Syllabus for Jainism and Buddhism PDF

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as regarded an century BC is which saw the The sixth world history epoch in like Zarathustra important thinkers of in China and SYLLABUS emergence Persia, Confucius among many in Zoroaster and Gautama Buddha, the Mahavira it was period Jainisnm and Buddhism (brief In India, wer others, in India. and practices andJatakas beliefs Angas, Tripitikas when orthodox even rejected by the new sects, religious Sources: and mention). risein the 6th century challenged Jainism and Buddhism emerged for their sects, Causes Of these reform movements, religious B.C.; Doctrines. asthe most potent the Aryan settlements SOURCES century BC, sources which provide In the sixth by rapid The three important Jainism and ars Buddhism the east, accompanied Society, information about expanded to changes. political and socio-economic political the fottowing: had traits of tribal that at some places other places, Angas: It is generally accepted while at some (i) taught after gainine organisation and Lord Mahavira were on the rise. Materialism whatever kingdoms compiled by his disciples both existed side by side. omniscience, was Sanskrit word for spiritualism 12 parts called Angas, Vedic Age began to in as The people in the Later These Angas are collectively known made of iron. The parts. of these Angas is use implements and tools Dwadashangi. The foremost to clear forests, bring well known Angai iron tools enabled them Aacharang Sutra. Another a settled land under cultivation and lead is morepopularly the Vyakyha Pragnapti which ore life. As a result there was surplus production the former known as Bhagavati Sutra./While of food grains. This surplus produce could be which a Jain deals with the code of conduct and utilised by the kings to meet their military monk is required to follow,the later expounds administrative needs. It could also be used by the the Jain doctrines in a comprehensive manner, people in the towns who specialised in various Based on these Angas, the seers also compiled arts and crafts. All these advantages enabled 12auxiliary works that came to be known as the people to lead a settled life and to expand Upangas. further in neighbouring areas. It is said that these Angas and Upangas This expansion resulted in wars between were not written for a long time. They were different tribes. In these wars, the larger and orally passed on by the religious leaders to more powerful tribes defeated the smaller their pupils. ones and expanded their territory and created According to famous historian, R.C. large kingdoms. These kingdoms were called Majumdar, "Towards the close of the fourth janapadas. A number of janapadas joined century BC, a famine in South Bihar led to together to form bigger and more poWerfut the exodus of an important section of Jainas, independent kingdoms called mahajanapadas. headed by Bhadrabahu, to South India. Those  thatremained behind in Pataliputra called for a Buddha identifying the lives of the people in the in order to revive the knowledge of the cOuncil, introductory story with such people from the The result was the compilation of the Angas. At. another council held at Valabhí past. The future Buddha may appear in them twelve Angas. in the fifth or sixth century AD, a as a king, an outcast, a god,an elephant but, in Gujarat in whatever form, he exhibits some virtue that of the scriptures was made for fnal collection the tale thereby highlights. in Ardhmagadhi Prakrit the first time language". Many Jataka tales have parallels in the TheAngas are regarded as the most important Mahabharata and elsewhere in non-Buddhist Jain doctrines. They discuss religious literature. The Jataka stories have also been part of the of a householder' 's life, the vows of illustrated frequently in sculpture and paintings rites, stages rules of conduct and other features of throughout the Buddhist world. According to chastity, A. K. Warder, the Jatakas are thne precursors Jain philosophy. Tripitikas are the most to the various legendary biographies of the (ii) Tripitikas: Buddha, which were composed at later dates. literary works of the Buddhists. important Tripitika' means Three Baskets' of Although many Jatakas were written from an The word early period, which describe previous lives of canon. The earliest writings of these Buddhist the Buddha, very little biographical material were taken on long, narrow leaves, sewn about Gautama's own life has been recorded. texts on one side and bound in bunches, However, the Jatakas throw significant light on together in baskets; therefore, they were then stored the political, economicand social conditions of The Three Baskets. These works, written people from the fifth to the second century BC. called include the following: in Pali language They also reflect Buddhist morals, ethics and The Vinaya Pitaka deals with the principles. rules and regulations which Buddha promulgated for the monks (bhikkhus) CAUSES FOR THE RISEOF and the nuns (bhikkhunis). It also gives JAINISM AND BUDDHISM an account of the life and teachings The following factors favoured the rise and of Buddha as well as some important growth of Jainism and Buddhism: aspects of ancient Indian history, customs and arts of the period. (1)_Reaction against Ritualism: Religious TheSuttaPitaka comprises the discourses ceremonies by then had become very expensive, of Buddha on various occasions. It also beyond the means of ordinary people. Some has discourses by someof the disciples of priests hardly realised the sufferings of the Buddha such as Sariputta, Ananda and common man. This was an important cause that others. The Dhammapada (way of truth) gave rise to faiths that were simple and is an important component of this Pitaka, inexpensive. which comprises Buddha's teachings. The Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with Buddhist philosophy. It describes things like the working of the human mind and the state of matter. Besides being the most reliable source of information about Buddhist religion and philosophy, the Tripitakas provide a glimpse of the social, economic and political life in the age of Buddha. (ii) Jatakas: Jatakas referto the tales which describe the previous births of Buddha, in both human and animal form. Each tale begins by noting the occasion that prompted its telling and ends with the Statue of Mahavira  is why Mahavira is considered systemnatic.That () Corruption inReligion: Corruption crept In order toincrease their as the founder of Jainism. Kundagrama near into regious practices. ordinary people Mahavira was born in own wealth, priestsencouraged household the second half of 6th century and conduct rites Vaishaliin Bihar in to perforn yajnas beyond their means. Kshatriya rulers protested BC. practices. The of a Kshatriya clan against the dominance of such His father was the chief belonged to the royal common man could not reconcile to this attitude and his mother Trishala early of thepriests. Both Jainism and Buddhism wvere Mahavira received his family ofLichchavis. He ís said founded by two Kshatriya princes. branches. education in all specialised his brave and to have saved (iii) Rigid Caste System: The division of to have been very of and For these deeds societyihto Bramans, KShatriyas, Vaishyas colleagues from dangers. time of Shudras had become rigid. It did not allow any Mahavira. At the not bravery,he was called was prosperous; of one caste could socialmobility.A person There were his birth,his father's kingdom other caste. Vardhamana (Prosperity). become a member of the So the boy was called restrictions on the basis of caste on food, drinks pursuits from early He got absorbed in spiritual to Yashoda. This marriage. Interchange of castewas impossible. and childhood. He was married Language: Sanskrit was his attention from (iv) Dificlt Most of the Vedic was done in order to divert considered a sacred language. asceticism. At the age of thirty, after the death literature wascomposed in Sanskrit. The priestly the World of his parents, Mahavira renounced class gave discourses and chanted mantras in ascetic practising severe this language, wvhich the common people found and roamedabout as an dificult to understand. Therefore, many people penance for 12years. He silently endured all began to look for an alternative religion that they could understand better. (v) Political situation; In the sixth century BC, Magadha wasruled by Bimbisara and later by Ajatashatru. Both these rulers were liberal andtolerant. They too, were free from Brahmanic infiuence and condemned certain social evils in their kingdoms. When the opportunity came, they patronised both Jainism and Buddhism. (vi) Aricultural Economy:Killing of animals to perform sacrifices was against the interests of farmers in theGangetic valley. The use of iron had made the animal-drawn plough popular. Such farmers needed a religion that would give protection to animals. Both Jainism and Buddhism preached non-violence and were against animal sacrifices. JAINIS The dctrines Aof the Jains were preached by saints or acharyas called tirthankaras, iiterally meaning, those who guide men and women across the river of existence. Twenty-three tirthanka ras preceded Mahavira.The first tirthankara was Rishabhadev and the twenty third was Parshvanatth. Vardhamana Mahavira Mahavira was the the tirthankaras.Hetwenty-fourth andthe last of made Jainism popular and Rh  things), things), Ajiva (non-living Ashraw he obtained the supreme Jiva (living Pap (sin), last of good deeds), At the hardships. Punya (results in the way of He subdued his desires and became Sanvar (hindrances knowledge. His followers came to (good deeds), Nirjara (destruction or the congueror. (bondage), Jina Caled Jinas or Jains-i.e., those who have karma), BandhaMoksha (salvation). \of karmas) and their desires. Conquered of Mahavira: After becoming the OF JAINISM Preachings He DocTRINES Mahavira preached that the Mahavira spent his life in preaching (i) Tri-ratnas: from Noun Vp2Stuated in attain freedon of man is to Jina, his firstSCmona It can be ultimate goal Rve the capital of Magadha) He was now or to attain moksha'. Ragha, (all-knowin OF Lord Mahavira. e worldly bonds tri-ratnas or three jewels: a Kevalin preached obtained by following and Large number of followers. (b) right knowledge, He d (a) right faith, & Anga, taiaus centres like Avant, Kosala, Lord Vaishali. (c) right conduct. ithila, Champa, Videha and a true Jain to at the age of 72 at heviraattained salvation These three jewels inspire in Bihar. At the time of his death, he 24 Tirthankaras (literally, have faith in the women across the guide men and those who Pavapurn 14,000 followers, from had about existence), to acquire knowledge of and to lead a good river life. OF JAINISM NAIN TEACHINGs their sermons in the Karma of the Jains believe ainism did not accept the authority is said Karma: The should be and that one or (ii) five vows. It Tedas. Jainism preaches theory of Hinduism Karma actions. only the fifth vow was added byMahavira: for one's own responsible from the cycle has liberate a man 1.The Five Vows: A Jain householder Good deeds alone the following five vows: of life and death. take on equality Mahavira laid stress to 0 Akimsa: non-vioence. (iii)Equality: and mnen as well as between men 6) Achaurya orAsteya: not stealing. between men brotherhood. a lie. He preached universal ()Satya not_telling property. and women. all men equal irrespective of their iv) Apaigraha:not possessing He considered that the virtuous practising chastity. Mahavira believed Brahmacharya: caste or creed. or nirvana. ultimate salvation These doctrines came tobe regarded as five deeds could achieve the highest from the tiny insect to which every Jain is supposed to take. All living beings, VOws, be shown compassion. is form of life, should The most important precept in Jainism i.e., even soul.hat the entire world is animated, Abode of the liberated have life. Therefore. stones. rocks and water Right Conduct especially to humans, non-injuryto living beings, Right is important in Jain animals,plants and insects, is Right Faith Knowledge to Mahavira violence philosophy. According of three kinds(a) Physical violence like killing, Heaven Human pain, (b)Violence in words or causing injury or Hell and (c) Mental violence like ill Animal harsh language will towards others. Jains believed in the sanctity of every living being to live. of life or the right the five vows and other 2.Nine Truths: Besides Jains are expected generaldoctrines ofJainism, Non-violence of the nine truths. to have the knowledge the knowledge According to Jain philosophy, is essential and only af these Nine Truths shortest way to salvation. Tenunciation is the These Nine Truths have a central place in are: Symbol of Jainism Jainism. The Nine Truths thephilosophy of  received royal Jainism ba Royal Patronagef is said to (ii) Maurya later Chandragupta in the years as well as patronage. to Jainism AD Chalukyas Non-violence been Converted 5th century In the patronised Jainism. sanctity his rule) maintaining the of also )THINK TIT the path and and Rashtrakutas of Kalinga (Odisha), helped ABOUT of life is the ruler India and Kharavela, in eastern the goal of Jainism of,Jainism relevantin in the spread There were many devout Jain these faiths Buddhism; making (iii) Saints: who lived in Ujjain and terrorism is affecting like Kalkacharya today's world where they saints Jainism) Another Jain Saint of life. How have a centre of in all walks made it everyone the centuriesto Jainism to Karnataka. to survive through Bhadrabahu took managed to this day? People:( People found the be relevanteven (iv) Appeal to based on austerity, as it was attractive the religion were no animal spirituality.)There simplicityand in soul: Mahavira believed any class distinction. (iv) Eternal He said that the sacrifices nor was there of the soul (atma). immortality body dies but not the soul. Jains DrvISION INTO Two SECTS tion: Like the Hindus, when Bhadrabahu took Jainism or freedom fromn B (v) Salva During the time arose differences betwe in Moksha (Salvation) can be believe and rebirths. This to Karnataka, there life based on births the cycle of by leading an austere him and Sthulabhadra, who was based in achieved only To attain salvation held aroUnd non-violenceand self-denial. Magadha. In the first Jain councilto surface tri-ratnasof right 300 BC, these differences came A to practise the it is necessary and right action. two groups faith, right knowledge, in a result, Jains were divided into (vi) Belief in Penance: Jains believed or the white clads were le santhara (a) Shvetambaras of starvation, called in Magadha penance. To die or sallekhana was considered a virtue. Jainism by Sthulabhadra. They remained that and covered their faces lays so much stress on severe penance very They wore white clothes This to avoid killing the few people could lead such an austere with a small white cloth life. explains why Jainism had few followers. that might enter the tiniest of insects or germs fasted but did not nose while breathing. They SPREAD OF JAINISM and austerity. believe in extreme penance Jainismn had royal patronage. Therefore, it spread easily around Kosala, Magadha, Mithila,Champa (b)Digambaras followed Bhadrabahu. They their and other parts of the country. Lord Mahavira were sky-clad and did not believe in covering without founded monasteries headed by learned munis bodies. According to Digambaras living (sages). They lived an austere life to give an clothes signified detachment from wor!dly example to the people to follow. In the western pleasures. According to them, one could avoid parts of India,Jainism was patronised by the business community. In South India, Jainism was patronised by the Rashtrakuta and Chalukya kings. Later, Jainism became a dominant religion in Karnataka. Jainism spread to Odisha, Rajasthan and Gujarat. CAUSEs OF THE SPREAD OF JAINISM (i)Local Dialect Mahavira adopted the language of the common people, i.e., Prakrit instead of Sanskrit to preach his doctrines. Later, the monks followed the same practice. People found it easier to follow the preachings of Jainism in the local language. Tirthankaras  lfe forms by not wearing killing washing clothes, many clothes because while They were orthodox germs would get killed. followers of They kept long fasts and led an Mahavira. austere life. OF JAINISM DAPACT believes in the spirit of Jainism accommodation Its equality. approach was and had a profound pragmatic. It, therefore, impact on the political life of the social people. and Political Impact: In (a) early stages, was more remarkable its success than that Buddhism. However, it was of who took to this new mainly the Kshatiyas faith. As a they lost their war-like instincts. It is one result reasons why Jains did not try to build of the Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu empire of their OWn. political any more Social and Religious Impact: place is Palitana in Gujarat which has (b) Jainism the system of casteism, than 800temples. discarded shunned and encouraged social service. rituals DECLINE OF JAINISM and Literature: (c)Language Jain scholars The following factors were responsible for the made animportant contribution in have literary decline of Jainism: The Jain texts were writtenin Prakrit,but feld. these texts were also (i) Jainism preached rigid austerity. It rose some places written in existed. The at at a time when Buddhism also the local |languages. They were finally compiled theory of ahimsa was extended even to wearing in the sixth century AD at Valabhi in of clothes. These factors prevented it from getting Gujarat. The Angas, the twelve books popular support. containing the teachings Mahavira, are a great source of (ii) The religion did not spread to foreign The Mahapurana composed by countries. It did not have missionary effort. of knowledge. Jinasena, Kalpasutra compiled by Bhadrabahu (iii) Jainism did not get royal patronage from Buddhism and Ratna Malika by the Rashtrakuta ruler. Contenporary rulers. In contrast, from Ashoka, Anoghavarsha are outstanding literary works. received a large-scale support Jain literature 1s in Ardhmagadhi and Prakrit Harsha and Kanishka. dialects. It highlights the values of ahimsa. From (iv) Though Jainism advocated equality of the high the writings of the Jains, thehistory of India, men, it did not do away totally with especially from the 6th to 4th century BC, can be and low positions in society. (v) During the Gupta period and in later reconstructed. populau. years, Hinduism once again became (d)Art and Architecture: Jains constructed remained restricted to a few Therefore, Jainism temples and monasteries. Jain relics are found pockets in the country. in Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves in Odisha. Jains constructed hundreds of Dharamshalas, opened several orphanagesand supported many charitable institutions. The gigantic structures of the Bahubali (Gomateswara) at Shravanabelagola and at Karkala in Karnataka are good examples of Jain at Mt. art and architecture. The Dilwara temples Abu in Rajasthan and at Ranakpur near Jodhpur and the Jain Tower at Chittor are famous for holy Jain architecture. The most famous Jain