the great preachers

5 The Great Preachers –

Mahavira and Buddha

Let’s Learn

™ Factors responsible for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism
™ Jainism – Vardhamana Mahavira
™ Buddhism – Gautama Buddha
™ Comparative study between Jainism and Buddhism

Jump Start

Once, a prince was walking through his palace garden, when
a swan fell in front of him. It was hit by an arrow. There was
blood on its wings. The Prince took out the arrow from the
swan’s body very gently and cleaned its wound. The prince
took care of the swan and slowly the wound started healing.
The prince’s cousin demanded the swan as it was he who
had hunted it. However, the prince who saved the swan
refused to give away the swan. The argument was taken to
the king’s court. The king after listening to the claims of
both the princes gave the judgment in favour of the prince
who had saved the swan.

Why do you think the king gave the judgement in favour of the prince who had saved
the swan?

The people during the Early Vedic period followed a religion based on nature worship. It
was simple and easy to practise. Towards the end of the Later Vedic period, religion became
difficult and more complicated to follow and practise. This ultimately led to the emergence of
religious reform movements.

Factors Responsible for the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

Many factors led to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism. They are as follows:
• Expensive sacrifices, superstitions, meaningless and complicated rituals ruined the

simplicity and charm of the original Vedic religion.
• The Vedic texts were written in Sanskrit that was beyond the understanding of the common

people. The rituals were also performed in Sanskrit.

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• The brahamanas interpreted the religious texts in a manner that led to the increase of their
power, prestige and prosperity. The customs and traditions introduced by the brahamanas
resulted in exploitation of the common people.

• The caste system became increasingly oppressive and rigid. The shudras were isolated
from the society. They were not allowed to study the religious scriptures and recite Sanskrit
hymns.

• The kshatriyas functioned as rulers yet they were ranked second in the varna system. They
were unhappy with the domination of the brahamanas.

• The vaishyas became an important part of the society due to the growing trade activities.
The existing religion did not change their social status. As a result, they were looking for
a religion that would improve their position in society. Therefore, they supported the new
religious sects.

At the same time, two great preachers – Vardhaman Mahavira and Gautama Buddha
were born. They started reform movements to prevent the evil customs and practises that
existed in the society. The teachings of these two great preachers led to the rise of new
religions – Jainism and Buddhism.

Jainism – Vardhamana Mahavira

Early life

Vardhamana Mahavira is considered to be the most important

tirthankara of Jainism. The word Vardhamana means the

‘prosperous one’. He was the 24th and the last tirthankara of

the Jains. He was born in 540 BCE in Kundagram near Vaishali,

in present-day Bihar. He was a kshatriya prince who gave up

his luxurious and comfortable life at the age of 30 and became

an ascetic. Fig. 7.1 Vardhamana Mahavira

In search of truth through Did You Know

Mahavira wandered

different places in search of Rishabhanatha is considered
truth. For about twelve years, as the first tirthankara of
he meditated and performed Jainism. He is also known as
severe penance to gain spiritual Adinatha. He was the first to
knowledge. He became a jina preach the Jain faith.
meaning the conqueror of self.

The philosophy developed by Fig. 7.2 Rishabhanatha

him is known as Jainism and his followers are called Jains.

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Teachings

• Ahimsa

Mahavira’s greatest teaching is
Ahimsa or non-violence. He
preached that no living being not
even insects and plants should be
harmed.

• Karma and rebirth

An individual’s soul is reborn

again and again due to his/her

karma. The highest goal in every

person’s life was to attain moksha

or salvation, that is, freedom from

the cycle of birth and rebirth. One Fig. 7.3 Mahavira conducting a sermon

can attain moksha by following the triratnas or three jewels of Jainism. The three jewels

are – Right knowledge, Right belief and Right conduct.

• Caste system
Mahavira believed in equality of people. He did not believe in the division of people in
various castes.

• Concept of God, religious rites and rituals
Mahavira did not believe in the existence of God. He opposed the Vedas. He opposed all
types of rites and rituals that were performed in the name of religion.

Sects

Mahavira died at the age of 72 in Pavapuri, in present-day Uttar Pradesh. He had a large

number of followers which included the rulers of Magadha, Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. After

his death, Jainism was divided into two sects, Digambaras (sky clad) and Shvetambaras

(white clad).

Table 7.1 Sects of Jainism

Digambaras Shvetambaras

They did not wear any clothes and followed They wore white clothes and did not

the original teachings of Mahavira. believe in severe penance.

They believed that women cannot achieve They believed that women could achieve

liberation. liberation.

They believed that a saint does not need The view that a saint does not need food

food and he can live without eating. and he can live without eating were not

accepted by the Shvetambaras.

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Spread of Jainism Fig. 7.4 The splendid Dilwara Temple in Mount
Abu, Rajasthan is an excellent example of Jain
The Jain monks lived and worked in the
monasteries established by Mahavira. They architecture.
played a major role in spreading Jainism to
different parts of the country. Jainism spread
to Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Malwa, Gujarat and
Rajasthan. The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is
accredited to the Mauryan king, Chandragupta.
Jainism is still followed by people in various
states of India like Maharashtra, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. among others.

Literature, art and architecture

The Jain religious literature includes the Purvas,
Angas, Upangas, etc. Jain art, architecture and
literature flourished under the patronage of
several kings who embraced Jainism as their
state religion.

Did You Know

The Ranakpur Temple built in the 15th century
is the largest and most important temple for
the Jain followers. Located in Rajasthan, this
temple is acclaimed worldwide for its intricate
and excellent architectural design.

Fig. 7.5 Ranakpur Temple

Buddhism – Gautama Buddha

Early life

Prince Siddhartha, later known as Gautama Buddha is the founder
of Buddhism. He was born in 567 BCE, at Lumbini near Kapilavastu,
in present-day Nepal. As a kshatriya prince, Siddhartha’s life was
filled with luxuries, pleasures and comforts. He was married to
Yashodhara, a beautiful princess and they had a son Rahul. The
luxurious and happy family life did not appeal to Siddhartha. He
was always moved by the sufferings and miseries of people.

Fig. 7.6 Gautama Buddha

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In search of truth

The four great sights marked a turning point in

Siddhartha’s life. It is widely believed that the

idea of renunciation came to Siddhartha after

witnessing four different stages of human life on

four different occasions. He saw an old man, a

sick man and a corpse being carried for funeral.

These three sights of old age, sickness and death

deeply affected him. Then he saw an ascetic who

looked peaceful and unaffected by the sorrows
and miseries around him. Siddhartha decided to Fig. 7.7 A wooden carving of the four great sights

renounce his worldly life and find a path that leads to Nirvana. At the age of 29, he left the

palace quietly at night when his wife and son were asleep and became an ascetic. This event

is known as The Great Departure.

As an ascetic, Siddhartha wandered for six years

in search of truth. One day in the evening he sat

under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya in present-day

Bihar and began to meditate. On the 49th day, he

gained supreme knowledge. He had discovered

the cause of human sufferings and gained the

knowledge to overcome them. This was when

he became the Buddha, the Enlightened One.

Buddha delivered his first sermon in the Deer

Park at Sarnath. During the next 45 years, he

visited different places meditating and preaching

Fig. 7.8 Buddhas first sermon his message. He passed away at the age of 80 in

Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Teachings Right Belief

The religious philosophy developed by Right Right Thought
Buddha is known as Buddhism. The Meditation
chief principals of Buddhism are derived
from the Four Noble Truths and the Right Effort The Eightfold Right Speech
Eightfold Path or the ashtangika marga. Path
The basic teachings of the Eightfold Path
are also known as Middle Way as they Right Memory Right Action
guide people to attain nirvana without
extreme ease or hardship. Right Means
of Livelihood

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• The Four Noble Truths
¾ The world is full of suffering and sorrow.
¾ The cause of suffering and sorrow is human desire.
¾ The sufferings can be ended by controlling desires.
¾ Desires can be controlled and freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth can
be attained by nirvana. The Eightfold Path leads to nirvana.

• Ahimsa
Ahimsa or non-violence was one of the important features of Buddha’s teachings. He
condemned animal sacrifices and emphasised on the spirit of good deeds.

• Karma
According to the doctrine of karma, people’s actions decide their destiny. Good conduct is
rewarded while bad action brings evil results.

• Nirvana
The ultimate goal of an individual is to attain nirvana that is
extinction from the cycle of birth and death. It is a state of bliss
that can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path.

• Caste system
Buddha did not recognise the caste system and preached
equality among people. Buddhism welcomed people from all
castes and abolished caste distinctions.

• God

Buddhism does not recognise the existence of god. Buddha

gave importance to moral values such as honesty, non-violence, Fig: 7.9 Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath-
obedience and respect for elders and kindness towards all Sarnath is an important site of
living beings. Buddhist pilgrimage in India

Sects

There are two major sects of Buddhism: Mahayana and Hinayana

Table 7.2 Sects of Buddhism

Mahayana Hinayana

The Mahayana Buddhists worshipped The Hinayana Buddhists regarded Buddha as

Buddha as God. a preacher and guide.

They stressed on the efficacy of worship and They believed in good deeds and followed

emphasised on rituals and ceremonies. the Eightfold Path.

They prayed to the images of Buddha and They did not believe in idol worship.
Bodhisattvas.

They used the Sanskrit language for writing. They used Pali language for writing.

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Brain Teaser

Do you think the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism should be followed to make
the world a better place to live? Discuss.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddha preached in Pali language. He formed
sanghas, an order of monks and nuns. The
monks and nuns in the sangha travelled from
place to place teaching the noble messages of
Buddha. This helped in the spread of Buddhist
teachings among the common people. The
simple teachings and principle of equality
attracted people throughout the world. Apart
from India, Buddhism rapidly spread in China, Fig: 7.10 Reclining Buddha at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, Burma, Nepal, Tibet, Japan, Thailand and Cambodia in due course of time.

Over the years, the monks and nuns and their supporters felt the need for permanent shelters
which led to the construction of monasteries. The monasteries became centres of learning
and education. This led to the rapid spread of Buddhism. Ashoka, the Mauryan ruler, can be
accredited for promoting Buddhism. He converted to Buddhism and worked towards the
moral upliftment of the people and wanted them to follow the policy of ahimsa.

Peep into the Past

Some of the monasteries in western India

were in caves. These caves were hollowed

out of the hills for the monks and nuns to

live. The Karla caves in Maharashtra are

one of them. Monks and nuns lived and

meditated in these cave shelters. The caves

were excavated from the donations and

support of a prince of the Maharathi family. Fig: 7.11 Karla caves
Merchants and merchant guilds, monks and

nuns and devotees including men and women also contributed for the excavation. These

monasteries suggest that Buddhism welcomed people from all castes and occupations.

Find Out

Find out the names of any five Buddhist monasteries in India.

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Literature

The Buddhist religious literature includes the Tripitakas and Jatakas. In Pali, Tripitaka means
Three Baskets. The Three Baskets are:
• Basket of Discipline (Vinaya Pitaka)
• Basket of Discourses (Sutta Pitaka)
• Basket of Ultimate Things (Abhidhamma Pitaka)
The Jatakas, is a collection of stories that tell us about Buddha’s previous births.

Decline of Buddhism

Buddhism gradually declined in India due to following factors:
• Hinduism was reformed.
• Buddhist monks started using Sanskrit instead of Pali language. This isolated them from

the common people.
• The Huns and Turkish conquerors invaded India and destroyed the Buddhist monasteries.

Comparative Study between Jainism and Buddhism

Similarities

• Both the religions believed in simple living and non-violence.
• They did not give much importance to the caste system.
• Both religions taught that the highest goal of an individual is to attain salvation.
• Doctrines were preached in the language of the common people. Jainism adopted Prakrit

while Buddhism was preached in Pali.

Differences

• Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. However, Jainism was not founded by Mahavira.
• Buddhism follows the middle path while Jainism believes in austerity.
• The concept of non-violence in Jainism prohibits the killing of plants, insects and even

germs. However, the concept of non-violence in Buddhism is limited to human beings
and animals.

Word Galaxy

tirthankara: teacher
ascetic: a person who avoids luxuries
corpse: a dead body
nirvana: freedom from the cycle of birth and death
enlighten: free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition
doctrine: religious beliefs that are taught and accepted by a particular group
efficacy: fruitfulness or value

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Let’s Summarise factors responsible for the
rise of Jainism and Buddhism
comparative study between
Jainism and Buddhism

early life early life
in search of truth
in search of truth The Great Preachers -
Mahavira and Buddha teachings
teachings sects
Mahayana sects Buddhism - Jainism -
Hinayana. Gautama Buddha Vardhamana Mahavira spread of Jainism
literature, art and
spread of Buddhism
architecture
literature

decline of Buddhism

Let’s Exercise

1. Choose the appropriate option. .
a. The Vedic texts were written in ii. Pali
i. Sanskrit iv. Kharosthi
iii. Prakrit

b. Mahavira was the tirthankara of Jainism.

i. first ii. second
iii. twenty-fourth iv. twenty-third

c. is the birth place of Gautama Buddha.

i. Vaishali ii. Lumbini
iii. Pavapuri iv. Sarnath

d. Chandragupta Maurya converted to .

i. Hinduism ii. Vedic religion
iii. Buddhism iv. Jainism

2. State true or false.
a. Mahayana Buddhism used Pali language for writing.
b. Mahavira was married to Yashodhara.
c. Ahimsa was one of the important features of Buddha’s teachings.
d. Buddhism welcomed people from all castes.

3. Answer the following questions in 10-20 words.
a. Write the three jewels of Jainism.
b. Name the two major sects of Buddhism.

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c. Why are the basic teachings of the Eightfold Path known as the Middle Way?
d. Why did Mahavira meditate and perform severe penance?
4. Answer the following questions in 50-70 words.
a. Distinguish between the two sects of Jainism.
b. Write about the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.
c. What were the four great sights that marked a turning point in Siddharta’s life? How did

the sights influence him?
d. Explain any three factors that were responsible for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism

in India.
5. Structured Question

With reference to the religion founded by Gautama Buddha, answer the following
questions.

a. Discuss the spread of the religion.
b. Write a short note on the decline of the religion.

6. Picture Study
a. Identify the great preacher shown in the picture.
b. Name the philosophy developed by him.

7. HOTS
Do you think people belonging to the shudra caste could join the Buddhist
sangha? Justify your answer with appropriate reasons.

8. Life Skills
‘I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity’. – B. R. Ambedkar
What values do you acquire from the religious philosophy of Jainism and Buddhism?

Do It To Know It!

9. Story Time: Read aloud your favourite story from the Jataka Tales.

10. Role-play: Write and perform a role-play on the teachings of Gautama Buddha.

11. Debate: Divide the class into two groups. Conduct a debate on the topic
‘Non-Violence – A strong weapon’.

WEBLINKS As on 31/07/2020

http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/buddha/story/sto_set.html
http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/70757.html?mulR=21320



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