Summary
Chapter-6
The Sage’s Quest for Truth
Siddhartha, or Gautama Buddha, emerged 2500 years ago during a transformative era. Born into the Sakya gana, a small community, he abandoned his comfortable life as a kshatriya prince. After years of wandering and philosophical discussions, he sought enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Upon attaining enlightenment, he became the Buddha, the Wise One, and embarked on a journey to share his teachings.
Buddha’s Teachings: Craving, Kindness, and Karma
The Buddha’s teachings centered on the understanding of life’s suffering, rooted in human cravings and desires. Thirst or tanha, as he termed it, represented the constant yearning that led to discontent. Moderation, kindness, and respect for all life, including animals, formed the core of his philosophy. He emphasized the impact of actions, or karma, on both current and future lives. Communicating in Prakrit, the language of the ordinary people, the Buddha aimed for universal comprehension.
as a stupa, was built to mark the place where the Buddha first taught his message.
Parables of Wisdom: The Tale of Kisagotami
Around 2500 years ago, Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara of Jainism, advocated a life of asceticism and adherence to ahimsa (non-violence). Jain followers, known as Jainas, led austere lives, supported mainly by traders. The rigorous principles of Jainism posed challenges for adherents, especially farmers who needed to protect their crops from insects.
A poignant story illustrates the Buddha’s wisdom. Kisagotami, grieving her deceased son, sought a miracle. The Buddha tasked her with obtaining mustard seeds from a house untouched by death. In her quest, she realized the universality of mortality. The Buddha’s message emphasized acceptance and understanding of life’s inevitable cycles.
Philosophical Explorations: Upanishads and Six Schools
In tandem with the Buddha’s teachings, various thinkers delved into philosophical inquiries during this period. The Upanishads, part of the later Vedic texts, explored questions of life after death and the significance of sacrifices. These profound dialogues presented the concepts of atman (individual soul) and brahman (universal soul). Concurrently, six schools of Indian philosophy, including Vaishesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimansa, and Vedanta, delved into diverse aspects of truth.
Beggar’s Wisdom: A Lesson from Chhandogya Upanishad
A dialogue from the Chhandogya Upanishad depicted the wisdom of a beggar who challenged sages about the universal soul. The beggar’s insightful argument compelled the sages to share their food, illustrating the interconnectedness of all beings.
Language and Grammar: Panini’s Contributions
In the realm of language, Panini, a renowned scholar, crafted a Sanskrit grammar around 3000 formulae. His meticulous work facilitated a systematic understanding of the language, resembling algebraic formulations.
Jainism: Mahavira’s Teachings and Practices
The Sangha: Monastic Communities and Rules
Both the Buddha and Mahavira established monastic communities, the sangha, for those seeking true knowledge. Rules for the Buddhist sangha were documented in the Vinaya Pitaka. The sangha accommodated men and women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a shared commitment to simplicity, meditation, and community support.
Viharas: Evolution of Monastic Dwellings
Initially, monks and nuns roamed, teaching and seeking alms. Over time, the need for permanent shelters led to the construction of viharas—monasteries. Viharas, often built on donated land, became integral to the spread of Buddhism. The worship of statues of the Buddha and the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism marked significant shifts.
Buddhism’s Geographic Expansion: Caves, Statues, and Mahayana
Buddhism expanded westward to caves in western India and south to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Southeast Asia. A new form, Mahayana Buddhism, introduced statues of the Buddha and the concept of Bodhisattvas—enlightened beings choosing to remain in the world to assist others.
Pilgrimages and Learning Centers: Journeys to Holiness
Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, undertook perilous journeys to sacred sites, including Nalanda in Bihar. Nalanda, a renowned learning center, attracted scholars from diverse regions. Xuan Zang marveled at its strict rules, vibrant discussions, and intellectual rigor.
Stages of life: Ashram’s
The Ashram’s consist of four life stages:
- Brahmacharya:
- Student life, focused on Vedic studies.
- Grihastha:
- Householder stage, marriage, and societal duties.
- Vanaprastha:
- Transition to a contemplative life, often in seclusion.
- Samnyasa:
- Renunciation, detachment from worldly pursuits for spiritual focus.
These stages guide individuals from education to family life, contemplation, and ultimately renunciation.
The Legacy of Buddhist Pilgrimage: Spreading Wisdom Across Borders
Pilgrimages served as conduits for cultural exchange, with pilgrims documenting their experiences and learnings. The accounts of Fa Xian, Xuan Zang, and others provide valuable insights into the challenges and richness of cross-cultural interactions.