Philosophy of Upanishads and Jainism

Study Notes

Upanishads

Upanishads are dialogues between teachers and students, literally meaning "sitting near the teacher".
6th century onwards, people started questioning sacrificial traditions and focused on understanding life, after death, rebirth, and karma.
Thinkers believed in the concept of ātman or individual soul, which was permanent.
Many thinkers believed in the unity of ātman and brahman.
Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, predominantly Brahmins and Rajas.
Important women thinkers like Gargi, Apala, and Maitreyi are mentioned.
Shankaracharya later developed many of the Upanishads' ideas.

Jainism

Jain tradition holds that there were 24 Tirthankaras, or great teachers.
Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, was born in Bihar, around 540 BCE.
He was a Kshatriya prince of the Lichhavis.
The word "Jain" originates from "Jina," meaning conqueror.

Doctrines of Jainism

Ahimsa: Non-violence
Satya: Truth
Asteya: No stealing
Parigraha: No acquiring property
Brahmacharya: Observe chastity

Purpose of Jainism

Jains believe in the existence of the soul.
The main purpose of Jain teachings is to attain salvation by freeing the soul from bondage.
This can be achieved through Right Knowledge and Right Action, known as the "Three Jewels."

Spread of Jainism

Jainism received support primarily from the trading community.
Its strict rules could not adapt to changing times, leading to its limited spread.
It expanded to parts of northern India, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, etc.
Mahavira's teachings were orally transmitted for centuries.

Buddhism

Buddhism emerged in India over 2500 years ago.
Its teachings are based on the life experiences of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.
He was born into a royal Sakya clan in Lumbini.
At 29, he left his home and wealth, embracing asceticism.
He attained enlightenment under a Peepal tree in Bihar, becoming known as the Buddha.
His first teachings were in Sarnath, followed by traveling and teaching.
Buddha died at 80 in Kushinara (Uttar Pradesh).

Teachings of Buddhism

Buddha's main message is found in the Four Noble Truths:
- Life is full of suffering and unhappiness.
- Suffering arises from attachment and craving.
- Suffering can be overcome by eliminating attachment and craving.
- The path to overcome suffering is the Eightfold Path.

The Spread of Buddhism

Buddha taught in a language understood by the common people.
Royal patronage, especially from Ashoka, contributed to its spread.

The Sangha

The Sangha was a community of Mahavira's followers, seeking knowledge.
Initially, only men were members, but later women were allowed to join in separate branches.

Monasteries

Life within the Buddhist Sangha was disciplined.
Bhikkhus (monks) begged for food and spent the year teaching, especially during the rainy season.
Permanent shelters, known as viharas (monasteries), were built for monks and nuns.
Early viharas were made of wood, later replaced by brick and caves in western India.

Additional Information

Buddhist teachings include the Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Belief, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Description

Explore the fundamental principles and thinkers of the Upanishads and Jainism in this quiz. Understand key doctrines like non-violence in Jainism and the concepts of ātman and brahman from the Upanishads. Test your knowledge of historical context and influential figures in these ancient philosophies.