Buddhism And Jainism

Historical Timeline And Background Of Religious Movements

Chronological Progression Of Ancient Indian History 02:33

• Stone Age: Divided into three phases:

  • Palaeolithic Age

  • Mesolithic Age

  • Neolithic Age

• Chalcolithic Age (Copper Cultures) 03:03:

  • Includes cultures such as the Malwa Culture, Ahar-Banas Culture, Jorwe Culture and Kayatha Culture.

• Bronze Age 03:27:

  • Marked by the Indus Valley Civilization, which spanned roughly from 3300 BC (around 3200 BC) to 1700 BC.

• Vedic Period 03:58:

  • Divided into two parts with 1000 BC serving as the dividing line due to the discovery of iron:

    • Early Vedic Period (Rig Vedic Period): 1500 BC to 1000 BC.

      • During this period, Aryans first appeared in the Indian subcontinent and settled in the northwest Sapta Sindhu region (the Indus Valley area).

    • Later Vedic Period: 1000 BC to 600 BC 04:23.

      • Following the discovery of iron around 1000 BC, iron ploughs and axes were manufactured.

      • Iron axes were used to clear dense forests in the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar regions.

      • Populations shifted from the northwest Sapta Sindhu region into the Gangetic Plains (the Ganga valley belt in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), initiating the formation of Mahajanapadas.

• Mahajanapada Period 05:26:

  • Characterised by the rise of 16 Mahajanapadas, among which Magadha emerged as the most prominent.

  • Three major dynasties ruled Magadha before the Mauryas:

    • Haryanka Dynasty

    • Shishunaga Dynasty

    • Nanda Dynasty

  • During the Nanda Dynasty, Alexander reached the borders of India, did not attack and returned to Babylon.

  • Subsequently, Acharya Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya dethroned Dhanananda and established the Mauryan Empire.

  • Parallel to these political developments during the Mahajanapada period, major heterodox religious sects, primarily Buddhism and Jainism, emerged and flourished through the teachings of Gautama Buddha and Lord Mahavira 06:16.

Socio-Economic And Religious Transformation Across Periods 06:35

• Philosophical Reaction: Because Later Vedic religion emphasised elaborate rituals and sacrifices as the sole means to attain Moksha (liberation or freedom), a philosophical inquiry arose questioning the nature of truth, the necessity of rituals and why liberation is sought 10:42.

Causes For The Origin Of Buddhism And Jainism 11:41

Reaction Against Brahmanical Domination 12:42

• Society was rigidly divided into four Varnas (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras).

• Brahmanas claimed the highest status in society, held authority over the Vedas and enjoyed exemptions from paying taxes.

• Kshatriyas (the warrior and ruling class, such as Bimbisara and Ajatashatru) ranked second in the hierarchy.

  • They risked their lives in warfare, governed territories and paid taxes, yet were placed below Brahmanas in the Varna hierarchy.

  • Consequently, Kshatriyas rejected Brahmanical supremacy and sought alternative religious paths that did not mandate expensive rituals for liberation, leading them to patronise Buddhism and Jainism.

• Shudras were forced to serve the upper three Varnas, creating widespread social resentment.

Requirements Of The New Agricultural Economy 14:21

• Between 600 BC and 300 BC, the iron-based agricultural economy expanded rapidly, generating an agricultural surplus.

• Productive farming required an abundant supply of cattle (animals for ploughing and transport).

• However, Vedic religious practices involved large-scale animal killings and cattle sacrifices, which depleted cattle wealth and hindered agricultural growth.

• Therefore, agricultural communities opposed Vedic sacrifices and favoured Buddhism and Jainism, both of which preached Ahimsa (non-violence) and condemned animal sacrifice.

Aspirations Of The Vaishya (Merchant) Class 16:32

• Agricultural surplus and urbanisation boosted trade and commerce, enriching the Vaishyas (merchants and traders).

• Although Vaishyas possessed high financial and economic status and paid taxes that sustained the state, they lacked social status because they were ranked third in the Varna system.

• Furthermore, flourishing trade required peace and stability, whereas constant warfare disrupted commercial investment and activity.

• Buddhism and Jainism promoted peace, condemned warfare and offered Vaishyas social equality free from Brahmanical dominance.

Reaction Against Private Property And Social Inequality 18:39

• The accumulation of private property and private ownership concentrated wealth among an affluent minority, creating sharp economic and social inequality.

• Coupled with the birth-based inequality of the four-fold Varna system, this provoked a reaction favouring religions like Buddhism and Jainism that advocated social equality and discouraged wealth accumulation.

Buddhism

Life And Timeline Of Gautama Buddha 21:44

• Birth (563 BC) 21:55:

  • Born as Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BC (following R.S. Sharma's chronology).

  • Father: Shuddhodana, chief of his clan.

  • Mother: Mahamaya (a princess from the Koshala dynasty), who passed away shortly after his birth.

  • Foster Mother: Raised by his maternal aunt, Prajapati.

  • Prophecy: Astrologers predicted that the child would either become a great king or a renunciant (Sannyasi).

  • To prevent him from becoming an ascetic, Shuddhodana surrounded Siddhartha with every worldly luxury and comfort, shielding him from all human suffering.

  • Symbol of Birth: Lotus and Bull 27:35.

• Marriage And Early Life (547 BC) 23:41:

  • Married at the age of 16 years (in 547 BC) to Yashodhara.

  • Had a son named Rahula.

  • From childhood, his mind was inclined toward meditation and married life failed to hold his interest.

• The Four Sights And Awakening To Suffering 24:20:

  • During an outing from the palace accompanied by his charioteer Channa and his horse Kanthaka, Siddhartha encountered four sights for the first time:

    1. An old man with white hair (revealing the inevitability of ageing).

    2. A sick man (revealing disease and physical pain).

    3. A dead body (revealing the inevitability of death).

    4. A wandering ascetic (Sannyasi) sitting peacefully and smiling without worry or attachment.

  • Channa explained that the ascetic had renounced all worldly desires.

  • Experiencing deep inner confusion over how a man with every luxury could feel troubled while a renunciant with nothing was completely serene, Siddhartha realised his own ignorance and resolved to leave his comfort zone in search of eternal truth.

• The Great Departure (Mahabhinishkramana) 26:54:

  • At the age of 29 years, Siddhartha renounced his home, family and royal life in search of eternal truth.

  • This event is known as Mahabhinishkramana (the Great Departure or Great Going Forth).

  • Sculptural depictions symbolically portray people holding up the hooves of his horse Kanthaka so that the sound of hooves would not alert the palace.

  • Symbol of Renunciation: Horse 28:12.

• Six Years Of Wandering And Teachers 29:01:

  • Siddhartha wandered for six years, seeking spiritual guidance and practising meditation:

    • Alara Kalama: His first teacher, who instructed him in Sankhya philosophy (which distinguishes between Purusha, the unchanging eternal consciousness and Prakriti, the ever-changing material world and thoughts). Dissatisfied with this knowledge, Siddhartha moved on.

    • Uddaka Ramaputta: His second teacher, from whom he also took guidance before leaving dissatisfied.

  • Five Ascetic Companions: Accompanied by five fellow ascetics (Assaji, Kondanna, Vappa, Mahanama and Bhaddiya), he practised severe austerities.

  • Rejection Of Extreme Austerity: During intense fasting and meditation, Siddhartha touched his body and felt his ribs protruding due to extreme weakness. He realised that self-mortification weakens the body and prevents the attainment of truth.

  • He accepted a bowl of rice milk offered by a woman named Sujata 33:07.

  • Seeing him eat, his five companions believed he had lost his willpower and abandoned him.

• Enlightenment (Nirvana) (527 BC) 33:42:

  • At the age of 35 years (in 527 BC), Siddhartha reached Bodh Gaya and sat beneath a Peepal tree (Bodhi Tree) on the bank of the Niranjana (Phalgu) River.

  • During 49 days of continuous meditation, Mara (the God of Illusion, depicted in the Maravijaya episode) and Mara's daughters attempted to break his concentration and tempt him.

  • Gautama Buddha remained unmoved, touched the earth in the Bhumisparsha Mudra (calling the earth to witness his purity, chastity and resolve against Mara's temptations) and attained Enlightenment (Nirvana) 34:07, 02:22:38.

  • From this point onward, he became known as Buddha (the Enlightened One).

  • Symbol of Nirvana: Bodhi Tree 35:12.

• First Sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana) 35:42:

  • Buddha delivered his first sermon to his former companions at Sarnath.

  • This event is called Dharmachakrapravartana (Turning the Wheel of Law), signifying the setting in motion of new spiritual thought.

  • Symbol of First Sermon: Wheel 40:43.

• Death (Mahaparinirvana) (483 BC) 36:31:

  • After propagating his teachings for 40 years, Gautama Buddha passed away at the age of 80 years in 483 BC at Kushinagar.

  • This final liberation is known as Parinirvana or Mahaparinirvana.

  • Relics and Stupas: His physical relics were divided among eight or nine claimants and enshrined inside burial mounds called Stupas. Later, Emperor Ashoka constructed hundreds of Stupas to propagate Buddhism. (Note: The concept of preserving remains under earthen mounds predates Buddhism in ancient Indian traditions, though it became a central architectural feature of Buddhism) 02:17:39.

  • Symbol of Death: Stupa 40:43.

• Epithets Of Gautama Buddha 02:15:34:

  • Known by titles such as Tathagata and Shakyamuni (whereas Nayaputta, Vira and Mahavira refer to Lord Mahavira).

Buddhist Sangha And Monastic Rules 46:14

• Evolution Of The Sangha: As followers gathered around Buddha, an organised monastic order called the Sangha was established.

• Process Of Admission Into The Sangha 47:10:

  1. A common man or woman underwent an initial ceremony of renunciation called Pravrajya (taking vows of continence, poverty and faith and leaving family life), becoming a lay follower known as an Upasaka (male) or Upasika (female).

  2. After undergoing the ordination ceremony called Upasampada, the person became a full-fledged monk (Bhikkhu) or nun (Bhikkhuni) and an official member of the Sangha.

• Patimokkha Rules 46:19, 49:45:

  • Monks and nuns had to strictly observe a disciplinary code known as Patimokkha rules, which were cross-checked every 15 days (fortnightly).

  • Key prohibitions included:

    • Engaging in sexual intercourse within the preceding 15 days.

    • Committing murder.

    • Making false claims.

    • Violating another person's rights.

  • Punishment for Violation: If a member failed to follow Patimokkha rules, they were permanently expelled (debarred) from the Sangha; this expulsion was termed Aparajita (defeat).

• Characteristics And Membership Rules Of The Sangha 51:55:

  • Open to All: Admitted people irrespective of caste or sex, promoting social equality.

  • Admission of Women: Initially restricted to men, women were later admitted into the Sangha through the facilitation of Buddha's disciple Ananda.

  • Restrictions on Debtors and Slaves: Debtors and slaves were not permitted to join the Sangha without the explicit permission of their creditors or masters, preventing individuals from using monasticism as a loophole to evade financial obligations or service.

Buddhist Literature 41:50

Buddhist texts are classified into two categories: Canonical Texts (directly recording the words and foundational tenets of Buddha) and Non-Canonical Texts (commentaries, treatises and historical chronicles written later).

Canonical Texts: The Tripitaka (Three Baskets) 42:51

• Compiled primarily in Pali (the language of the common people):

  • Sutta Pitaka 44:55, 54:55:

    • Recited by Ananda at the First Buddhist Council.

    • Contains Buddha's conventional teachings, discourses and doctrinal dialogues; also referred to as Buddhavachana (the actual words spoken by Buddha).

    • Divided into five Nikayas (collections):

      1. Digha Nikaya

      2. Majjhima Nikaya

      3. Samyutta Nikaya

      4. Anguttara Nikaya (which mentions the 16 Mahajanapadas, including Gandhara and Kamboja)

      5. Khuddaka Nikaya (further subdivided into 15 books, including Khuddakapatha, Dhammapada [verses on ethical sayings], Udana, Itivuttaka, Sutta Nipata, Vimanavatthu, Petavatthu, Theragatha [experiences in verse of monks], Therigatha [experiences in verse of nuns], Jataka [stories of Buddha's previous births], Niddesa [expositions], Patisambhidamagga [analytical knowledge], Apadana, Buddhavamsa [history of Buddhas] and Cariyapitaka).

  • Vinaya Pitaka 45:10, 55:41:

    • Recited by Upali at the First Buddhist Council.

    • Contains the monastic disciplinary code and Patimokkha rules governing the conduct of monks and nuns.

    • Divided into five books: Suttavibhanga, Bhikkhunivibhanga, Mahavagga (Khandhaka), Cullavagga and Parivara.

  • Abhidhamma Pitaka 55:50, 01:00:25:

    • Basket of higher philosophical teachings, moral psychology and systematised analysis of Sutta Pitaka doctrines.

    • Comprises seven books: Dhammasangani, Vibhanga, Dhatukatha, Puggalapannatti, Kathavatthu (compiled during the Third Buddhist Council), Yamaka and Patthana.

Non-Canonical Texts 01:00:51

• Milindapanho ("Questions of Milinda"): A Pali dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda), who ruled around Sialkot and the Buddhist monk Nagasena, who answered the king's philosophical questions.

• Nettipakarana ("The Book of Guidance"): A mythological and hermeneutic treatise providing a coherent systematisation of Buddha's teachings (sometimes included within the Khuddaka Nikaya).

• Avadanashataka: A collection of Buddhist narratives and legends.

• Visuddhimagga ("Path of Purification"): An important Theravada treatise on meditation and purification.

• Nidanakatha: A narrative biography of Gautama Buddha.

• Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa: Pali historical chronicles of Sri Lanka that also provide information on Indian history and Ashoka.

• Mahavastu: A Buddhist text that provides historical details regarding the Mahajanapada period.

• Lalitavistara and Prajnaparamita Sutra: Important Mahayana Buddhist texts.

• Sarvastivada Vinaya: A monastic text on which the Kashmiri Buddhist monk Sanghabhuti (who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD) authored a commentary 02:14:23.

Buddhist Councils And Evolution Of Sects 01:03:56

Schism And Buddhist Sub-Sects 01:07:21

• First Schism (Second Buddhist Council, 383 BC):

  • Sthaviravadins (Theravadins):

    • Traditionalists who believed in the Doctrine of Elders and strict adherence to Buddha's original teachings without alteration.

    • Monks practising Theravada Buddhism were called Arhats 01:12:17.

    • Laid the foundation for Hinayana Buddhism.

    • Sub-sects emerging from Sthaviravadins:

      • Sarvastivadins: Held the doctrine that all phenomena (dharmas) in the past, present and future exist eternally in latent form ("Theory of All Exists") 01:17:06, 02:27:54. Their doctrines were compiled in the Mahavibhasha, composed by the Vaibhashika branch of Sarvastivada.

      • Vibhajyavadins: Advocated "teaching through analysis", urging followers not to accept teachings blindly, but to verify truth through personal experience, observation and critical reasoning 01:32:09.

      • Sammitiyas and Vatsiputriyas: Accepted the concept of Pudgala (a person or enduring entity undergoing rebirth despite the absence of an eternal soul), whereas Sthaviravadins and Sarvastivadins rejected Pudgala 01:25:25, 01:30:44.

  • Mahasanghikas:

    • Liberal monks ("Members of the Great Community") who favoured a flexible interpretation of monastic rules and deified Buddha.

    • Laid the foundation for Mahayana Buddhism.

    • Promoted a major Buddhist centre at Dhanyakataka (Amaravati in Andhra), where Buddha is said to have revealed the Kalachakra (Buddhist tantric practice) 02:16:26.

    • Sub-sects emerging from Mahasanghikas:

      • Lokottaravadins: Considered Buddha to be supramundane or supernatural (above the ordinary world) 01:26:06, 01:29:26.

      • Ekavyavaharikas: Held that Buddha's words carry profound, deep transcendental meanings 01:26:18, 01:29:46.

      • Kukkutikas (centred around Mathura): Believed Buddha was beyond human and accepted Mahayana scriptures 01:26:34, 01:30:14.

Hinayana Versus Mahayana Buddhism (Fourth Buddhist Council, c. 78 AD) 01:20:13

• Geographical Shift to Kashmir: During the post-Mauryan period, native dynasties like the Shungas (e.g., Pushyamitra Shunga) and Kanvas revived Brahmanism in the Gangetic plains, while foreign rulers like the Indo-Greeks (Menander) and Kushans (Kanishka) patronised Buddhism in the northwest, shifting the centre of Buddhist councils to Kashmir 01:21:13.

• Hinayana ("Lesser Vehicle"):

  • Consolidated from Sthaviravadin branches.

  • Emphasised individual salvation through strict adherence to original teachings, self-discipline and meditation to attain Nirvana directly.

• Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") 01:27:45, 02:20:11:

  • Consolidated from Mahasanghika branches.

  • Key Features:

    1. Deification of Buddha: Worshipped Buddha as a divine being.

    2. Image Worship and Rituals: Practised idol worship of Buddha and elaborate rituals.

    3. Path of the Bodhisattva: A Bodhisattva is a compassionate being who accumulates spiritual merit and Paramitas (perfections whose attainment leads to the Bodhisattva path) 02:18:33, but deliberately delays their own final Nirvana in order to remain in the world and help all other sentient beings attain liberation.

• Vajrayana Buddhism 01:49:32:

  • A later tantric form of Buddhism incorporating mystical rituals, spells and esoteric practices.

Core Doctrines And Philosophy Of Buddhism 01:32:54

Three Pillars (Triratna) Of Buddhism 01:47:13

• Buddha (the Enlightened Teacher)

• Dhamma (the Teachings)

• Sangha (the Monastic Order)

Four Noble Truths (Arya Satyani) 01:33:14

1. Dukkha: The world is full of sorrow and suffering.

2. Dukkha Samudaya: Desire (Trishna) is the root cause of all sorrow.

3. Dukkha Nirodha: Sorrow can be ended by overcoming and extinguishing desires.

   • Nirvana is defined as the extinction of the flame of desire and the extinguishing of the three fires: greed, aversion (dvesha) and ignorance (moha), freeing the individual from Samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth) 02:21:31.

4. Dukkha Nirodha Gamini Pratipada: The path leading to the cessation of sorrow is the Noble Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga).

Noble Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) 01:38:09

1. Right Observation (Right View): Understanding the reality of suffering and the impermanence of things.

2. Right Determination (Right Resolve): Resolving to free oneself from worldly attachments and sorrow.

3. Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly and avoiding harmful or abusive language.

4. Right Action: Abstaining from violence, animal killing, stealing and misconduct; living peacefully and honestly.

5. Right Livelihood: Earning one's living through pure, honest means that do not harm others.

6. Right Exercise (Right Effort): Exercising mental self-control to suppress evil thoughts and cultivate wholesome states.

7. Right Memory (Right Mindfulness): Maintaining constant awareness that nothing in the world is permanent.

8. Right Meditation (Right Concentration): Practising proper meditation to detach the mind from worldly evils and achieve spiritual insight.

The Middle Path (Madhyama Marga) And Code Of Conduct 01:41:16

• Middle Path: Defines the practical standard for the Eightfold Path by avoiding both extreme luxury (indulgence) and extreme austerity (self-mortification).

• Code of Conduct: Followers were instructed not to covet others' property, not to commit violence, not to use intoxicants, not to lie and not to indulge in corrupt practices.

• Metaphysical Stance: Buddhism does not recognise the existence of an eternal God or a permanent Soul, rejects the authority of the Vedas and denies the efficacy of Vedic rituals 01:43:44, 02:29:39.

Causes For The Spread And Decline Of Buddhism

Causes For Rapid Spread 01:43:20

• Rejection of God, Soul and Caste: Appealed to lower Varnas and women by offering equality without expensive rituals.

• Personality of Buddha: Buddha confronted evil with goodness, hatred with love and remained unprovoked by slander or abuse (illustrating that an unaccepted insult remains with the giver, just like an unaccepted gift) 01:44:50.

• Use of Pali Language: Preaching in the vernacular Pali enabled direct communication with the common masses.

• Democratic Organisation of the Sangha: Provided a structured, inclusive institution for propagating teachings.

• Royal Patronage: Supported by rulers of Magadha, Koshala, Kaushambi and later emperors like Ashoka (who sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka) and Kanishka 01:47:24.

Causes For Decline In India 01:48:07

• Succumbing to Brahmanical Evils: Over time, Buddhism adopted elaborate rituals, idol worship and ceremonies that it had originally opposed.

• Reformation of Brahmanism: Brahmanism reformed itself to counter the Buddhist challenge.

• Abandonment of Pali for Sanskrit: Adopting Sanskrit alienated common people who could not understand the texts.

• Corruption and Wealth in Monasteries: Monks became cut off from everyday life, accepted gold, silver and lavish gifts, engaged in sales and purchases and accumulated immense wealth in monasteries.

• Rise of Tantric Practices: The emergence of Vajrayana diluted original ethical teachings.

• Inclusion of Women in Wealthy Monasteries: Noted in historical accounts (R.S. Sharma) as contributing to moral degeneration within wealthy monastic establishments.

• Persecution and Invasions:

  • Pushyamitra Shunga persecuted Buddhists while reviving Brahmanism.

  • The Huna ruler Mihirakula (a Shaivite) killed hundreds of Buddhists.

  • The Shaivite ruler of Gauda, Shashanka, cut down the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya.

  • In the early medieval period, Shaivites and Vaishnavites opposed Buddhism and Turkish invaders destroyed richly endowed Buddhist monasteries.

  • The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang recorded that 1,600 Stupas and monasteries were destroyed and thousands of followers killed.

  • By the 12th century AD, Buddhism had practically disappeared from India (the land of its birth), though it survived and flourished across Sri Lanka, Tibet and East and Southeast Asia 01:51:09.

Jainism

Tirthankaras And Life Of Vardhamana Mahavira 01:53:26

• The 24 Tirthankaras 01:56:09:

  • Jainism traces its origins to antiquity through 24 teachers called Tirthankaras:

    • 1st Tirthankara: Rishabhadeva

    • 2nd Tirthankara: Ajita

    • 23rd Tirthankara: Parshvanatha, who was born in Banaras (Varanasi) 01:56:29.

    • 24th and Last Tirthankara: Vardhamana Mahavira, a contemporary of Gautama Buddha.

• Birth And Family Background Of Mahavira (540 BC) 01:54:07:

  • Born in 540 BC at Kundagrama near Vaishali.

  • Father: Siddhartha, head of the Jnatrika clan.

  • Mother: Trishala, who was the sister (not daughter) of Chetaka, the Lichchhavi chief of Vaishali.

  • Royal Connections: Chetaka married his daughter to Bimbisara, the king of Magadha, connecting Mahavira's family directly to Magadha's royal house.

• Renunciation, Kaivalya And Death 01:56:59:

  • Married Yashoda and had a daughter named Anojja (Priyadarshana).

  • At the age of 30 years, Mahavira renounced worldly life and became an ascetic.

  • After 12 years of rigorous meditation and severe penance, he attained supreme spiritual knowledge (Kaivalya) at the age of 42 years (in 498 BC).

  • Through Kaivalya, he conquered misery and happiness, earning the titles Mahavira (Great Hero), Jina (Conqueror, one who has conquered one's senses and desires) and Nayaputta; his followers became known as Jainas.

  • He preached for 30 years and passed away at the age of 72 years in 468 BC at Pavapuri.

Core Doctrines And Philosophy Of Jainism 01:59:59

Five Cardinal Vows (Pancha Mahavratas)

1. Ahimsa: Do not commit violence or cause injury to any living being.

2. Satya: Do not speak a lie (always speak the truth).

3. Asteya: Do not steal.

4. Aparigraha: Do not acquire or accumulate private property.

5. Brahmacharya: Observe celibacy and continence.

   • The first four vows were preached by earlier Tirthankaras (such as Parshvanatha), while the fifth vow (Brahmacharya) was added by Mahavira.

Three Jewels (Triratna) Of Jainism 02:03:56

Liberation (Moksha) from Karma (the bane of the soul) is attained through penance and the Three Jewels:

1. Samyak Darshana (Right Faith): Knowing and believing in the truth.

2. Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): Possessing accurate knowledge of reality.

3. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Living ethically in accordance with Jain moral values.

Philosophical Beliefs And Social Views 02:00:48

• Universal Presence of Soul (Jiva): Jainism holds that all objects (including animals, plants, rocks, running water and natural elements) possess a soul and it is the soul that experiences existence and gains knowledge 02:01:07, 02:24:49.

• Universal Law and God: Jainism holds that the universe is created and maintained by Universal Law rather than a creator deity; while it acknowledges the existence of gods, it places them lower than the Jina 02:02:03, 02:30:17.

• Attitude Toward Varna and Rituals:

  • Unlike Buddhism, Jainism did not condemn the Varna system. Mahavira taught that a person is born into a higher or lower Varna due to virtues or sins accumulated in previous births.

  • However, Jainism rejected the authority of the Vedas and the necessity of Vedic rituals, teaching that members of lower castes can attain liberation through a pure, meritorious life and the Three Jewels 02:02:53.

• Impact on Occupations: Because strict Ahimsa prohibited harming even worms and insects in the soil, Jainism forbade its followers from practising agriculture and warfare, leading Jains to concentrate in trade and mercantile activities 02:05:05.

Spread And Schism In Jainism 02:05:45

• Early Organisation and Spread:

  • Mahavira organised a monastic order admitting both men and women (which grew to around 14,000 followers) and preached in Prakrit, the language of the common people.

  • Because Jainism did not sharply separate itself from Brahmanism, it did not spread as rapidly among the masses in North India as Buddhism did, but it spread strongly into western and southern India (Karnataka, Kalinga in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Malwa, Gujarat and Rajasthan) where Brahmanism was weaker.

  • Royal Patrons: Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism and promoted its spread in South India; in the 1st century BC, King Kharavela of Kalinga patronised Jainism; in Karnataka, kings granted lands to Jain monasteries called Basadis (which proliferated by the 5th century AD).

• The Great Magadha Famine And The Schism 02:08:01:

  • Nearly 200 years after Mahavira's death, a severe 12-year famine struck Magadha.

  • Bhadrabahu led a group of Jains southward to Karnataka to survive the famine while strictly adhering to traditional austerity rules (including nudity).

  • Sthulabahu remained behind in Magadha with the northern Jains, where monastic rules became relaxed and monks began wearing white garments.

  • When Bhadrabahu's followers returned to Magadha after the famine, sharp doctrinal disputes arose between the two groups.

  • First Jain Council (Patliputra): Convened to resolve differences and compile teachings; the southern Jains boycotted the council and rejected its decisions, resulting in a permanent schism into two sects:

    • Digambaras ("Sky-Clad"): Southern followers led by Bhadrabahu who practised strict nudity and rigid asceticism.

    • Svetambaras ("White-Clad"): Northern followers led by Sthulabahu who wore white robes.

  • Sthanakavasi Sect 02:26:15: A later sub-sect of Svetambara Jainism, founded in 1653 by a merchant named Lavaji, which rejects idol worship for soul purification and acknowledges 32 Svetambara canonical texts.

Contributions Of Jainism 02:12:17

• Language and Literature:

  • Early Jains discarded Sanskrit and adopted Prakrit, composing their religious canonical literature in Ardhamagadhi (which was finally compiled in the 6th century AD at Valabhi in Gujarat).

  • Jain literature includes Puranas, epics and novels, as well as texts such as Parishishtaparvan and Trishashthilakshana Mahapurana, with vast collections of manuscripts preserved in Jain shrines and monasteries.

  • Jains contributed significantly to the growth of Kannada literature and in the early medieval period also wrote extensively in Sanskrit.

• Art and Architecture:

  • Although initially opposed to image worship, Jains later began worshipping images of Mahavira and the 23 Tirthankaras, contributing substantially to medieval Indian art and sculpture across Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh 02:13:24.

• Survival in India: Unlike Buddhism, which spread rapidly abroad but vanished from India, Jainism spread more slowly yet retained a continuous, enduring presence in India 02:11:35.