Sarkari Pariksha

Buddhism, Jainism and Bihar

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Buddhism and Bihar

Gautama Buddha – Key Points

  • Born in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (Nepal), Sakya clan.
  • Father: Suddhodana, Mother: Mayadevi, Foster Mother: Prajapati Gautami.
  • Married Yasodhara at 16; son Rahul.
  • Left home at 29 after seeing four signs: old man, diseased man, corpse, ascetic.
  • Attained enlightenment (Nirvana) under Bodhi tree at 35.
  • Delivered first sermon at Sarnath; died at Kushinagar at 80.
  • Famous disciples: Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda, Kassapa, Upali.

Buddhist Literature

  • Abhidhamma Pitaka – Metaphysics of Buddhism.
  • Sutta Pitaka – Short sermons of Buddha (5 Nikayas).
  • Vinaya Pitaka – Monastic rules for monks & nuns.
  • Jatakas – Stories of Buddha’s past lives.
  • Milindapanha – Dialogue of saint Nagasena.
  • Written in Pali, compiled as Tripitaka in Third Buddhist Council.

Core Teachings

  • Eightfold Path: Right Vision, Intention, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Samadhi.
  • Four Noble Truths: Life is suffering; desire causes suffering; ending desire ends suffering; Nirvana attainable via Eightfold Path.

Buddhist Councils

  • 1st (483 BCE, Rajgir) – Preserved Sutta & Vinaya.
  • 2nd (383 BCE, Vaishali) – First split into Theravada & Mahayana.
  • 3rd (250 BCE, Pataliputra) – Added Abhidhamma Pitaka, settled Vinaya disputes.
  • 4th (72 CE, Kashmir) – Divided Buddhism into Mahayana & Hinayana.

Jainism and Bihar

Introduction

  • Ancient religion; Jina = liberator.
  • Reveres 24 Tirthankaras; rejects Vedas.
  • Canonical text: Tattvartha Sutra by Umasvati.
  • Valabhi Council (512 CE) – Standardized Jain scriptures.

Vardhaman Mahavira (540–468 BCE)

  • Born in Kundagrama near Vaishali; parents Siddhartha & Trisala.
  • Wife: Yasoda; attained Kevala Jnana after 13 years penance.
  • Preached Jainism for 30 years; died at Pavapuri, Rajagriha at 72.

Spread of Jainism

  • Two sects: Svetambara (White-Clad), Digambara (Sky-Clad).
  • 1st Council (Patliputra) – Led by Sthulabhadra.
  • 2nd Council (Valabhi, 5th century CE) – Compiled 12 Angas.
  • Mahavira’s teachings spread via Sangha, included men & women.
  • Bhadrabahu led followers south during famine; upon return, Svetambara & Digambara sects formed.
  • Spread supported by Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela, southern dynasties.