Mahajanapada Period:

Que. Though some of the ideas of Buddhism may have had their origin in Vedic-Upanishadic traditions but it was an altogether new religion with its own specific principles and institutions. Discuss. [UPSC CSE-2022]

Approach:

(1) Explain the origin of Buddhism.

(2) Mention the doctrines of Buddhism.

(3) Mention some of the similarities between Buddhism and Vedic religion.

(4) Mention some of the differences between Buddhism and Vedic religion

(5) Conclude by stating the rise of Buddhism.

Introduction:

Buddhism began approximately 2,600 years ago in India as a way of life with the capacity to transform a person. It is one of the most important religions in the countries of South and Southeast Asia. 

The religion was founded on the teachings and life experiences of Siddhartha Gautam, who was born in 563 BCE. He was born into the Sakya clan’s royal lineage, which ruled from Kapilvastu in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal border. 

He left home at the age of 29, rejecting his life of wealth in favor of asceticism, or intense self-discipline. He gained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, a hamlet in Bihar, after 49 days of meditation. 

In the village of Sarnath, near the city of Benares in Uttar Pradesh, Buddha preached his first sermon. Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana is the name given to this occurrence (turning of the wheel of law).

Doctrines of Buddhism:

Buddha proved to be a practical reformer who took note of the realities of the day. He did not involve himself in fruitless controversies regarding the soul (atman) and the Brahma which raged strongly in his time; he addressed himself to the worldly problems.

(1) Buddha taught his followers the Four “Noble Truths”: (i) The World is full of sorrows (dukkha), (ii) The cause of sorrow is desire (trishna), (iii) If desires are conquered, all sorrows can be removed and (iv) The only way this can be done is by following the “Middle-Path” (ashtangika marga or Noble Eightfold Path). 

It comprised: (i) Right view, (ii) Right intention, (iii) Right speech, (iv) Right action, (v) Right livelihood, (vi) Right effort, (vii) Right mindfulness, (viii) Right meditation.

(2) Concept of Nirvana: The concept of liberation (nirvana)-the goal of the Buddhist path-is closely related to overcoming ignorance, a fundamental misunderstanding or mis-perception of the nature of reality. Process of elimination of desire and ending of sufferings lead to freedom from rebirth. Prayers and sacrifices will not end desires.

(3) Concept of Karma: The connection between different lives is established by karma. In the Brahmanical tradition, karma refers to ritual action. In the Buddha’s teaching, karma means intentions which lead to actions of body, speech, or mind. Rebirth is governed by the cumulative results of the karma of a particular life.

(4) Emphasis on Ahimsa: Buddhist emphasis on ahimsa involved a critique of Brahmanical animal sacrifices. Monks and nuns could not kill animals and drink water from bodies in which small creatures lived.

(5) Idea of transmigration: Buddha’s teaching accepts the idea of transmigration (samsara) but rejects the idea of the atman. Buddhism teaches the transmigration of character or personality.

(6) Existence of God: The Buddha may be called an agnostic, because he neither accepts or rejects the existence of God. According to Buddha, all things are composite, and as a corollary, all things are transient, for the composition of all aggregates is liable to change.

(7) Rejection of Vedas: Like the Jainas, he rejected the authority of the Vedas as well as the Varna system.

(8) Condemnation of Brahmanism: Buddha condemned the complex rituals and ceremonies. He also emphasised the idea of non-violence and accepted the varna system in modified form.

(9) Middle path: No severe asceticism or luxury.

Similarities between Buddhism and Vedic religion:

(1) Karma and Reincarnation: Both Buddhism and Vedic religion share the concepts of karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation (the cycle of birth and rebirth). They both believe that one’s actions in this life have consequences in future lives.

(2) Dharma: Both traditions emphasize the importance of living in accordance with ethical and moral principles. In Vedic religion, this is often referred to as “dharma,” while in Buddhism, it is a key component of the Eightfold Path.

(3) Asceticism: Ascetic practices, including renunciation of worldly attachments, meditation, and a focus on spiritual development, are common to both traditions. Ascetics played a significant role in both Buddhist and Vedic religious communities.

(4) The Goal of Liberation: Both traditions share the ultimate goal of achieving liberation (moksha or nirvana). While the concepts of liberation may have nuanced differences, the aspiration to transcend suffering and attain spiritual liberation is a common thread.

(5) Use of Rituals and Sacrifices: While Buddhism moved away from elaborate rituals and sacrifices, early Buddhism did involve some rituals, and Vedic religion placed great importance on ritualistic sacrifices (yajnas).

(6) Concept of Samsara: Both traditions acknowledge the concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The understanding of samsara may differ in terms of how it operates, but the basic concept is shared.

(7) Influence of Upanishadic Ideas: Buddhism, emerging during a time when Upanishadic ideas were being developed, was influenced by some Upanishadic concepts, such as the idea of the impermanence of the self.

Key Differences between Buddhism and Vedic Religion:

(1) Rejection of Vedic Rituals: Buddhism explicitly rejects the elaborate ritualistic sacrifices (yajnas) and priestly ceremonies that were central to Vedic religion. The Buddha emphasized inner transformation and ethical conduct over ritualism.

(2) No Concept of Atman (Self): Buddhism rejects the Vedic concept of “atman” or the eternal self. Instead, Buddhism teaches the doctrine of “anatta” (anatman), which asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging self. This is a fundamental divergence from Vedic beliefs.

(3) No Caste System: While Vedic religion is associated with the caste system, Buddhism challenged the caste-based social structure of its time. The Buddha advocated spiritual realization and ethical conduct as the basis for one’s worth, irrespective of caste.

(4) Lack of Brahmanical Priesthood: Vedic religion is characterized by a priesthood (Brahmins) responsible for performing rituals and interpreting sacred texts. In contrast, Buddhism does not have a hereditary priestly class, and Buddhist rituals are relatively simple compared to Vedic rites.

(5) Concept of God: Vedic religion incorporates a belief in deities and gods (devas) as part of its pantheon. It can be characterized as polytheistic and can also include the concept of a Supreme Being (Brahman). Buddhism, in its original form, is non-theistic. It does not posit the existence of a creator god or supreme deity. The focus is on individual spiritual development and the attainment of Nirvana.

(6) Sacred Texts: Vedic religion is based on a collection of texts known as the Vedas, including the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Buddhism has its own set of sacred texts, including the Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and Mahayana sutras.

(7) Rejection of Animal Sacrifice: While some Vedic rituals involve animal sacrifices, Buddhism strongly rejects the practice of harming sentient beings and emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa).

Conclusion:

Although having similarities and differences, Buddhism served as a completely new religion. Different sections of the society are attracted towards it. It asked them only for Bhakti, meditation and yoga. On the other hand, Vedic religion still focussed on sacrificial rituals. Buddhism was more suitable for that time and was propagated and flourished through the new elements of it.