Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha in the 6th century BCE. The new religion emphasized truth, simplicity, non-violence, and equality. It spread widely in India and across Asia, influencing cultures, societies, and philosophies for centuries.
1. Rise of Buddhism
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Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini (563 BCE) in the Sakya clan as Siddhartha.
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At the age of 29, he renounced worldly life after witnessing old age, disease, and death.
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He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree at the age of 35 and became Buddha (the Enlightened One).
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He gave his first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park), known as Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma).
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He preached Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as the way to overcome suffering.
2. Teachings of Buddha
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Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
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Desire (Trishna) is the root cause of suffering.
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Ending desire leads to Nirvana (liberation).
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The path to Nirvana is the Eightfold Path: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditation.
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Buddha rejected caste distinctions and rituals, stressing morality, meditation, and wisdom.
3. Buddhist Councils (Sangiti Sabhas)
After Buddha’s death (483 BCE), Buddhist monks gathered in councils to compile his teachings:
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First Council (Rajagriha, 483 BCE, under Ajatashatru): Teachings compiled as Tripitakas – Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka.
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Second Council (Vaishali, 383 BCE): Split into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
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Third Council (Pataliputra, 250 BCE, under Ashoka): Spread of Buddhism abroad, compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka.
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Fourth Council (Kashmir, 1st century CE, under Kanishka): Division into Hinayana and Mahayana schools.
4. Development of Buddhism
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Hinayana: Strict adherence to original teachings, emphasized personal salvation.
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Mahayana: Belief in Bodhisattvas, salvation for all through devotion and compassion.
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Vajrayana (later in Tibet): Tantric practices, rituals, and mysticism.
5. Decline of Buddhism in India
Buddhism gradually declined in India due to several reasons:
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Revival of Hinduism and rise of Bhakti movement.
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Division into Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana weakened unity.
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Loss of royal patronage after the Guptas.
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Invasions and destruction of monasteries by foreign rulers.
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Absorption of Buddhist principles into Hinduism.
6. Influence of Buddhism on Indian Culture
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Religious Influence: Popularized non-violence, compassion, tolerance.
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Philosophy: Contributed ideas of karma, rebirth, and equality.
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Literature: Tripitakas, Jataka tales enriched Indian literature.
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Art & Architecture: Stupas (Sanchi, Amaravati), rock-cut caves (Ajanta, Ellora), sculpture and paintings flourished.
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Society: Weakened caste system, promoted equality.
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Education: Nalanda, Vikramashila universities became centers of Buddhist learning.
Conclusion
Buddhism began as a simple path to end human suffering. Though it declined in India, it spread to Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Japan, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia, becoming a world religion. Its message of peace, compassion, and equality continues to inspire humanity even today.