefs: Zen focuses on meditation (zazen) as the primary method for realizing one's inherent Buddha nature.
• Development: Spread from China to Japan in the 7th century CE.
• Distinctive Practice: Meditation is central, aiming for an intuitive understanding of enlightenment beyond intellectual study.

Each sect of Buddhism offers a unique pathway to spiritual development, reflecting a rich diversity in practices and interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings.

Major Buddhist Texts

The early Buddhist literature is divided into canonical and non-canonical texts: 

1. Canonical texts: 

Tipitaka

The earliest compilation of Buddhist teachings which were written on long, narrow leaves is “The Tipitakas” (in Pali) and “Tripitaka” (in Sanskrit). 

• All the branches of Buddhism have the Tripitakas (also called three baskets/collections) as part of their core scriptures, which comprise three books which are:  

1. The Sutta (conventional teaching) 
2. The Vinaya (disciplinary code)
3. The Abhidhamma (moral psychology)

1. Sutta Pitaka –  consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into five Nikayas or collections:
(i) Dighgha Nikaya
(ii) Majhim Nikaya
(iii) Sanyukta Nikaya
(iv) Anguttar Nikaya
(v) Kshudraka Nikaya

2. Vinay Pitaka- This contains rules for monks and nuns of the monastic order (Sangha). It includes the Patimokkha – a list of transgressions against monastic discipline and atonements for these. The Vinaya text also includes doctrinal expositions, ritual texts, biographical stories and some elements of Jatakas or “birth stories”. 

3. Abhidhamma Pitaka –The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching and the scholarly activity of the monks. It consists of the religious and metaphysical discourses of Buddha

2. Non-canonical texts: 

Some important ones are: 

• Mahavastu (written in Sanskrit-Prakrit mixed) - it is about the sacred biography, i.e hagiography of the Buddha. 
• Nidanakatha - the first connected life story of Buddha.
• The Dipavamsa & the Mahavamsa (both in Pali)- both give historical and mythical accounts of the Buddha's life, Buddhist Councils, Asoka and the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. 
• Visuddhimagga (the path to purification written by Buddhaghosa) - deals with the development from the purity of discipline to enlightenment (Nibbana). 
• Milindapanho (in Pali) - consists of a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Milinda/Menander and the monk Nagasena on various philosophical issues. It is the only text in Sanskrit 
• Nettipakarana (The book of guidance) - which gives a connected account of the Buddha's teachings. 

Buddhism – Reasons for Decline

From the early 12th century, Buddhism began to disappear from the land of its birth. Various causes that led to the decline of Buddhism are:

1. Corruption in Buddhist Sangha– Over time, the Buddhist Sangha became corrupt. Receiving valuable gifts drew them towards luxury and enjoyment. The principles prescribed by Buddha were conveniently forgotten and thus started the degradation of the Buddhist monks and their preachings.
2. Division among Buddhists– Buddhism faced divisions from time to time. The division into various splinter groups like Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tantrayana and Sahajayana led Buddhism to lose its originality. The simplicity of Buddhism was lost and it was becoming complex.
3. Use of Sanskrit language– Pali, the spoken language of most people of India, was the medium for the spread of the message of Buddhism. But Sanskrit replaced these at the Fourth Buddhist Council during the reign of Kanishka. Sanskrit was the language of a few intellectuals, hardly understood by the masses and therefore became one of the many reasons for the fall of Buddhism.
4. Buddha worship– Image worship was started in Buddhism by the Mahayana Buddhists. They started worshipping the image of the Buddha. This mode of worship was a violation of the Buddhist principles of opposing complex rites and rituals of Brahmanical worship. This paradox led people to believe that Buddhism was tending towards the fold of Hinduism.
5. Persecution of Buddhists– Over time there was the rise of the Brahmanical faith again. Some Brahmana rulers, such as Pushiyamitra Shunga, the Huna king, Mihirakula (worshiper of Shiva) and Shaivite Shashank of Gauda persecuted the Buddhists on a large scale. The liberal donations to the monasteries gradually declined. Also, some rich monasteries were specifically targeted by the Turkish and other invaders.
6. Muslim invasion– The Muslim invasion of India almost wiped out Buddhism. Their invasions of India became regular, and repeated such invasions forced the Buddhist monks to seek asylum and shelter in Nepal and Tibet. In the end, Buddhism died away in India, the land of its birth.

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture

Buddhism has made a remarkable contribution to the development of Indian culture:

• The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.
• Its contribution to the art and architecture of India was notable. The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya are wonderful pieces of architecture.
• It promoted education through residential universities like those at Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
• The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
• It also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.

Buddhism as a Way of Soft Diplomacy

• Buddhism in India as a Soft Power is different from the conventional sense of the term. India talks about shared cultural development instead of the export of culture.
• The values of peace, accommodation, inclusiveness, and compassion that are part of our societies can be attributed to the influence of the teachings of Lord Buddha and Buddhism.
• The ideals of Buddhism continue to intersect with the political and economic contexts of many Asian nations with 22% of the world’s population.
• Buddhism can act as an intensifying factor for Asian emotional bonding and connectivity as it is embedded into their “nationalistic” thinking and actions.
• Buddhism is not restricted to Asia and has been able to generate a spiritual awakening elsewhere in the world and influence a stream of philosophical traditions the world over.
• India has in its favour at the moment an abundance of resources by way of pilgrimage sites, the presence of the Dalai Lama, and international goodwill, as well as the right intentions.

Way Forward

• The effective revitalisation of the Nalanda University project and encouragement of Buddhist studies in well-established universities will bring the International community to a common platform.
• The promotion of Buddhist tourism reminiscent of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign is required to popularise India’s association with the faith internationally.
• The government faces the crucial challenge of effective execution. Buddhist diplomacy would go a long way in countering the rise of China, strengthening its relations with Asian countries, and helping it further down the path of its regional and global power ambitions.

Origin of Jainism

• Jainism is a very ancient religion. As per some traditions, it is as old as the Vedic religion.
• The Jain tradition has a succession of great teachers or Tirthankaras.
• There were 24 Tirthankaras the last of which was Vardhaman Mahavira.
• The first Tirthankara is believed to be Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev.
• The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi. He may have lived in the 8th or 7th century BC.
• All the Tirthankaras were Kshatriyas by birth.

Founder of Jainism – Vardhaman Mahavira (539- 467 B.C.)

• Considered the last Tirthankara.
• He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali.
• His parents were Kshatriyas. Father – Siddhartha (Head of Jnatrika Clan); Mother – Trishala (Sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka). (Chetaka’s daughter married Haryanka King Bimbisara).
• He was married to Yasoda and had a daughter Anojja or Priyadarsana.
• At the age of 30, Vardhaman renounced his home and became a wandering ascetic.
• He also observed self-mortification.
• After 13 years of penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kevala Jnan. He attained this at Jimbhikagrama village under a sal tree aged 42. This is called Kaivalya. Thereafter, he was called Mahavira, Jina, Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses), Nigrantha (free from all bonds), and Kevalin.
• He preached his teachings for 30 years and died at Pava (near Rajagriha) aged 72.

Causes of the rise of Jainism

• Vedic religion had become highly ritualistic.
• Jainism was taught in Pali and Prakrit thus was more accessible to the common man as compared to Sanskrit.
• It was accessible to people of all castes.
• Varna system had rigidified and people of the lower castes led miserable lives. Jainism offered them an honourable place.
• About 200 years after the death of Mahavira, a great famine in the Ganga valley prompted Chandragupta Maurya and Bhadrabahu (last Acharya of the undivided Jain sangha) to migrate to Karnataka. Jainism spread to Southern India after that.

Teachings of Jainism

• Mahavira rejected Vedic principles.
• He did not believe in God’s existence. According to him, the universe is a product of the natural phenomenon of cause and effect.
• He believed in Karma and transmigration of the soul. The body dies but the soul does not.
• One will be punished or rewarded as per one’s karma.
• Advocated a life of austerity and non-violence.
• Stressed on equality but did not reject the caste system, unlike Buddhism. But he also said that man may be ‘good’ or ‘bad’ as per his actions and not birth.
• Asceticism was taken to a great length. Starvation, nudity, and self-mortification were expounded.
• Two elements of the world: Jiva (conscious) and Atma (unconscious):
  (1) Right faith
  (2) Right knowledge
  (3) Right conduct (observance of five vows)
  (i) Ahimsa (non-violence)Satya (truth)
  (ii) Asteya (no stealing)
  (iii) Parigraha (no acquiring property)
  (iv) Brahmacharya (abstinence)

Split in Jainism

• When Bhadrabahu left for South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers.
• Sthulabahu changed the code of conduct and said that white clothes could be worn. Thus, split Jainism into two sects:
  (1) Swetambaras: White-clad; Northerners
  (2) Digambaras: Sky-clad (naked); Southerners

Jainism – Jain Councils

• Held at Pataliputra in the 3rd century BC.
• Presided by Sthulabahu.

(ii) Second Council

• Held at Vallabhi in Gujarat in 512 CE.
• Presided by Devardhigani.
• 12 Angas was compiled here.

Royal patrons of Jainism

• Kadamba dynasty
• Ganga dynasty
• Amoghavarsha
• Kumarapala (Chalukya dynasty)

(ii) North India

• Bimbisara
• Ajatasatru
• Chandragupta Maurya
• Bindusara
• Harshavardhana
• Ama
• Bindusara
• Kharavela

To practice questions of Buddhism, you can attempt the tests given below:

• Test: Buddhism & Jainism
• Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 1
• Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 2
• Nitin Singhania Test: Buddhism And Jainism - 3