3. Jainism and Buddhism

1. Causes for the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

During the 6th century BCE, the rigidities of the Later Vedic religion led to massive discontent among the common people. This paved the way for the rise of two new religions: Jainism and Buddhism. The primary causes were:

• Reaction against Ritualism: The Vedic religion had become highly complex, expensive, and filled with elaborate rituals and sacrifices. Common people wanted a simple religion they could easily follow.
• Corruption in Religion: The priestly class (Brahmins) claimed ultimate authority, interpreting religious texts to their advantage. They became corrupt and demanded huge offerings, alienating the masses.
• Rigid Caste System: The society was divided into four Varnas based strictly on birth. The Shudras were treated miserably. Jainism and Buddhism did not believe in caste distinctions and preached equality, which attracted the lower castes.
• Difficult Language: Most Vedic texts were composed in Sanskrit, which was the language of the priests and not understood by the common people. Mahavira and Buddha preached in local dialects (Prakrit and Pali), making their teachings easily accessible.
• Agricultural Economy: The use of iron led to the expansion of agriculture in the Gangetic valley. Animal sacrifices hampered agriculture since cattle were needed for farming. Both Jainism and Buddhism preached non-violence (Ahimsa), saving animal wealth.

2. Sources of Information

Sources of Jainism: The Angas

The original teachings of Mahavira were orally passed down and later compiled into 12 parts called Angas.

• They are collectively known as the Dvadashangi.
• They were compiled by a Jain scholar named Bhadrabahu.
• The Angas contain the philosophical concepts of Jainism, rules of conduct for monks, and the teachings of Lord Mahavira.
• They were originally written in Ardhamagadhi (Prakrit), the language of the common people.

Sources of Buddhism

The most important literary works of Buddhism are the Tripitakas and the Jatakas.

• Vinaya Pitaka: Deals with the rules and regulations (code of conduct) for the Buddhist monks and nuns living in monasteries.
• Sutta Pitaka: Contains the religious discourses and main teachings (doctrines) of Lord Buddha.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka: Deals with Buddhist philosophy and the working of the human mind.

3. Jainism: Life of Mahavira and Doctrines

Jainism revolves around the teachings of 24 spiritual guides called Tirthankaras. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhanatha, and the 24th and last was Vardhamana Mahavira.

• Early Life: Born in Kundagrama (Vaishali, Bihar). He belonged to a Kshatriya family. He left home at age 30 and became an ascetic in search of truth.
• Enlightenment: After 12 years of severe penance, he attained supreme knowledge (Kevala Jnana). He became known as Mahavira (the great hero) or Jina (the conqueror).

Main Doctrines of Jainism

• Triratnas (Three Jewels): The path to salvation lies in following:
  1. Right Faith: Belief in the teachings of Mahavira.
  2. Right Knowledge: Understanding that the soul and body are separate.
  3. Right Conduct: Following the Five Vows.
• The Five Vows (Pancha Mahavratas):
  • Ahimsa: Non-violence. Not to injure any living being (even insects and plants).
  • Achaurya: Non-stealing.
  • Satya: Not to tell a lie.
  • Aparigraha: Non-possession of property.
  • Brahmacharya: Leading a life of celibacy (added by Mahavira).
• Belief in Karma: A person's present life is determined by their past deeds.
• No Belief in God as Creator: Jainism does not believe that God created the universe. They believe in the existence of the soul.
• Severe Penance: To attain Moksha, one must subject the body to extreme hardships and self-denial.

4. Buddhism: Life of Buddha and Doctrines

Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha, originally named Siddhartha. He was born in Lumbini, Nepal, into the Shakya clan.

• The Great Renunciation: Disturbed by the sights of an old man, a sick man, a dead body, and a peaceful ascetic (The Four Great Sights), Siddhartha left his palace at the age of 29 in search of truth.
• Enlightenment: At the age of 35, he meditated under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) and attained enlightenment. He was henceforth called the 'Buddha' (The Enlightened One).
• First Sermon: He delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath (near Varanasi). This event is known as Dharmachakrapravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Law).

Main Doctrines of Buddhism

The core teachings of Buddha are centered around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path (the Middle Path).

The Four Noble Truths

1. The world is full of suffering (misery).
2. The main cause of suffering is human desire (craving).
3. Suffering can be ended by overcoming desires.
4. Desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)

Buddha advised his followers to avoid extremes (neither severe penance nor total luxury) and follow a 'Middle Path':

1. Right Action
2. Right Thought
3. Right Belief
4. Right Living
5. Right Speech
6. Right Effort
7. Right Recollection
8. Right Meditation

• Karma and Ahimsa: Like Jainism, Buddhism stressed Ahimsa (non-violence) and Karma (good deeds yield good results).
• Rejection of Caste System: Buddha firmly opposed the caste system and believed in universal brotherhood and equality.
• Silence on God: Buddha remained silent about the existence of God. He focused on morality and ethical living rather than prayers and rituals.