By the 6th century B.C., social discontent grew due to the rigid varna system, costly Vedic sacrifices, and dominance of priests. The rise of new towns, merchants, and artisans created a demand for a simpler, ethical religion. Against this background, Buddhism emerged under the leadership of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). It emphasized morality, meditation, non-violence, and the Middle Path between luxury and asceticism.
Table of Contents
Buddha
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Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (563–483 B.C.), known as the Buddha.
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Born at Lumbini (Nepal) in the Sakya clan; raised at Kapilavastu.
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Married Yasodhara, had a son Rahula.
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At 29, renounced worldly life after witnessing old age, disease, death, and asceticism.
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Attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree at 35.
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Delivered first sermon at Sarnath (Deer Park) — called Dharmachakra Pravartana.
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Attained Mahaparinirvana (death) at Kushinagar at the age of 80.
Principles of Buddhism
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Four Noble Truths:
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Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
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Desire is the cause of suffering.
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Ending desire ends suffering.
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The Eightfold Path leads to salvation.
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Eightfold Path: Right view, Right resolve, Right speech, Right conduct, Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness, Right concentration.
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Emphasis on ahimsa, karma, rebirth.
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Rejected caste system and Vedic rituals.
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Advocated the Middle Path, avoiding extremes of luxury and asceticism.
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Preached in Pali, the language of the people.
Hinayana and Mahayana
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Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle):
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Followers aimed for personal salvation (Arhat ideal).
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Strict adherence to original teachings of Buddha.
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Used Pali language.
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Mahayana (Greater Vehicle):
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Followers emphasized salvation for all beings (Bodhisattva ideal).
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Worship of Buddha as a divine being.
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Use of Sanskrit language.
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Spread widely outside India.
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Spread of Buddhism
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Supported by rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Ashoka.
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Ashoka’s patronage helped Buddhism spread far and wide.
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Spread to Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, China, Japan, Tibet, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
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Flourished through monasteries (viharas), stupas, and missionary activities.
Contributions of Buddhism
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Promoted ahimsa, equality, and compassion.
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Encouraged use of Pali and Sanskrit, making teachings accessible.
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Contributed to art and architecture:
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Stupas (Sanchi, Bharhut).
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Rock-cut caves (Ajanta, Ellora).
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Monasteries across India.
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Encouraged education through monastic universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila.
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Influenced rulers like Ashoka, who spread dhamma (righteous rule).
Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism
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Both emerged in the 6th century B.C. as reformist religions.
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Both rejected Vedic rituals, sacrifices, and priestly dominance.
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Both emphasized ahimsa, karma, rebirth, and simple living.
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Both preached in vernacular languages (Jainism in Prakrit, Buddhism in Pali).
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Both gained support from merchants, traders, and rulers.
Dissimilarities between Jainism and Buddhism
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Jainism emphasized severe asceticism, while Buddhism advocated the Middle Path.
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Jainism believed in animism (life in plants, stones, water), but Buddhism did not.
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Jainism remained largely within India, while Buddhism spread across Asia and beyond.
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Buddhism allowed greater role for women, while Jainism (Digambaras) denied liberation for women.
Key Takeaway
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Buddhism emerged as a universal, ethical religion emphasizing the Middle Path, compassion, and equality.
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Together with Jainism, it weakened the hold of Brahmanism, enriched Indian culture, and contributed to art, architecture, education, and spiritual thought.
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Jainism focused on strict asceticism, while Buddhism became a more inclusive, international religion.