Page 2
JAINISM AND BUDDHISM
During the second half of the 6th century B.C. no. of sects arose in Gangetic plains.
It is said that about 62 religions were existed in that period.
Most of these were based on regional customs and rituals.
Jainism and Buddhism were the most important among them and emerged as most potent religious reform movements.
(Note: Ajivika Sect did not have any followers after 14th C AD.)
Causes of origin
Domination of priestly class
We have read about Varna system in the previous chapter. Brahmanas claimed highest status in society. They demanded several privileges, including those of receiving gifts and exemption from taxation and punishment.
All the other 3 varnas don’t like the Brahmana’s domination. But Kshatriyas reacted strongly against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas.
Mahavira, founder of the Jainism and Gautam Buddha, founder of the Buddhism belonged to the Kshatriya clan and both disputed the authority of the Brahmanas.
Loss of cattle wealth
This was the most important reason for the rise of new religions.
In the 6th century B.C. the use of the iron axes enabled people to clear forest and a new agriculture economy started which was based on the use of ploughshare.
But use of iron ploughshare required use of bullocks and cattles. Without animal husbandry, agriculture could not flourish.
But most of the cattle and bullocks were sacrificed in rituals and so peasants were not able to produce surplus.
There was resentment in agricultural class against rituals and priestly class. Buddhism and Jainism were according to their aspirations and also they condemned the rituals and sacrifices.
Vaishya class’ want of improvement in their status
In eastern part of India number of cities started emerging.
For example - Kaushambi, Kusinagar, Banaras, Vaishali, Chirand and Rajgir. (see map)
Page 3
Traders and artisans start emerging from these cities and also started using coins during 5th century B.C. They were the earliest coins and are called as punch marked coins.
Because of the trading the importance of Vaishya increased.
They now wanted to improve their positions and so they started looking for a new religion which can do this.
The merchants gave handsome gifts to Gautama Buddha and his disciples. Reasons for this was –
o In initial stages Jainism and Buddhism not attached any importance to the existing Varna system.
Page 4
o Both preached gospel of violence which would put end to wars and as a result will increase the trade and commerce.
o Brahmanical texts like Dharmasutras decried the lending money on interests.
Because they lent money they were not held in esteem and so they wanted to improve their social status.
Return to primitive life
The old people don’t like the accumulation of coins (made of gold, silver etc.), new dwellings and dresses, new system of transport, war and violence.
The new forms of property created social inequalities and caused misery and suffering to the masses of people.
So, the common people wanted back to their simple life. And this opportunity was provided them by Jainism and Buddhism.
Jainism and Buddhism not allowed them to touch gold and silver. They were to take only that much which was sufficient for living.
In other words, there was reaction against changes in material life in north eastern India in 6th century B.C. similar to reaction by man when machines were invented. (It is the nature of human to oppose the change. It’s never easy to adopt to change)
Vardhamana Mahavira and Jainism
Jainism
Jainism believed in 24 Tirthankara or great teachers or leaders of their religion
1st Tirthankara – Risabhdeva (born in Ayodhya)
o He laid foundations of orderly human society
Page 5
Historical records of only last two Tirthankaras are found – Parsavnath (23rd) and Vardhaman Mahavir (24th)
Parsavnath ji:
Parsavnath was the 23rd Tirthankar. He was born at Kashi (Banaras).
Historically he was separated from Vardhaman by 250 years.
His followers were called Nirgranthis (Free from all bonds).
Vardhaman Mahavira :
Vardhaman is believed to the real founder of the modern Jainism. His followers are called Jains. He was later known as ‘MAHAVIRA’.
Biography of Vardhaman:
Vardhaman himself was born to Nirgranthi parents (Followers of Parsavnath). The information about his life is received from Jain texts – Purvas, Angas and Upangas, written in 4th – 6th C AD in Prakrit language. Prakrit was the language of the masses while Sanskrit was the language of the elite class.
Other source is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharvela (Odisha) in 1st C BC. It is the oldest cave temple found in India. Relation Name Father Siddharth
Mother
Trishala
Page 6
Clan Janantrika
Caste
Kshatriya Wife Yashoda
Daughter
Priyadarshika Son In law Jamali (First disciple of Vardhman)
Born – 540 B.C.
Place – Kundagram (now Basokund) near Vaisali in Bihar.
Father – Siddhartha (head of famous Kshatriya clan Jnatrika and ruler of his own area)
Mother – Trishala (sister of lichchhavi chief Chetaka, whose daughter was wedded to Bimbisara)
Contemporary of Gautama Buddha.
Initially he lived life of household but at the age of 30 he abandoned house in search of the truth and became an ascetic.
For the next 12 years he meditated and practiced the austerities of life.
At the age of 42 years, he attained the Supreme knowledge (Kaivalya) under a Sal tree in 498 BC at a place called Trimbhigram on the bank of River Rijupalika (Jharkhand). Through kaivalya he conquered misery and happiness.
Because of this conquest he is known as Mahavira or the great hero or jina i.e. the conqueror of senses, and his followers are known as Jainas.
He propagated this religion for 30 years and during this period he visited to Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa etc.
He preached for the first time in the five hills of Nalanda – Vipulchak.
At the age of 72 (468 BC) he attained Nirvana (died) at Pavapuri (Nalanda).
Doctrines of Jainism
Page 7
5 doctrines –
o Non – Violence: Not to kill or harm any living creature. At that period, trees were considered living so cutting of trees was allowed. However, it was advised not to do agriculture as ploughing of land might kill the small organisms and insects. Hence, peasants were not attracted towards this new faith and it was more famous amongst traders and businessmen.
o Not to Steal: Do not try to take what is not yours rightfully.
o Not to Accumulate: Leads to a problem of haves and have nots. It discouraged hoarding or keeping more than what is required.
o Not to tell A lie: Not to give wrong information to others.
o Celibacy: Celibacy in Jainism is slightly different than that of Hinduism. In Hinduism celibacy means not to marry or not to have a relationship with the other sex.
o In Jainism, apart from the above two, some more conditions are there like:
Not to see the opposite sex.
Not to talk to the opposite sex.
Not to touch the opposite sex.
Not to feel about the opposite sex.
Only 5th doctrine was added by Mahavira, the other 4 were taken over by him form previous teachers.
Non injury to living beings is most important to Jainism. But sometimes it resulted in absurd results like Jain kings ordered execution of persons guilty of killing animals.
Parshvanath had asked is followers to cover upper and lower part of body while Mahavira had asked them to discard cloth completely as he wanted to a more austere life for his followers.
Page 8
On the basis of this clothing the Jainism was divided into two sects –
o Shvetambaras – those who wear white cloths. (shveta meaning white and ambar meaning cloth)
o Digambaras – those who remained naked.
Philosophy:
The Creator: There is no creator. It does not believe in a supreme God. Tirthankars are the highest authority.
The Universe: The universe is eternal. It has no beginning and no end and it is moving in a cyclic fashion. It moves in phases of Highs and Lows:
High phase: Avsarpani – during this phase people have a long life (200 – 300 years) and they are very tall (40-50 ft).
Low phase Utsarpani – During this phase people have shorter life span (15 – 20 years) and short height (2 -3 feet)
Universe is composed of living and non – living elements.
The Soul: Soul exists in both living and non – living elements.
Page 9
Where ever there is soul, there is suffering (Dukha). There are three types of elements – rocks and metals (One soul), Trees (two souls) and Animals/humans (three souls). It is prohibited to kill the elements which have three souls.
Afterlife: They believe in afterlife and rebirth. One is trapped in the cycle of life. Till one doesn’t get free from Dukka, one cannot get Nirvana (freedom from the cycle of Death).
How to get NIRVANA?
According to Jainism, Soul is surrounded by Karma (Action).
Karma has four aspects – Inherent and outside as well as Good or bad.
In order to get Nirvana, one has to free himself from all Karma, whether good or bad, inherent or outside. This state of no Karma is called the state of Shunya.
There are certain Dos and Don’ts to achieve this:
Dos – Live an Ascetic life, to give up clothes.
Page 10
Don’ts – One should have no attachments.
Jainism on Varna System
Jainism recognized god’s existence but placed them lower than Jina.
Not condemned Varna system.
According to Mahavira a person born in higher or lower Varna depends on sins or virtues by him in his previous births.
According to him lower castes can liberate themselves through pure and meritorious life.
Main aim of Jainism – freedom from worldly bonds. This can be achieved by 3 jewels or triratna of Jainism and no rituals are required.
3 jewels or triratnas of Jainism –
o Right knowledge
o Right faith
o Right action or conduct (5 doctrines are part of it)
It prohibited war and even agriculture because of killings of living beings. And so, Jainism confined to traders only.
Spread of Jainism
Spread in southern part
To spread teachings of Jainism, Mahavira organized an order in which both men and women were admitted.
Mahavira was not having large no. of followers just 14000).
Spread – in south India and west India where Brahmanical religion was weak.
Page 11
According to a tradition the spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya (322 – 298 B.C.).
During his last years of life emperor became a Jaina and led Jaina ascetic life in Karnataka.
200 years after the death of Mahavira, there was a famine in Magadha. It lasted for about 12 years and in order to protect themselves, many Jaina visited to south under the leadership of the Stahalabahu.
After the end of the famine Jainas came back to Magadha and there emerge differences between those who visited to south and those who stayed in Magadha.
To sort out differences and to compile the teachings of Jainism a council was convened at Patliputra but it was boycotted by southern Jainas.
From now onwards the southern Jainas were called as Digambar and those at Magdhans were called as Shvetambars.
The tradition belonged to drought is considered as doubtful but it was sure that the Jainas were divided into 2 sects.
The epigraphic evidence for the spread of the Jainism in Karnataka was not before 3rd century A.D.
After the 5th century, numerous Jaina monastic establishment called basadis spread in Karnataka. Kings granted land in expectation of support.
In the 2nd and 1st century B.C. it also spread to southern district of Tamil Nadu.
Spread in other parts
In 4th century B.C. – kalinga in Orissa
o Kalinga king Kharavela have gave patronage to it in 1st century B.C.
In later centuries Jainism penetrated into Malwa, Gujrat and Rajasthan (in these places they reside even today engaging in trade)
It didn’t receive as much patronage as Buddhism and not spread very fast in early times.
It still holds its places where it spread while Buddhism completely disappeared from Indian subcontinent.
Contribution of Jainism
In Prakrit language
Tried to mitigate the evils of Varna order and ritualistic Vedic religion.
Discarded Sanskrit which was patronized by Brahmanas.
Adopted Prakrit language of common people to preach Jainism doctrines.
Religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi.
Texts were compiled at valabhi, Gujrat in 6th century B.C.
JAINISM AND BUDDHISM
During the second half of the 6th century B.C. no. of sects arose in Gangetic plains.
It is said that about 62 religions were existed in that period.
Most of these were based on regional customs and rituals.
Jainism and Buddhism were the most important among them and emerged as most potent religious reform movements.
(Note: Ajivika Sect did not have any followers after 14th C AD.)
Causes of origin
Domination of priestly class
We have read about Varna system in the previous chapter. Brahmanas claimed highest status in society. They demanded several privileges, including those of receiving gifts and exemption from taxation and punishment.
All the other 3 varnas don’t like the Brahmana’s domination. But Kshatriyas reacted strongly against the ritualistic domination of the Brahmanas.
Mahavira, founder of the Jainism and Gautam Buddha, founder of the Buddhism belonged to the Kshatriya clan and both disputed the authority of the Brahmanas.
Loss of cattle wealth
This was the most important reason for the rise of new religions.
In the 6th century B.C. the use of the iron axes enabled people to clear forest and a new agriculture economy started which was based on the use of ploughshare.
But use of iron ploughshare required use of bullocks and cattles. Without animal husbandry, agriculture could not flourish.
But most of the cattle and bullocks were sacrificed in rituals and so peasants were not able to produce surplus.
There was resentment in agricultural class against rituals and priestly class. Buddhism and Jainism were according to their aspirations and also they condemned the rituals and sacrifices.
Vaishya class’ want of improvement in their status
In eastern part of India number of cities started emerging.
For example - Kaushambi, Kusinagar, Banaras, Vaishali, Chirand and Rajgir. (see map)
Page 3
Traders and artisans start emerging from these cities and also started using coins during 5th century B.C. They were the earliest coins and are called as punch marked coins.
Because of the trading the importance of Vaishya increased.
They now wanted to improve their positions and so they started looking for a new religion which can do this.
The merchants gave handsome gifts to Gautama Buddha and his disciples. Reasons for this was –
o In initial stages Jainism and Buddhism not attached any importance to the existing Varna system.
Page 4
o Both preached gospel of violence which would put end to wars and as a result will increase the trade and commerce.
o Brahmanical texts like Dharmasutras decried the lending money on interests.
Because they lent money they were not held in esteem and so they wanted to improve their social status.
Return to primitive life
The old people don’t like the accumulation of coins (made of gold, silver etc.), new dwellings and dresses, new system of transport, war and violence.
The new forms of property created social inequalities and caused misery and suffering to the masses of people.
So, the common people wanted back to their simple life. And this opportunity was provided them by Jainism and Buddhism.
Jainism and Buddhism not allowed them to touch gold and silver. They were to take only that much which was sufficient for living.
In other words, there was reaction against changes in material life in north eastern India in 6th century B.C. similar to reaction by man when machines were invented. (It is the nature of human to oppose the change. It’s never easy to adopt to change)
Vardhamana Mahavira and Jainism
Jainism
Jainism believed in 24 Tirthankara or great teachers or leaders of their religion
1st Tirthankara – Risabhdeva (born in Ayodhya)
o He laid foundations of orderly human society
Page 5
Historical records of only last two Tirthankaras are found – Parsavnath (23rd) and Vardhaman Mahavir (24th)
Parsavnath ji:
Parsavnath was the 23rd Tirthankar. He was born at Kashi (Banaras).
Historically he was separated from Vardhaman by 250 years.
His followers were called Nirgranthis (Free from all bonds).
Vardhaman Mahavira :
Vardhaman is believed to the real founder of the modern Jainism. His followers are called Jains. He was later known as ‘MAHAVIRA’.
Biography of Vardhaman:
Vardhaman himself was born to Nirgranthi parents (Followers of Parsavnath). The information about his life is received from Jain texts – Purvas, Angas and Upangas, written in 4th – 6th C AD in Prakrit language. Prakrit was the language of the masses while Sanskrit was the language of the elite class.
Other source is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharvela (Odisha) in 1st C BC. It is the oldest cave temple found in India. Relation Name Father Siddharth
Mother
Trishala
Page 6
Clan Janantrika
Caste
Kshatriya Wife Yashoda
Daughter
Priyadarshika Son In law Jamali (First disciple of Vardhman)
Born – 540 B.C.
Place – Kundagram (now Basokund) near Vaisali in Bihar.
Father – Siddhartha (head of famous Kshatriya clan Jnatrika and ruler of his own area)
Mother – Trishala (sister of lichchhavi chief Chetaka, whose daughter was wedded to Bimbisara)
Contemporary of Gautama Buddha.
Initially he lived life of household but at the age of 30 he abandoned house in search of the truth and became an ascetic.
For the next 12 years he meditated and practiced the austerities of life.
At the age of 42 years, he attained the Supreme knowledge (Kaivalya) under a Sal tree in 498 BC at a place called Trimbhigram on the bank of River Rijupalika (Jharkhand). Through kaivalya he conquered misery and happiness.
Because of this conquest he is known as Mahavira or the great hero or jina i.e. the conqueror of senses, and his followers are known as Jainas.
He propagated this religion for 30 years and during this period he visited to Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa etc.
He preached for the first time in the five hills of Nalanda – Vipulchak.
At the age of 72 (468 BC) he attained Nirvana (died) at Pavapuri (Nalanda).
Doctrines of Jainism
Page 7
5 doctrines –
o Non – Violence: Not to kill or harm any living creature. At that period, trees were considered living so cutting of trees was allowed. However, it was advised not to do agriculture as ploughing of land might kill the small organisms and insects. Hence, peasants were not attracted towards this new faith and it was more famous amongst traders and businessmen.
o Not to Steal: Do not try to take what is not yours rightfully.
o Not to Accumulate: Leads to a problem of haves and have nots. It discouraged hoarding or keeping more than what is required.
o Not to tell A lie: Not to give wrong information to others.
o Celibacy: Celibacy in Jainism is slightly different than that of Hinduism. In Hinduism celibacy means not to marry or not to have a relationship with the other sex.
o In Jainism, apart from the above two, some more conditions are there like:
Not to see the opposite sex.
Not to talk to the opposite sex.
Not to touch the opposite sex.
Not to feel about the opposite sex.
Only 5th doctrine was added by Mahavira, the other 4 were taken over by him form previous teachers.
Non injury to living beings is most important to Jainism. But sometimes it resulted in absurd results like Jain kings ordered execution of persons guilty of killing animals.
Parshvanath had asked is followers to cover upper and lower part of body while Mahavira had asked them to discard cloth completely as he wanted to a more austere life for his followers.
Page 8
On the basis of this clothing the Jainism was divided into two sects –
o Shvetambaras – those who wear white cloths. (shveta meaning white and ambar meaning cloth)
o Digambaras – those who remained naked.
Philosophy:
The Creator: There is no creator. It does not believe in a supreme God. Tirthankars are the highest authority.
The Universe: The universe is eternal. It has no beginning and no end and it is moving in a cyclic fashion. It moves in phases of Highs and Lows:
High phase: Avsarpani – during this phase people have a long life (200 – 300 years) and they are very tall (40-50 ft).
Low phase Utsarpani – During this phase people have shorter life span (15 – 20 years) and short height (2 -3 feet)
Universe is composed of living and non – living elements.
The Soul: Soul exists in both living and non – living elements.
Page 9
Where ever there is soul, there is suffering (Dukha). There are three types of elements – rocks and metals (One soul), Trees (two souls) and Animals/humans (three souls). It is prohibited to kill the elements which have three souls.
Afterlife: They believe in afterlife and rebirth. One is trapped in the cycle of life. Till one doesn’t get free from Dukka, one cannot get Nirvana (freedom from the cycle of Death).
How to get NIRVANA?
According to Jainism, Soul is surrounded by Karma (Action).
Karma has four aspects – Inherent and outside as well as Good or bad.
In order to get Nirvana, one has to free himself from all Karma, whether good or bad, inherent or outside. This state of no Karma is called the state of Shunya.
There are certain Dos and Don’ts to achieve this:
Dos – Live an Ascetic life, to give up clothes.
Page 10
Don’ts – One should have no attachments.
Jainism on Varna System
Jainism recognized god’s existence but placed them lower than Jina.
Not condemned Varna system.
According to Mahavira a person born in higher or lower Varna depends on sins or virtues by him in his previous births.
According to him lower castes can liberate themselves through pure and meritorious life.
Main aim of Jainism – freedom from worldly bonds. This can be achieved by 3 jewels or triratna of Jainism and no rituals are required.
3 jewels or triratnas of Jainism –
o Right knowledge
o Right faith
o Right action or conduct (5 doctrines are part of it)
It prohibited war and even agriculture because of killings of living beings. And so, Jainism confined to traders only.
Spread of Jainism
Spread in southern part
To spread teachings of Jainism, Mahavira organized an order in which both men and women were admitted.
Mahavira was not having large no. of followers just 14000).
Spread – in south India and west India where Brahmanical religion was weak.
Page 11
According to a tradition the spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya (322 – 298 B.C.).
During his last years of life emperor became a Jaina and led Jaina ascetic life in Karnataka.
200 years after the death of Mahavira, there was a famine in Magadha. It lasted for about 12 years and in order to protect themselves, many Jaina visited to south under the leadership of the Stahalabahu.
After the end of the famine Jainas came back to Magadha and there emerge differences between those who visited to south and those who stayed in Magadha.
To sort out differences and to compile the teachings of Jainism a council was convened at Patliputra but it was boycotted by southern Jainas.
From now onwards the southern Jainas were called as Digambar and those at Magdhans were called as Shvetambars.
The tradition belonged to drought is considered as doubtful but it was sure that the Jainas were divided into 2 sects.
The epigraphic evidence for the spread of the Jainism in Karnataka was not before 3rd century A.D.
After the 5th century, numerous Jaina monastic establishment called basadis spread in Karnataka. Kings granted land in expectation of support.
In the 2nd and 1st century B.C. it also spread to southern district of Tamil Nadu.
Spread in other parts
In 4th century B.C. – kalinga in Orissa
o Kalinga king Kharavela have gave patronage to it in 1st century B.C.
In later centuries Jainism penetrated into Malwa, Gujrat and Rajasthan (in these places they reside even today engaging in trade)
It didn’t receive as much patronage as Buddhism and not spread very fast in early times.
It still holds its places where it spread while Buddhism completely disappeared from Indian subcontinent.
Contribution of Jainism
In Prakrit language
Tried to mitigate the evils of Varna order and ritualistic Vedic religion.
Discarded Sanskrit which was patronized by Brahmanas.
Adopted Prakrit language of common people to preach Jainism doctrines.
Religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi.
Texts were compiled at valabhi, Gujrat in 6th century B.C.
No comments:
Post a Comment