Buddhism - Art and Culture Notes

In the sixth century BCE, the Gangetic valley saw the birth of new religious and social movements in the form of Buddhism, which was part of the shramana tradition. It gained popularity because it opposed the Hindu religion's varna and jati systems. It is one of the world's major religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread to large parts of Southeast Asia.

The story of Siddhartha, who became known as Buddha, is linked to the origins of Buddhism. Buddhism's traditions, beliefs, and practices are all attributed to Buddha. After Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, it is the world's fourth-largest religion. Buddhism is practiced by approximately 7% of the world's population. Buddhists account for 0.7 percent of India's population or 8.4 million people.

This article will explain to you the concepts related to Buddhism which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Origin of Buddhism

• 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.
• Gautama left home at the age of 29, rejecting his life of wealth in favor of asceticism, or intense self-discipline.
• Gautama 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).
• In 483 BCE, he died at the age of 80 in Kushinagara, a town in Uttar Pradesh. Mahaparinibbana is the name of the event.
• The Buddha's five forms are as follows:
• Lotus and Bull – Birth
• Horse – Renunciation
• Bodhi Tree – Mahabodhi
• Dhamma Chakra Pravartana – First sermon
• Footprints – Nirvana

Doctrines of Buddhism

• The Ariya-Sacchani (four noble truths), Ashtangika-Marga (Eightfold Path), Middle Path, Social Code of Conduct, and Attainment of Nibbana/Nirvana are the basis of Buddha's doctrine.
• Buddha advises against clinging to anything (including his teachings).
• The teachings are not dogma, but rather Upaya (skillful ways or expedient instruments). It's fingers pointing at the moon, and the finger should not be confused with the moon.
• Buddha advised his followers to steer clear of the two extremes of worldly pleasure and rigorous abstinence and asceticism.
• Instead, he assigned the 'Madhyam Marg,' or middle route, to be pursued.
• He emphasised the individualistic aspect of Buddhism by saying that everyone was responsible for their own happiness in life.
• His teachings are based on three pillars:
  • Buddha – Founder/Teacher
  • Dhamma – Teachings
  • Sangha – Order of Buddhist Monks and Nuns (Upasakas)
• The Buddha's doctrine revolves around dukkha and its abolition. Suffering encompasses not just the actual agony, but also the possibility of experiencing these things.
• The pursuit of enlightenment is at the heart of Buddhism. It denotes a way of living that is free of self-indulgence and denial. In Buddhism, there is no supreme god or divinity.
• The ultimate goal of Buddha's teaching was to achieve nirvana, which was an experience rather than a destination that could be achieved in this life.
• Buddha also set a rule of conduct for both monks and laypeople to follow, known as the Five Precepts and to abstain from them.
  • Violence
  • stealing
  • sexual misconduct
  • lying or gossip
  • taking intoxicating substances.
• Buddha's worldview admits impermanence and transmigration but denies God's existence and says the soul is a myth.
• According to Buddhism, there are ten realms of existence, and one can be born into any of them.

Four Noble Truths

The four noble truths constitute the foundation of Buddhism's teachings:

• Dukha (the truth of suffering) - According to Buddhism, all is suffering (Sabbam Dukham). It refers to a person's ability to suffer grief rather than the actual agony and sadness they have experienced.
• Samudaya (the reason of suffering) - Trishna (desire) is the main cause of misery. Every ailment has a purpose, and it is an inevitable part of life.
• Nirodha (the truth of the end of suffering) — the attainment of Nibbana/Nirvana can put an end to the pain/suffering.
• Ashtangika-Marga (The Truth of the Path Leading to the End of Suffering) - The end of suffering is contained in the eightfold route.

Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path emphasises unlearning over learning i.e., learning in order to unlearn and discover. The path is made up of eight actions that work together to help you get beyond the conditioned responses that keep you from seeing your true self. The Ashtangika-Marga is made up of the following elements:

• Right Vision (Samma-Ditthi) - It is about comprehending the nature of reality and the path of transformation.
• Right Thought or Attitude (Samma-Sankappa) - It denotes emotional intelligence as well as behaving out of love and compassion.
• Right or Whole Speech (Samma-Vacca) - It refers to communications that are truthful, straightforward, uplifting, and non-harmful.
• Right or Integral Action (Samma-Kammanta) - It denotes a moral foundation for life based on principles of non-exploitation of oneself and others. It consists of five precepts that serve as an ethical code of conduct for monastics and laypeople alike. These are the following:
  • Do not commit violence.
  • Do not covet the property of others.
  • Do not indulge in corrupt practices or sensual behaviour.
  • Do not tell a lie.
  • Do not use intoxicants.
  • To avoid eating after mid-day.
  • To abstain from all forms of enjoyment and the wearing of jewellery.
  • To avoid sleeping in high or luxury beds, as well as handling gold and silver.
• Right or Proper Livelihood (Samma-Ajiva) - It emphasises livelihood based on correct action and non-exploitation ethical standards. This is seen to be the foundation of a perfect society.
• Right Effort or Energy (Samma-Vayama) - It refers to intentionally directing our life energy toward the transformative path of creative and healing action that promotes wholeness and so moves us closer to conscious evolution.
• Right Mindfulness (Samma-Sati) or Thorough Awareness (Samma-Sati) - It entails understanding oneself and observing one's own behaviour. "If you value yourself, keep a close eye on yourself," the Buddha said.
• Right Concentration (Samma-Samadhi) or Meditation (Samma-Samadhi) - Samadhi literally means "fixed, absorbed in." It entails immersing one's entire being in several levels or modes of consciousness and awareness.

Significance of Buddhism

• Popularity - Buddhism gained widespread acceptance and appeal, and it quickly swept across India like wildfire. It expanded its wings throughout Central Asia, West Asia, and Sri Lanka with the help of Emperor Ashoka.
• Liberal and democratic - It was significantly more liberal and democratic than Brahmanism. As it attacked the varna system, it earned the hearts of the lower classes.
  • It was open to members of all castes, and even women were allowed. Because they were despised by the orthodox Brahmanas, the people of Magadha readily accepted Buddhism.
• Common and simple language - The Buddha delivered his message in the common people's language.
  • The Pali language, which Buddha spoke, was the common people's language.
  • Only the Brahmins' monopoly on the Sanskrit language allowed the Vedic religion to be comprehended.
• Personality of Buddha - The Buddha's charisma endeared him and his faith to the populace. He was gentle and selfless.
  • The masses were drawn to him by his calm demeanour, lovely words of simple philosophy, and life of renunciation.
  • He had moral remedies to the people's concerns on hand.
• Royal patronage - Buddhism's quick development was also aided by royal support. Buddhism was patronised by kings like Prasenjit, Bimbisara, Ashoka, and Kanishka, who helped it grow throughout India and beyond.
  • For the promotion of Buddhism, Ashoka sent his children to Sri Lanka.
• Inexpensive - Buddhism was a low-cost religion, without the costly rites associated with Vedic religion.
  • It promoted a spiritual path free of material obligations such as offering gifts and performing rituals to appease gods and Brahmins.
• Buddhism attempted to ameliorate the negative effects of the sixth century BCE's new material world.
• The Buddhists developed unique remedies to these difficulties because they were acutely aware of the issues (social and economic inequality).
• Buddhism urged individuals to refrain from accumulating money, cruelty, or violence, all of which were popular views at the time.

Buddhist Texts

• The Buddha's teachings were delivered orally. He taught for 45 years, tailoring his lessons to the needs of the students.
• The teachings were learned by the Sangha, and group recitations were held at festivals and special occasions.
• In 483 BC, the teachings were rehearsed and validated in the First Council, after which they were separated into Three Pitakas.
• Around 25 BCE, his teachings were written down in Pali.
• Three Pitakas -
  • Vinaya Pitaka
  • Sutta Pitaka
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka
• The Vinaya Pitaka contains standards of behaviour and discipline for monks and nuns in their monastic lives.
• The main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha is contained in the Sutta Pitaka. It is divided into five collections, or Nikayas.
  • Digha Nikaya
  • Majjhima Nikaya
  • Samyutta Nikaya
  • Anguttara Nikaya
  • Khuddaka Nikaya
• The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical examination and systematisation of monks' teaching and scholarly work.
• Divyavadana, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milind Panha, and other key Buddhist scriptures.

Buddhist Literature

• Prakrit and Pali were the post-Vedic languages spoken by Indians.
• Prakrit is a catch-all name for any language that differs from the mainstream one, Sanskrit. Pali is an old Prakrit dialect that combines several dialects.
• Lord Buddha delivered his discourses in Pali, and as a result, early Buddhist literature was written in Pali.
• There are two major categories of Buddhist literature available in India.
  • Prakrit and Pali literature
  • Sanskrit literature

Prakrit and Pali literature

• Suttavibhanga, also known as the Patimokkha Sutta, provides the regulations for completely ordained monks known as bhikkhus (Maha Vibhanga) and fully ordained nuns known as bhikkhunis (Maha Vibhanga).
• Khandhakas - consist of two sections: the Mahavagga and the Cullavagga, and include laws on the path of life in the monastic order.
• The Mahavagga is about the Buddha's awakening and his great disciples, while theCullavagga is about the First and Second Buddhist Councils, as well as the establishment of a community of Buddhist nuns.
• Parivara - said to have been written by a Ceylonese monk, it is a handbook of instruction on the contents of the Vinaya Pitaka.
• The Digha Nikaya, or Lengthy Collection, contains 34 long Suttas. The Mahaparinibbana Sutta is the most important of these because it details the Buddha's final days.
• Majjhima Nikaya is a collection of 152 suttas in the form of middle-sized reports on instructions.
• The Samyutta Nikaya is a collection of instructions arranged into groups of 56 suttas.
• Anguttara Nikaya is a gradual or "by one limb more" collection in which the first chapter deals with things that happen only once, the second chapter deals with things that happen twice, and so on.
• Khadduka Nikaya is a collection of little pieces, containing writings of various characters that are scattered literary works.

Khadduka Nikaya

• The Khuddaka Nikaya contains some well-known literary works, such as
• The Khuddakapatha, a prayer book that is included in the Khuddaka Nikaya Dhammapada, comprises 423 gnomic stanzas that are immensely popular among the people.
• Udana is a compilation of the Buddha's compassionate remarks. It includes the well-known fable "Blind Men and Elephant."
• Itivuttaka - literally "thus hath been spoken" - is a collection of maxims uttered by the Buddha to his students.
• Sutta Nipata is an anthology of archaic literary works.
• The grandeur of celestial palaces where the gods live is described in Vimanavatthu.
• Petavatthu recounts the agonising existence of the departed spirits who must atone for their crimes.
• Thera and Thei-gathas are monks' and nuns' songs that are particularly engaging owing to their lyric excellence.

Canonical Literature

• Other important canonical Buddhist literary works are,
• The Jatakas are accounts of the Buddha's previous lives. There are 547 poems in all. The Khuddaka Nikaya mentions them.
• They are very similar to folklore literature. They are known as the Jatakamala in Sanskrit. In Khmer, they are referred to as cietak, and in Chinese, they are referred to as Sadok.
• Niddesa or Mahaniddesa - a commentary on the Suttanipata's first and second chapters.
• Patisambhidamagga - deals with knowledge and, according to its contents, can be regarded as Abhidhamma literature.
• Buddhavamsa is a verse legend. It tells the story of the lives and acts of the 24 Buddhas who came before Gautama.
• The holy legends are known as Apadanas. They describe the actions of young monks and nuns who have acquired the level of Arhats.
• Cariyapitaka is a collection of 35 Jatakas in metrical form. It indicates that Bodhisattva obtained the 10 paramitas in each of his past lives (perfections).

Non Canonical Literature

• Aside from the canonical literature, Pali has a plethora of non-canonical literature. Some examples are as follows:
• Milindapanha translates as "Milinda's Questions." It contains a conversation between Milinda, the Graeco-Bactrian King Menander, and the monk Nagasena about Buddhist issues. It was first written in Sanskrit.
• Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa are two well-known Ceylonese histories.
• The Mahavamsa is recognised as the world's longest uninterrupted historical narrative and deals with the royal dynasties of the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka.
• The Dipavamsa is concerned with the arrival of the Buddha's teachings and preachers in Sri Lanka.

Sanskrit Literature

• With the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, Sanskrit literature gained prominence in Buddhism.
• However, the Hinayana school produced some Sanskritic works as well.
• Mahavastu is widely regarded as the most important work of the Hinayana school. It is a compilation of stories written at various times throughout history.
• However, by adding facts about miracles and the Buddha's prior lifetimes, it also demonstrates some Mahayanic philosophy.
• Lalitavistara is regarded as one of the most revered Mahayanic writings. It is about the Buddha's biography.
• Asvaghosa's Buddhacharita is an epic-style Sanskrit text. It tells the story of Gautama Buddha's life.
• Apart from Buddhism, the Mahavibhasa Sastra, written by Vasumitra, is linked to the Hindu philosophies of Samkhya and Vaisheshika.
• Udanavarga - It includes verses attributed to the Buddha and his disciples.
• Aside from the aforementioned literature, there is also Vajrayana Buddhist literature, which is primarily a component of canonical Tibetan Buddhism.
• They are referred to as Buddhist Tantras. They are classified as follows:
• Kriya tantras – ceremonial acts are the centre of these tantras.
• Charya tantras - centred on worship of Buddha vairocana (celestial Buddha)
• Yoga tantras, like Vairocana Anuttara tantras, emphasise mental change rather than ceremonial deeds.

Buddhist Schools

Mahayana Buddhism

• It is one of Buddhism's two main schools.
• Mahayana is a Sanskrit phrase that directly translates to "Great Vehicle."
• It believes in Buddha's heavenly nature and the worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas who embody Buddha Nature as idols.
• It began in northern India and Kashmir, then moved east into Central Asia, East Asia, and certain Southeast Asian countries.
• The Mahayana tradition includes Buddhist schools in China, Korea, Tibet, and Japan.

Hinayana Buddhism

• It adheres to Buddha's original teachings, also known as the Doctrine of the Elders.
• It rejects idol worship in favour of self-discipline and meditation as means of achieving individual salvation.
• The Hinayana sect is Theravada.

Theravada Buddhism

• It is the oldest branch of Buddhism still practised today.
• It is the closest to the Buddha's original teachings.
• Theravada Buddhism originated in Sri Lanka and later extended throughout Southeast Asia.
• In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, it is the most widely practised religion.

Vajrayana Buddhism

• Vajrayana, often known as tantric Buddhism.
• Around the year 900 CE, this Buddhist school arose in India.
• In comparison to the other Buddhist schools, it is based on esoteric aspects and a complicated series of rites.

Zen Buddhism

• It is a Mahayana Buddhist school that began as the Chan school of Chinese Buddhism in China during the Tang dynasty and has since evolved into many schools.
• In the seventh century C.E., it reached Japan.
• The main distinguishing element of this Buddhist practice is meditation.

Buddhist Councils

• Buddhist Councils highlighted pivotal moments in Buddhism's early history.
• These councils led to sectarian strife and the Great Schism, which split Buddhism into two major schools: Theravada and Mahayana.
• Four important Buddhist councils were convened in total:
• First Buddhist Council -
  • It took place shortly after the Buddha's Mahaparinirvan, circa 483 BC, under King Ajatshatru's sponsorship and was presided over by Mahakasyapa, a monk.
  • The meeting took place at Rajgriha's Sattapani cave.
  • The council was convened in order to preserve Buddha's teachings (Sutta) and disciple norms.
  • The Buddha's teachings were separated into three Pitakas during this meeting.
• Second Buddhist Council -
  • In 383 BC, it was conducted in Vaishali, a Bihar village, under the patronage of King Kalasoka. Sabakami presided over the event.
• Third Buddhist Council -
  • It took place in Patliputra around 250 BC, under Ashoka's patronage, and was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
• Fourth Buddhist Council -
  • It took place in Kashmir's Kundalvana in the year 72 AD.
  • Vasumitra presided, with Asvaghosa as his deputy, and it was held under the patronage of King Kanishka of the Kushan Empire.
  • There were two sects of Buddhism: Mahayan and Hinayan.

Buddhism and Indian Culture

• Its main contribution was the concept of ahimsa. It later became one of our country's most valued values.
• It made a significant contribution to Indian art and architecture. The stupas in Sanchi, Bharhut, and Gaya are magnificent works of art.

• Residential universities, such as those at Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramasila, were used to foster education.
• Buddhism's teachings influenced the development of Pali and other local languages.
• It had also aided in the spread of Indian culture throughout Asia.

Causes of Decline

• Corruption in the Buddhist Sangha – The Buddhist Sangha grew corrupt over time. Receiving rich presents drove them in the direction of luxury and pleasure.
  • The Buddha's teachings were conveniently forgotten, and the Buddhist monks and their preachings began to suffer as a result.
• Buddhist schisms – Buddhism has had its share of schisms over the years. Buddhism's originality was lost as a result of its fragmentation into several breakaway groups such as Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tantrayana, and Sahajayana.
  • Buddhism had lost its simplicity and was becoming more convoluted.
• Use of Sanskrit language - Pali, the spoken language of the majority of Indians, was the medium through which the Buddhist message was conveyed.
  • During Kanishka's reign, however, Sanskrit superseded these at the Fourth Buddhist Council. Sanskrit was a language of a few intellectuals, rarely understood by the general public, and so became one of the many reasons for Buddhism's demise.
• Buddha worship - The Mahayana Buddhists were the first to introduce image worship to Buddhism.
  • They began to venerate the Buddha's image. The Buddhist teachings of rejecting complicated ceremonies and rituals of Brahmanical worship were violated by this method of worship.
  • This contradiction led some to assume that Buddhism was moving closer to Hinduism.
• Buddhists are being persecuted – With the passage of time, the Brahmanical faith resurfaced. Some Brahmana monarchs, such as Huna king Pushyamitra Shunga, Mihirakula (Shiva worshipper), and Shaivite Shashank of Gauda, persecuted Buddhists en masse.
• The generous donations to the monasteries began to dwindle. In addition, the Turkish and other invaders targeted a number of wealthy monasteries.
• Conquest of India by Muslims – The Muslim invasion of India nearly wiped off Buddhism. Their invasions of India became routine, and the Buddhist monks were compelled to seek asylum and shelter in Nepal and Tibet.
• Buddhism eventually faded out in India, its birthplace.

Conclusion

Buddhism as a Soft Power in India is not the same as it is in the United States. India emphasises shared cultural growth rather than cultural export. The effect of Lord Buddha's and Buddhism's teachings can be linked to the ideals of peace, accommodation, inclusion, and compassion that are part of contemporary societies. Since Buddhism is ingrained in their "nationalistic" thoughts and deeds, it might heighten emotional affinity and connectivity in Asians, but Buddhism is not limited to Asia, it has sparked spiritual awakenings in other parts of the world and impacted a variety of philosophical systems.