Buddhism & Jainism – An Overview for SSC CGL,CHSL,CPO,MTS,RAILWAYS & UPSC Aspirants
During the 6th century BCE, India witnessed a significant socio-religious transformation with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. These religions emerged as a response to Brahmanical orthodoxy, caste discrimination, and complex rituals in Vedic society.
Causes for the Rise of Buddhism & Jainism
✅ Reaction against Vedic rituals – Expensive and complex sacrifices.
✅ Opposition to caste system – Both religions promoted equality.
✅ Urbanization & economic growth – New trading communities (Vaishyas) supported these religions.
✅ Rise of republics (Ganarajyas) – Encouraged democratic and rational thinking.
Buddhism
Founder
🔹 Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha) – Born in 563 BCE in Lumbini (Nepal), to King Suddhodana (Shakya clan) and Queen Mahamaya.
🔹 Attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya at the age of 35.
🔹 Delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) at Sarnath.
🔹 Passed away in 483 BCE at Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana).
Core Teachings of Buddhism
🔸 Four Noble Truths:
1️⃣ Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
2️⃣ Desire is the cause of suffering (Samudaya).
3️⃣ Suffering can be ended by removing desires (Nirodha).
4️⃣ Following the Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) leads to liberation.
🔸 Eightfold Path (Middle Path):
🟢 Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.
🔸 Three Jewels (Triratna):
🟡 Buddha (The Enlightened One)
🟡 Dhamma (Teachings)
🟡 Sangha (Monastic Order)
Buddhist Councils
| Council | Year (BCE) | Place | Patron | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 483 BCE | Rajgir | Ajatashatru | Compilation of Sutta & Vinaya Pitaka |
| Second | 383 BCE | Vaishali | Kalashoka | Split into Theravada & Mahasanghika |
| Third | 250 BCE | Pataliputra | Ashoka | Spread of Buddhism to Asia |
| Fourth | 72 CE | Kashmir | Kanishka | Division into Hinayana & Mahayana |
Jainism
Founder
🔹 Rishabhanatha (First Tirthankara) – Mythological founder.
🔹 Vardhamana Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) – Born in 540 BCE in Kundagrama (Bihar) to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.
🔹 Attained Kevala Jnana (Supreme Knowledge) at 42 after 12 years of penance.
🔹 Preached Ahimsa (Non-violence) and founded Jain Sangha.
🔹 Passed away in 468 BCE at Pavapuri.
Core Teachings of Jainism
🔸 Five Vows (Panch Mahavrata):
1️⃣ Ahimsa (Non-violence) – No harm to any living being.
2️⃣ Satya (Truthfulness) – Always speak the truth.
3️⃣ Asteya (Non-stealing) – Do not take what is not given.
4️⃣ Brahmacharya (Celibacy) – Control over desires.
5️⃣ Aparigraha (Non-possession) – Avoid materialism.
🔸 Three Jewels (Triratna):
🟡 Right Faith (Samyak Darshan)
🟡 Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana)
🟡 Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)
🔸 Sects of Jainism
✅ Digambara – Sky-clad monks, women cannot attain Moksha.
✅ Shwetambara – White-clad monks, women can attain Moksha.
Comparison: Buddhism vs. Jainism
| Feature | Buddhism | Jainism |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Gautama Buddha | Mahavira |
| God Concept | No creator god | No creator god |
| Main Principle | Middle Path | Extreme asceticism |
| Salvation | Nirvana through Eightfold Path | Moksha through self-discipline |
| Language of Texts | Pali | Prakrit |
| Spread | Asia-wide | Limited to India |
| Sects | Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana | Digambara, Shwetambara |
Importance for SSC CGL,,CHSL,CPO,MTS,RAILWAY & UPSC EXAMS
✅ Frequent exam questions on founders, teachings, councils, and sects.
✅ Understanding religious movements helps in Ancient Indian History and Art & Culture sections.
✅ Buddhism’s influence on Ashoka and Jainism’s role in ancient economy and society.