Introduction
Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions, founded by Gautama Buddha in the 6th century BC. It emerged as a response to the socio-religious conditions of ancient India and provided a unique perspective on life, suffering, and liberation.
Birth and Life of Buddha
Gautama Buddha, originally named Siddhartha, was born in 563 BC on Vaishakha Poornima at Lumbini (Nepal). He was the son of King Suddhodana of the Shakya clan and Queen Mahamaya, who passed away soon after his birth. Raised by his stepmother Gautami, he led a luxurious life and married Yashodhara, with whom he had a son, Rahula.
At the age of 29, he renounced worldly life (Mahabhinishkramana) in search of truth. He initially studied under Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta but was dissatisfied with their teachings. He then practiced extreme asceticism but realized it was ineffective. Finally, meditating under the Bodhi tree in Gaya (Bihar), he attained enlightenment at 35 and became the Buddha, the Enlightened One.
Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as Dhammachakka-Pavattana, at Sarnath to his five former companions. He spent the next 45 years spreading his teachings and established the monastic order (Sangha). He attained Parinirvana at 80 in Kusinara (Kushinagar, UP), with his last words being: “All composite things decay, strive diligently.”
Teachings of Buddhism
Buddha’s teachings focus on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path:
| Four Noble TruthsDukkha (Suffering) – Life is full of suffering.Samudaya (Cause of suffering) – Desire (Trishna) is the root cause of suffering.Nirodha (End of suffering) – Suffering can be ended by attaining Nirvana.Magga (Path to end suffering) – The Eightfold Path leads to liberation. |
| The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)Right View – Understanding the truth of life.Right Thought – Thinking with wisdom and compassion.Right Speech – Speaking truthfully and kindly.Right Action – Acting ethically and avoiding harm.Right Livelihood – Earning a living in a righteous manner.Right Effort – Practicing self-discipline and perseverance.Right Mindfulness – Being aware of one’s actions and thoughts.Right Concentration – Meditating for inner peace and enlightenment. |
Buddhism also emphasizes the Middle Path, avoiding both extreme indulgence and severe asceticism. It rejects caste-based discrimination and promotes ethical living.
Organisation and Sects of Buddhism
Buddha established the Sangha, an order of monks and nuns (Upasakas), to spread his teachings. Over time, Buddhism split into different sects:
- Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) – Focuses on individual enlightenment, considers Buddha as a teacher, and follows strict monastic discipline. Prominent in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
- Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) – Regards Buddha as a divine figure and emphasizes compassion (Karuna). Spread to China, Korea, and Japan.
- Vajrayana (Thunderbolt Vehicle) – Incorporates mystical elements and rituals. Practiced mainly in Tibet and Mongolia.
Buddhist Literature
Buddhist texts are classified into Canonical and Non-Canonical texts.
| Canonical Texts (Tripitaka or Tipitaka)Sutta Pitaka – Buddha’s discourses and dialogues.Vinaya Pitaka – Rules for monastic discipline.Abhidhamma Pitaka – Philosophical and psychological analysis of Buddhist teachings. |
| Non-Canonical TextsMahavastu – Sacred biography of Buddha.Nidanakatha – First connected life story of Buddha.Dipavamsa & Mahavamsa – Historical and mythical accounts.Visuddhimagga – A guide to enlightenment by Buddhaghosa.Milindapanho – A dialogue between Indo-Greek King Milinda and Monk Nagasena.Nettipakarana – A guide to Buddha’s teachings. |
Buddhist Councils
Buddhist teachings were compiled and refined through four major councils:
- First Council (483 BCE, Rajagriha) – Preserved Buddha’s teachings under Mahakashyapa’s leadership.
- Second Council (383 BCE, Vaishali) – Addressed disputes over monastic rules.
- Third Council (250 BCE, Pataliputra) – Emperor Ashoka’s patronage led to the compilation of the Abhidhamma.
- Fourth Council (1st century CE, Kashmir) – Led by Kanishka, it resulted in the division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana.
Spread of Buddhism and Royal Patronage
Buddhism spread across India and beyond due to royal patronage, notably from:
- Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) – Sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, engraved edicts promoting Buddhist values, and built stupas and viharas.
- Kanishka (1st century CE) – Supported Mahayana Buddhism and organized the Fourth Buddhist Council.
- Other rulers – Harsha, Bimbisara, and Chandragupta Maurya also contributed to the growth of Buddhism.
Buddhist universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila became renowned centers of learning.
Causes for the Decline of Buddhism
Despite its initial success, Buddhism declined in India due to several factors:
- Brahmanical Revival – Hinduism assimilated Buddhist ideas and practices.
- Decline of Royal Patronage – Gupta rulers favored Hinduism.
- Monastic Corruption – Over time, monasteries became wealthy and corrupt.
- Rise of Bhakti Movement – Devotional Hinduism attracted the masses.
- Islamic Invasions – Destruction of Buddhist monasteries by invaders like Bakhtiyar Khilji.
- Language Barrier – Buddhism’s use of Pali and Sanskrit limited accessibility to the common people.
However, Buddhism continued to flourish outside India, particularly in Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and Tibet.
Conclusion
Buddhism revolutionized religious thought with its emphasis on ethics, non-violence, and self-discipline. While its influence declined in India, it remains a significant global religion. The teachings of Buddha continue to inspire millions in their quest for wisdom and peace.
