BUDDHISM Study Materials

Schools of Buddhism and Bodhisattva

SCHOOLS OF BUDDHISM

The early Buddhist schools are those schools into which the Buddhist monastic saṅgha split early in the history of Buddhism. The divisions were originally due to differences in Vinaya (monastic discipline) and later also due to doctrinal differences and geographical separation of groups of monks.

Mahasanghikas

From Sanskrit mahāsaṅgha meaning “great order of monks”, was an early Buddhist school formed during the second Buddhist Council of 383CE when it separated from Sthaviravada. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism. Further subdivisions of the Mahasanghikas over the next seven centuries based upon the relative manner and degree to which they accepted the authority of these Mahāyāna texts, included the -

Lokottaravadins: accepted the Mahāyāna sūtras as the words of the Buddha. They are described in the Mahavastu text written in Sansrikt part of Vinaya Pitaka.

Ekavyavaharikas: They emphasized the transcendence of the Buddha, asserting that he was eternally enlightened and essentially non-physical.

Kaukkutikas, also called Gokulika propounded the doctrine that all conditioned phenomena necessarily involve suffering and that they are like an “inferno of ashes.”

Sthaviravada/ Sthavira nikāya

In Sanskrit, "Sect of the Elders" refers to a minority group that sought to impose additional rules on the Vinaya, which were rejected by the majority, the Mahasanghikas. The Sthaviras later divided into other schools such as:

• Pudgalavāda

• Vibhajyavada

• Sarvastivada

• Sautantrika

Pudgalavāda/ Vatsiputriya/ Sammatiyas (from Sanskrit ‘Personalism’) in 3rd century BC- popular during Harsha’s reign. It asserted that while there is no ātman, there exists a pudgala (person) or sattva (being) which is neither a conditioned dharma nor an unconditioned dharma. They relied on the Bharaharasutta.

Vibhajyavada (from Sanskrit vibhajya, loosely meaning “dividing”, “analyzing” and vāda meaning “doctrine”, “teachings”). They were those who made distinctions as they rejected Sarvastivada and instead made a distinction between dhammas that “exist” and dhammas that do not exist. Essentially meaning that there was no future dhamma and past dhamma, to the extent that it had borne fruit, was also extinguished.

• Mahīśāsaka: held that everything exists, but only in the present and the Four Noble Truths were to be meditated upon simultaneously.

•
Dharmaguptaka: Split from Maisasakas and spread in China. Distinguished between disciples of Buddha and Buddha. They placed Buddha on a higher pedestal.

• Kāśyapīya: Believed that arhats (one who has achieved Nirvana) were fallible and imperfect. They held that arhats have not fully eliminated desires, that their “perfection” is incomplete and that it is possible for them to relapse.

• Tāmraparnīya, later called Theravāda- Pali form of Sthaviravadins spread over Sri Lanka & South East Asia. Sarvastivada is a Sanskrit term meaning “the theory of all that exists”. It argued that all dharmas exist in the past, present and future. Sarvastivadins consider everything empirical to be impermanent, they maintain that the dharma factors are eternally existing realities. The dharmas are thought to function momentarily, producing the empirical phenomena of the world, which is illusory, but exists outside the empirical

world.

• Vaibhasika: Vaibhasika or Abhidharmikas was formed during the council of Kashmir. They have orthodox adherence to the doctrines found in the ‘Great Commentary’ Mahāvibhāṅa or Abhidharma.

• Hetuvada comes from hetu – ‘cause’, which indicates their emphasis on causation and conditionality

• Yuktivada comes from yukti – ‘reason’ or even ‘logic’, which echoes their use of rational argument and syllogism.

Sautrantikas literally mean “those who rely upon the sutras”. They maintained that the dharma factors are not eternal but momentary and the only actually existing dharmas are the ones presently functioning. They hold the sutras but not the Abhidharma commentaries (sastras), as authoritative.

Prominent Buddhist Sects Today

With the exception of the Theravāda, none of these early schools survived beyond the late medieval period. Origins of specifically Mahāyāna doctrines may be discerned in the teachings of some of these early schools, in particular in the Mahāsānghika and the Sarvāstivāda.

• Hinayana meaning ‘Small Vehicle’ in Sanskrit, also called

Sthaviravadin or Theravada.

• They did not believe in the divinity of the Buddha or Buddha’s reincarnation

• It stressed individual salvation through self- discipline and mediation.

• They follow Arhat through the Eight-fold path.

• They favoured Pali language.

• It was patronised by Ashoka.

• It became popular in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand and other south-east Asian countries.

• It encompasses eighteen schools. Important sub-sects include Sarvastivada and Theravada.

• Mahayana which means ‘Great Vehicle’ in Sanskrit.

• They believed in the divinity of the Buddha and believed that Buddha will be born again

• They sought salvation of all through the grace of Buddha and Bodhisattva.

• The sect encouraged idol worship in Buddhism.

• They promoted Sanskrit language.

• It was promoted by Kanishka and Harsha.

• It spread to China and Japan.

• Important sub-sects include Madhyamaka/ Sunyavada and Yogachara/Vijnanavada.

• “Paramita” or “Prajnanaparamitas” is a Sanskrit term, which means perfection of wisdom. In the Mahayana tradition, bodhisattva is described in terms of six paramitas:

• Dana paramita: to cultivate the attitude of giving;

• Sila paramita: refraining from harm;

• Kshanti paramita: the ability not to be perturbed by anything;

BODHISATTVA

•
Virya paramita: to find joy in what is virtuous, positive or wholesome;

• Dhyana paramita: not to be distracted and

• Prajna paramita: the perfect discrimination of phenomena.

• Vajrayana: By the end of Gupta period, Vajrayana sect emerged.

• Vajrayana (Sanskrit for “thunderbolt vehicle” or “diamond vehicle”), or Tantric Buddhism, said to have started in the Mahayana school.

• It is founded on a complicated intellectual and ceremonial framework that aims to lead to enlightenment.

• It entailed merging Brahmanical (Veda-based) rites with Buddhist concepts.

• The major goddess is Tara (a woman).

• It was popular in Bengal and Bihar. Vajrayana also reached to Tibet.

• Vikramshila University was famous for Vajrayana teachings.

• Frequently associated with Mahayana Buddhism.

• Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment, who delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

• Major Bodhisattvas include Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Ksitigarbha, Maitreya, Vajrapani, Sadaparibhuta and Akasagarbha.

• Vajrapani (Buddha’s Power): He is described as one of the 3 protective deities around Buddha, others are Manjusri and Avlokiteshwara. Vajrapani represents Buddha’s power while Buddha’s wisdom

is symbolised by Manjushri and Avalokiteshwara manifests as Buddha’s compassion.

• Avalokitesvara(Buddha’s        Compassion): Avalokiteshwara means ‘one who can see all’. He represents infinite compassion and mercy. He is depicted as holding a lotus flower. He is depicted as female also. A cave wall painting of Avalokitesvara is devoted in Ajanta Caves as Padmapani.

• Manjusri (Buddha’s Wisdom): Literally means ‘Gentle Glory’. He represents Pragya or transcendental wisdom at a very early age. Manjusri is depicted as a male bodhisattva wielding a flaming sword in his right hand.

• Maitreya (Buddha’s Activity): He is also known as Ajita Boddhisattva. It is believed that he will arrive when people will forget the path of righteousness. He is considered as the future Buddha or successor of Gautam Buddha. In Buddhist traditions, he is revered as someone who will achieve complete enlightenment and will teach dharma to people.

• Samantabhadra (Buddha’s Aspirations): Literal meaning is ‘Universal Worthy’ and he is associated with practice and meditation. He made ten vows to fulfil his journey of becoming a Buddha. His manifestation is ‘Action’ and he is a key figure in Flower Garland Sutra.

Buddhism and Its Philosophy Tenets and Decline

SHRAMANA TRADITIONS

Buddhism, Jainism and the Ajivikas sects trace their developments from the Shramana Traditions at end of the Later Vedic Period. A Shramana is one who strives for enlightenment. It started as a response to Later Vedic elaborate rituals and practices. Shramanas were against Brahmin dominance, complex Vedic rituals, Varna system of classification, backward status of women, shudras and indiscriminate animal sacrifice. This tradition was highly patronised by the Mauryan Rulers.

Journey from Siddhartha to Gautama Buddha

• Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BCE on the occasion of Vaishakhi Poornima at Lumbini, Nepal as Siddhartha Gautama in the Shakyan Kshatriya clan. His Father was Suddhodhana, King of Kapilavastu and his mother was Mahamaya, she was the princess of Kollia republic. He had a wife named Yashodhara and a son named Rahul. This janma event of Gautama Buddha’s life is symbolised by Lotus and Bull imageries.

• At the age of 29, he experienced pain from observing the outside world and renounced his home and life of comfort. His horse was known as ‘Kanthaka’ and his charioteer was known as ‘Channa’. This event is known as Mahabhinishkramana (renunciation). Siddhartha became a wandering ascetic (parivrajaka) and followed the Shramana tradition under the guidance of Alara Kalam (Early Sankhya philosopher).

• He wandered for years and finally reached a village uruvella on the banks of the river Niranjana. He sat under the Bodhi tree and meditated for 49 days before attaining Nibbana (extinguishment of the flame of desire). Thereafter, he was called as Buddha, the enlightened one.

• He gave his first sermon at Sarnath Deer Park near Varanasi. This event of Buddha’s life is known as ‘Dharmachakra Pravartana’ (turning of the wheel of law). He died in 483 BCE at the age of 80 years at Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. This event is known as Mahaparinirvana (final blowing out).

• Buddha is also known as Thathagat and Shakyamuni. His predecessor is known as Kassapa Buddha and his successor (future Buddha) would be known as Maitreya.

• His five disciples at Sarnath were Kaudinya, Bhadrika, Vashpa, Mahanaman and Ashvajit.

Philosophy and Tenets of Buddhism

• Buddha focused on the importance of metta (fellow feeling, brotherhood) and karuna (compassion).

• According to Buddha, the world is transient (anicca) and constantly changing. It is also soulless (anatta) as there is nothing permanent or eternal in it.

• Buddha emphasised on individual agency and righteous action as the means to escape the cycle of rebirth and attain nibbana.

• He gave the famous Chatwari Arya Satyani or the ‘four noble truths’:

• Life is full of sorrow Sabbam Dukham

• There are certain causes of sorrow Dukkha Samupadda

• Cessation of suffering can be done Dukkha Atikkama

• Path Leading to the cessation of sorrow is the Ashtangika Marg or the 8-fold path Dukkha Nirodha

• He also highlighted the reasons for sorrow by giving the concept of dvadasa-nidana-chakra which has a list of 10 precepts generally ignored by people. When this chakra is not followed, it leads to sorrow or dukkha in the lives of the people.

• Ten Precepts

• Not to harm living beings

• Not to take what is not given

• Abstain from false speech

• Abstain from evil behaviour

• Abstain from alcoholic drinks

• Abstain from eating at forbidden times

• Abstain from dancing/singing/music/dramatic performance

• Abstainf    romuse    of        jewellery/perfumes/ garlands

• Abstain from receiving gold/silver

• Abstain from use of broad or high bed

• Buddha suggested following the Madhyamka approach

– the middle path, avoiding the life of extremes; neither

pure ascetism nor pure worldliness.

• He rejected the authenticity of the Vedas. He also rejected the concept of soul or ‘atman’.

• Buddha gave the famous Tri-ratnas of Buddhism as:

• Buddha – The Enlightened One

• Dhamma- Doctrines

• Sangha- Commune order of monks

• Three Trainings or Trisiksha

• Morality (Sila)

• Meditation (Samadhi)

• Wisdom (Prajna)

• Metaphysical Thoughts of Buddhism

• Universe was created based on the Laws of Nature

• Rejected the authority of the Vedas

• Buddha was agnostic on the question of God. He neither confirmed nor deny the presence of God.

• Buddhism does believe in rebirth but based on karmic doctrine of ‘Pancha Skandha’

• Buddhism also does not believe in souls or atman but instead they believe in Doctrine of Momentariness or Kshanabhangavada and in Anicca (non-permanence)

Inclusion of Women and the Reasons for Decline

Buddha was initially against the idea of inclusion of women in the Sangha (Buddhist Monastic Order) and said that the religion would become corrupt within 1000 years if women were allowed to be members of the Sangha. On the insistence of his disciple Ananda, he relented and agreed to include women in the Monastic Order. The first women who was admitted into the Buddhist Sangha was Mahaprajapati Gautami.

The Decline of Buddhism happened due to

Corruption of the monks and luxurious lifestyles

Elitist attitude- gradual shift to Sanskrit language

Interference with the internal affairs of the rulers lead to stopping of state patronage to the religion

Frequent branching of Buddhism diluted it

Reform of Sanatana Dharma by assimilating various aspects of Buddhism on one hand and gradual reform of the sacrifice cult on the other.

Buddhist Councils and Buddhist Literature

BUDDHIST COUNCILS

BUDDHIST LITERATURE

Buddhist Disciples Scholars Monasteries Hand Gestures

Important Events in the life of Buddha

Ksitigarbha (Buddha’s Merit): He is popular as a Buddhist monk in the mostly East Asia. While the name literally means Earth Womb, he is revered as the guardian of children and patron deity of deceased children. He carries a staff.

Akasagarbha (Buddha’s Blessings): He is boundless as space. He was the twin brother of Ksitigarbha. He manifests as a blessing.

Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin (Buddha’s Qualities): He is invoked to remove or eliminate all the obstacles to insure a successful meditation.

Prominent Disciples of Buddha in the Ancient Period

• Sariputta: Chief Disciple and possessed knowledge of Dhamma

• Mahamoggallana

• Ananda: Chief disciple of Buddha

• Mahakasyapa: President of First Buddhist assembly=

• Purna Maitrayani-putra

•
Anuruddha: Master of right mindfulness

• Rahul: Son of Gautama Buddha

• Katyayan

• Upali: Possesed knowledge of Vinaya

• Ananthapindaka

• Subhuti

• Jivaka

Important Buddhist Scholars

• Moggaliputta Tissa: Launched Ashoka’s dhamma campaign

• Aryadeva: Mahayana Buddhist monk was a disciple of Nagarjuna and a Madhyamaka philosopher.

• Dignaga: His work laid the groundwork for the development of deductive logic in India and created the first system of Buddhist logic and epistemology (Pramana).

• Asvagosha: Wrote Buddhacharita and Sanskrit drama

Sariputra Prakran

• Nagarjuna: Founded madhyamik school of Mahayana Buddhism, gave theory of Sunyavad’ Emptiness’ and important work include ‘Mulamadhyamakakarika’

• Buddhagosh: Most important commentator of Theravada, important work is Visuddimagga.

• Dharmakirti: Teacher at Nalanda, called as ‘Kant of India’.

•
Propounded the Vijnanavada (mind alone) School of Thought

• Expanded on the work of Diganaga

• Laid the foundations of development of logic in India called as ‘Hetu Vidya’

• Vasubandhu: A proponent of Mahayana Buddhism in 4th-5th century AD from Gandhara and wrote from the perspectives of the Sarvastivada and Sautrantika schools.

• Padmasambhava: An 8th century monk and is contemplated as ‘Second Buddha’ across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and the Himalayan States of India.

• Atisa: A Buddhist Bengali religious leader and master, and is one of the major figures in the spread of 11th century Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism in Asia. He inspired Buddhist thought from Tibet to Sumatra.

• Dalai Lama: They are modern spiritual leaders of the

Yellow Hat School of Tibetan Buddhism.

Important Monasteries in India

Important Hand Gestures in Buddhism