Unit-1 Buddhism

Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the most important Indian spiritual traditions and it had been accepted by many countries. For many centuries,
this tradition has been a powerful force in Asia, which has touched nearly every aspect of the eastern world: arts, morals,
lore, mythology, social institutions, etc. Today, Buddhism influences these same areas outside of Asia, as well.
Origin & Early Development
The origin of Buddhism points to one man, Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, who was born in Lumbini in
India (present-day Nepal) during the 5th century BCE. Rather than the founder of a new religion, Siddhartha Gautama was the
founder and leader of a sect of wanderer ascetics (Sramanas), one of many sects that existed at that time all over India. This sect
came to be known as Sangha to distinguish it from other similar communities.
After Siddhartha Gautama's death, the community he founded slowly evolved into a religion-like movement and the teachings
of Siddhartha became the basis of Buddhism. The historical evidence suggests that Buddhism had a humble beginning.
Apparently, it was a relatively minor tradition in India, and some scholars have proposed that the impact of the Buddha in his own
day was relatively limited due to the scarcity of written documents, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence from that time.
The Mauryan Indian emperor Ashoka the Great (304–232 BCE), who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE, turned Buddhism into the state
religion of India. He provided a favourable social and political climate for the acceptance of Buddhist ideas, encouraged Buddhist
missionary activity.
There are many stories about disagreements among the Buddha's disciples during his lifetime and also accounts about disputes
among his followers during the First Buddhist Council held soon after the Buddha’s death .
About a century after the death of Buddha, during the Second Buddhist Council, we find the first major schism ever recorded in
Buddhism: The Mahasanghika school. We know that there were more than that, probably around 25. A Buddhist school named
Sthaviravada (in Sanskrit “school of the elders”) was the most powerful of the early schools of Buddhism. Traditionally, it is held
that the Mahasanghika school came into existence as a result of a dispute over monastic practice..
Siddhartha Gautama, the Historical Buddha
During the 1st century CE, while the oldest Buddhist groups were growing in south and south-east Asia, a new Buddhist school
named Mahayana (“Great Vehicle”) originated in northern India. This school had a more adaptable approach and was open to
doctrinal innovations. Mahayama Buddhism is today the dominant form of Buddhism in Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan,
Mongolia, Korea, and Vietnam.
Buddhist Expansion Across South Asia
During the time of Ashoka’s reign, trade routes were opened through southern India. missionary activity. A Buddhist chronicle
known as the Mahavamsa claims that the ruler of Sri Lanka, Devanampiya Tissa, was converted to Buddhism by Mahinda,
Ashoka’s son, who was a Buddhist missionary, and Buddhism became associated with Sri Lanka’s kingship.
The Spread of Buddhism
After reaching Sri Lanka, Buddhism crossed the sea into Myanmar (Burma). After Myanmar, Buddhism travelled into Cambodia,
Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, around 200 CE. The presence of Buddhism in Indonesia and the Malay peninsula is supported by
archaeological records from about the 5th century CE.
Buddhist Expansion Across Central & East Asia
Buddhism entered China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). Despite its difficult beginning, Buddhism managed to build a
solid presence in China towards the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 CE. Eventually, Buddhism in China grew strong, deeply
influencing virtually every aspect of its culture.
From China, Buddhism entered Korea in 372 CE, during the reign of King Sosurim, the ruler of the Kingdom of Goguryeo.
The official introduction of Buddhism in Tibet (according to Tibetan records) took place during the reign of the first Tibetan
emperor Srong btsan sgam po (Songtsen gampo, 617-649/650 CE), although we know that the proto-Tibetan people had been in
touch with Buddhism from an earlier time, through Buddhist merchants and missionaries.
Mojar Teachings of Buddhism
Noble Truths & Paths
The four noble truths are:
1. Dukha - It refers to the existence of suffering in the world.

2. Dukha-samudhaya - It refers to the cause for suffering.
3. Dukhanirodha - It refers that it is possible to stop suffering.
4. Dukha-nirodha marga - It refers to the ways out of the suffering.
The eight-fold noble paths are:
1. Samyak-drsti - It means right views.

2. Samyak-vachana - It means right and truthful speech.
3. Samyak-sankalpa - It means right resolve.
4. Samyak-karmanta - It means right conduct.
5. Samyagjiva - It means right livelihood.
6. Samyag-vyayama - It means right effort.
7. Samyak-smriti - It means right mindfulness.
8. Samyak-samadhi - It means right concentration.

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Unit-1 Buddhism

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Buddhism

Origin & Early Development

Siddhartha Gautama, the Historical Buddha

Buddhist Expansion Across South Asia

Buddhist Expansion Across Central & East Asia

1. Dukha - It refers to the existence of suffering in the world.

The eight-fold noble paths are:

1. Samyak-drsti - It means right views.

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