Enlightenment (Bodhi)

• After practicing severe austerities for several years, Siddhartha realized that extreme self-mortification was not the correct path.
• He adopted the Middle Path (Madhyam Marg).
• He meditated under a Peepal Tree (Bodhi Tree) at Bodh Gaya in present-day Bihar.
• After 49 days of continuous meditation, he attained enlightenment.
• Thereafter, Siddhartha became known as Buddha (The Enlightened One).

Important Facts

• Place: Bodh Gaya, Bihar
• River nearby: Niranjana (Phalgu) River
• Bodhi Tree symbolizes enlightenment and wisdom.

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First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)

• After attaining enlightenment, Buddha traveled to Sarnath near Varanasi.
• He delivered his first sermon in the Deer Park (Mrigadava).
• This event is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning the Wheel of Dharma).

Importance

• Marked the beginning of Buddhist teachings.
• Formation of the first Buddhist Sangha.

Sacred Symbol

• Dharmachakra (Wheel) symbolizes the first sermon.

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Major Places Associated with Buddha

Lumbini

• Birthplace of Buddha.

Bodh Gaya

• Place of Enlightenment.

Sarnath

• Place of First Sermon.

Kushinagar

• Place of Mahaparinirvana.

These are regarded as the Four Sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites.

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Sermons of Buddha

• Buddha delivered numerous sermons throughout his life.
• The largest number of disciples came from the Kingdom of Kosala.
• He delivered many sermons at Shravasti, the capital of Kosala.
• His final sermon was delivered at Vaishali.

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Mahaparinirvana

• Buddha died at the age of 80 years.
• Year: 483 BCE (traditional chronology).
• Place: Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh).
• His body was cremated at Ramabhar Stupa (Mukutbandhan Chaitya).

Meaning

• Mahaparinirvana refers to the final liberation achieved after death.

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Teachers of Gautama Buddha

Alara Kalama

• First spiritual teacher of Buddha.
• Taught meditation and philosophical concepts.

Uddaka Ramaputta

• Second teacher.
• Taught advanced meditative practices and immaterial attainments.

Significance

• Buddha learned from both teachers but remained unsatisfied and continued his search for ultimate truth.

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Symbols and Great Events of Buddha's Life

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Core Teachings of Buddhism

Fundamental Belief

• Human life is characterized by suffering (Dukkha).
• Liberation from suffering is possible.
• Nirvana is the ultimate goal.

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Madhyam Marg (Middle Path)

Meaning

• Avoidance of both:
  • Excessive luxury
  • Extreme asceticism

Importance

• Leads to balance, wisdom, and spiritual progress.
• Helps overcome:
  • Ignorance
  • Desire
  • Attachment
  • Rebirth

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Five Precepts (Panchsheel)

Every Buddhist follower should observe:

1. Ahimsa

• Do not kill living beings.

2. Asteya

• Do not steal.

3. Sexual Morality

• Avoid sexual misconduct.

4. Truthfulness

• Do not speak falsehood.

5. Abstinence

• Avoid intoxicants and harmful substances.

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Three Jewels of Buddhism (Triratna)

A Buddhist takes refuge in:

Buddha

• The Enlightened One.

Dhamma (Dharma)

• Buddha's teachings.

Sangha

• Community of monks and followers.

Formula

Buddham Sharanam Gacchami
Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami
Sangham Sharanam Gacchami

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Four Noble Truths (Chatvari Arya Satyani)

These form the foundation of Buddhism.

1. Dukkha (Suffering)

• Life is full of suffering and dissatisfaction.

Examples:

• Birth
• Disease
• Old age
• Death

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2. Samudaya (Cause of Suffering)

• Desire (Trishna) is the root cause of suffering.

Includes:

• Attachment
• Greed
• Craving

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3. Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering)

• Elimination of desire can end suffering.

Result:

• Nirvana

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4. Marga (Path)

• There is a path leading to the end of suffering.

This path is the:

Noble Eightfold Path

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Noble Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)

Wisdom (Prajna)

1. Right View

Correct understanding of reality.

2. Right Intention

Pure thoughts and intentions.

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Moral Conduct (Sila)

3. Right Speech

Avoid lies and harmful speech.

4. Right Action

Perform ethical actions.

5. Right Livelihood

Earn a living honestly.

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Mental Discipline (Samadhi)

6. Right Effort

Develop positive mental states.

7. Right Mindfulness

Remain aware and attentive.

8. Right Concentration

Develop deep meditation.

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Importance of Eightfold Path

• Removes suffering.
• Leads to Nirvana.
• Promotes ethical living.
• Creates mental peace and wisdom.

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Examination Facts

Founder of Buddhism

➡ Gautama Buddha

Birthplace

➡ Lumbini

Enlightenment

➡ Bodh Gaya

First Sermon

➡ Sarnath

Death (Mahaparinirvana)

➡ Kushinagar

First Sermon Called

➡ Dharmachakra Pravartana

Sacred Buddhist Tree

➡ Bodhi Tree

Three Jewels

➡ Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha

Four Noble Truths

➡ Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Marga

Eightfold Path

➡ Path leading to Nirvana

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Vitorr Classes Quick Revision

• Buddha born at Lumbini.
• Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
• First sermon at Sarnath.
• Death at Kushinagar.
• Middle Path is core philosophy.
• Four Noble Truths explain suffering.
• Eightfold Path removes suffering.
• Triratna = Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha.
• Panchsheel contains five moral rules.
• Nirvana is the ultimate goal.

Buddhist Literature

Introduction

• The teachings of Buddha were initially transmitted orally.
• They were preserved through repetition, recitation, and memorization.
• Early Buddhist texts were composed in Prakrits, Gandhari, and especially Pali.
• Later these teachings were compiled into written scriptures.
• The Pali Canon (Tipitaka) was first written down in Sri Lanka during the 1st century BCE.

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Tripitaka (Three Baskets)

Meaning

• Tripitaka means "Three Baskets".
• It is the oldest and most important collection of Buddhist scriptures.
• Compiled approximately between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.

The Three Pitakas

1. Vinaya Pitaka
2. Sutta Pitaka
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka

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Vinaya Pitaka

Meaning

• Contains rules and regulations for monks and nuns.

Contents

• Monastic discipline.
• Rules of conduct.
• Organization of the Sangha.
• Procedures for ordination.

Importance

• Acts as the constitution of the Buddhist Sangha.

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Sutta Pitaka

Meaning

• Contains the teachings and sermons of Buddha.

Five Nikayas

1. Digha Nikaya

• Collection of long discourses.

2. Majjhima Nikaya

• Collection of middle-length discourses.

3. Samyutta Nikaya

• Connected discourses grouped by theme.

4. Anguttara Nikaya

• Discourses arranged numerically.

5. Khuddaka Nikaya

• Collection of miscellaneous texts.

Importance

• Main source for Buddha's teachings.

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Abhidhamma Pitaka

Meaning

• Philosophical and analytical exposition of Buddhist doctrine.

Contents

• Psychology
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy
• Classification of mental states

Importance

• Provides a systematic explanation of Buddhist philosophy.

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Important Buddhist Texts

Buddhacharita

Author

Ashvaghosha

Features

• Epic biography of Gautama Buddha.
• Written in the early 2nd century CE.
• One of the most important Sanskrit Buddhist works.

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Divyavadana

Features

• Collection of 36 Avadanas (legends).
• Narratives related to important Buddhist figures.
• Highlights the spread of Buddhism.

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Milinda Panha

Meaning

"Questions of Milinda"

Features

• Written between 100 BCE and 200 CE.
• Dialogue between:
  • King Menander (Milinda)
  • Monk Nagasena

Importance

• Famous philosophical discussion on Buddhism.

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Dipavamsa

Features

• Earliest historical chronicle of Sri Lanka.
• Records the arrival and spread of Buddhism.
• Important source for Buddhist history.

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Mahavamsa

Features

• Historical chronicle of Sri Lanka.
• Written by Mahānāma.
• Describes the history of Buddhism from Buddha's time onward.

Importance

• Major source for Mauryan and Sri Lankan history.

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Jataka Stories

Meaning

• Jataka means "Birth Stories".

Features

• Narrate the previous births of Buddha.
• Buddha appears in:
  • Human form
  • Animal form

Language

• Written in Pali.

Compilation

• About 550 stories compiled by Buddhaghosa.

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Important Jataka Stories

Chhadanta Jataka

Story of a six-tusked elephant.

Vidhurpandita Jataka

Story of wisdom and morality.

Ruru Jataka

Story of a compassionate deer.

Sibi Jataka

Story of King Sibi's sacrifice.

Vessantara Jataka

Story of supreme generosity.

Shama Jataka

Story of filial devotion.

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Important Buddhist Scholars

Moggaliputta Tissa

Contributions

• Great Buddhist monk and scholar.
• Born at Pataliputra.
• Presided over the Third Buddhist Council.
• Played a major role in Ashoka's Buddhist missions.

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Nagarjuna

Contributions

• Founder of the Madhyamaka School.
• One of the greatest Buddhist philosophers.
• Strong supporter of Mahayana Buddhism.

Importance

• Developed the doctrine of Shunyavada (Emptiness).

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Buddhaghosa

Contributions

• Great Theravada scholar.
• Lived in Sri Lanka during the 5th century CE.

Famous Work

Visuddhimagga
(The Path of Purification)

Importance

• Considered one of the greatest commentaries in Buddhism.

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Dharmakirti

Contributions

• Famous Indian Buddhist philosopher.
• Associated with Nalanda University.
• Major contributor to Buddhist logic and epistemology.

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Important Examination Facts

Three Pitakas

➡ Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma

Author of Buddhacharita

➡ Ashvaghosha

Dialogue Between Menander and Nagasena

➡ Milinda Panha

Earliest Chronicle of Sri Lanka

➡ Dipavamsa

Historical Chronicle of Sri Lanka

➡ Mahavamsa

Birth Stories of Buddha

➡ Jataka Tales

Founder of Madhyamaka School

➡ Nagarjuna

Author of Visuddhimagga

➡ Buddhaghosa

President of Third Buddhist Council

➡ Moggaliputta Tissa

Buddhist Philosopher of Nalanda

➡ Dharmakirti

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Vitorr Classes Quick Revision

• Tripitaka = Three Baskets.
• Vinaya = Rules for monks.
• Sutta = Teachings of Buddha.
• Abhidhamma = Buddhist philosophy.
• Buddhacharita written by Ashvaghosha.
• Milinda Panha = Menander–Nagasena dialogue.
• Dipavamsa = Earliest Sri Lankan chronicle.
• Mahavamsa written by Mahānāma.
• Jataka stories describe Buddha's previous births.
• Nagarjuna founded Madhyamaka School.
• Buddhaghosa wrote Visuddhimagga.
• Moggaliputta Tissa led Third Buddhist Council.

Buddhist Councils

The Buddhist Councils were important meetings held to preserve, compile, and spread the teachings of Buddha.

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First Buddhist Council

Time

483 BCE

Place

Rajagriha (Rajgir)

Patron

King Ajatashatru

President

Mahakasyapa

Main Features

• Held soon after Buddha's death.
• Teachings of Buddha were compiled.
• Foundation of Buddhist scriptures was laid.

Importance

• Preserved Buddha's teachings in an organized form.

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Second Buddhist Council

Time

383 BCE

Place

Vaishali

Patron

King Kalasoka

President

Sabbakami

Main Features

• Differences arose regarding monastic discipline.
• Buddhism divided into two groups:
  • Sthaviravadins (Elders)
  • Mahasanghikas (Great Community)

Importance

• First major split in Buddhism.

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Third Buddhist Council

Time

250 BCE

Place

Pataliputra

Patron

Emperor Ashoka

President

Moggaliputta Tissa

Main Features

• Purification of the Buddhist Sangha.
• Compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
• Missionaries sent to different countries.

Importance

• Spread Buddhism internationally.

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Fourth Buddhist Council

Time

72 CE

Place

Kashmir

Patron

Kanishka

President

Vasumitra

Vice-President

Ashvaghosha

Main Features

• Buddhism divided into:
  • Mahayana
  • Hinayana

Importance

• Marked the rise of Mahayana Buddhism.

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Schools of Buddhism

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Mahayana Buddhism

Meaning

• Mahayana means "Great Vehicle."

Features

• Worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
• Buddha regarded as divine.
• Idol worship accepted.
• Salvation possible through devotion and compassion.
• Scriptures mainly written in Sanskrit.

Origin

• Developed in Northern India and Kashmir.

Spread

• China
• Korea
• Japan
• Tibet
• Mongolia
• Central Asia

Important Concept

Bodhisattva Ideal

A person delays his own Nirvana to help others attain salvation.

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Hinayana Buddhism

Meaning

• Hinayana means "Lesser Vehicle."

Features

• Follows original teachings of Buddha.
• Does not encourage idol worship.
• Focuses on individual salvation.
• Emphasizes self-discipline and meditation.

Goal

To become an Arhat.

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Theravada Buddhism

Meaning

• "Doctrine of the Elders."

Features

• Oldest surviving branch of Buddhism.
• Closest to Buddha's original teachings.
• Uses Pali literature.

Spread

• Sri Lanka
• Myanmar
• Thailand
• Laos
• Cambodia

Importance

• Dominant form of Buddhism in Southeast Asia.

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Vajrayana Buddhism

Meaning

• "Thunderbolt Vehicle" or "Diamond Vehicle."

Features

• Also known as Tantric Buddhism.
• Developed around 900 CE.
• Includes rituals, mantras, and mystical practices.
• Emphasizes rapid attainment of enlightenment.

Spread

• Tibet
• Bhutan
• Mongolia

Important Characteristic

Use of esoteric and tantric practices.

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Zen Buddhism

Origin

• Developed in China as Chan Buddhism.
• Later spread to Japan.

Features

• Focus on meditation.
• Direct personal experience over scriptures.
• Simplicity and mindfulness.

Spread

• China
• Japan
• Korea

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Important Terms in Buddhism

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Arhat

Meaning

• A liberated being.
• One who has attained Nirvana.

Importance

• Highest ideal in Hinayana Buddhism.

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Pabbajja

Meaning

• Ceremony of renunciation.
• Entry into monastic life.

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Chaitya

Meaning

• Buddhist prayer hall.
• Sacred place of worship.

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Vihara

Meaning

• Buddhist monastery.
• Residence of monks.

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Sramana

Meaning

• Ascetic or seeker.
• One who renounces worldly life.

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Upasampada

Meaning

• Higher ordination ceremony.
• Formal admission into monastic order.

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Vassa

Meaning

• Three-month rainy season retreat.

Period

• July to October

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Uposatha

Meaning

• Day of purification and reflection.
• Used for confession and meditation.

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Bodhisattvas

Meaning

In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a person who has the ability to attain Nirvana but postpones it to help all living beings.

Core Idea

Compassion before personal liberation.

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Important Bodhisattvas

Maitreya

• Future Buddha.
• Expected to appear in the future.

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Samantabhadra

• Associated with meditation and practice.
• Symbol of virtue.

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Vajrapani

• Protector of Buddha.
• Symbolizes power and strength.

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Avalokiteshvara

• Bodhisattva of Compassion.
• Most popular Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism.

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Kshitigarbha

• Protector of children and souls.
• Associated with compassion.

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Amitabha

• Buddha of Infinite Light.
• Associated with the Pure Land.

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Manjushri

• Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
• Often depicted holding a sword of knowledge.

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Akasagarbha

• Represents wisdom and knowledge.

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Expansion of Buddhism

Factors Responsible

1. Simplicity of Teachings

Easy to understand and practice.

2. Use of Local Language

Teachings were delivered in Pali and Prakrit.

3. Support of Kings

Especially:

• Ashoka
• Kanishka
• Harsha

4. Missionary Activities

Monks traveled widely.

5. Strong Monastic System

Sangha helped preserve teachings.

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Regions of Expansion

South Asia

• India
• Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia

• Myanmar
• Thailand
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Indonesia

East Asia

• China
• Korea
• Japan

Central Asia

• Silk Route regions

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Vitorr Classes Quick Revision

• 1st Council → Rajgir → Ajatashatru.
• 2nd Council → Vaishali → Kalasoka.
• 3rd Council → Pataliputra → Ashoka.
• 4th Council → Kashmir → Kanishka.
• Mahayana = Great Vehicle.
• Hinayana = Individual Salvation.
• Theravada = Oldest surviving branch.
• Vajrayana = Tantric Buddhism.
• Zen = Meditation-based Buddhism.
• Arhat = Liberated person.
• Vihara = Monastery.
• Chaitya = Prayer Hall.
• Maitreya = Future Buddha.
• Avalokiteshvara = Compassion.
• Manjushri = Wisdom.

Decline of Buddhism in India

Although Buddhism became one of the most influential religions in Asia, it gradually declined in India after the 7th century CE.

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Causes of Decline of Buddhism

1. Corruption in Buddhist Sanghas

• Buddhist monasteries became wealthy.
• Monks gradually abandoned simple living.
• Discipline within the Sangha weakened.

Result

Public faith in Buddhism declined.

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2. Revival of Hinduism

• Hinduism adopted many ethical teachings of Buddhism.
• Reformers such as:
  • Adi Shankaracharya
  • Kumarila Bhatta

strengthened Hindu philosophy.

Result

Many people returned to Hindu traditions.

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3. Division Within Buddhism

Numerous sects emerged:

• Mahayana
• Hinayana
• Vajrayana
• Zen
• Other sub-sects

Result

Unity of Buddhism weakened.

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4. Use of Sanskrit

• Early Buddhism used Pali and Prakrit.
• Later Mahayana literature increasingly used Sanskrit.

Result

Common people found Buddhist texts less accessible.

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5. Growth of Brahmanism

• Brahmanical traditions regained influence.
• Temples received royal support.
• Hindu religious institutions expanded rapidly.

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6. Idol Worship and Ritualism

• Buddhism initially opposed rituals.
• Gradually elaborate ceremonies developed.
• Buddha himself began to be worshipped as a deity.

Result

Buddhism lost some of its original simplicity.

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7. Loss of Royal Patronage

After:

• Ashoka
• Kanishka
• Harshavardhana

few major rulers strongly supported Buddhism.

Result

Monasteries suffered financially.

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8. Foreign Invasions

Hun Invasions

• Damaged Buddhist institutions.

Turkish and Muslim Invasions

• Major monasteries were destroyed.

Examples:

• Nalanda University
• Vikramashila University

Result

Buddhist learning centers disappeared.

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Contribution of Buddhism

Buddhism left a profound impact on Indian civilization and world history.

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1. Social Contribution

Equality

• Opposed caste discrimination.
• Open to all classes and communities.

Women's Participation

• Allowed women to join the Sangha.
• Mahapajapati Gotami became the first Bhikkhuni.

Moral Values

Promoted:

• Compassion
• Tolerance
• Truthfulness
• Self-control

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2. Religious Contribution

Ahimsa

• Popularized non-violence.

Ethical Living

Focused on:

• Good conduct
• Right livelihood
• Self-discipline

Universal Message

Buddhism emphasized:

• Peace
• Humanity
• Compassion

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3. Educational Contribution

Buddhism established great centers of learning.

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Nalanda University

Location

Bihar

Features

• Largest ancient residential university.
• Thousands of students studied there.
• Attracted scholars from:
  • China
  • Korea
  • Tibet
  • Southeast Asia

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Vikramashila University

Founder

Dharmapala (Pala Dynasty)

Importance

• Major center of Buddhist education.
• Specialized in Tantric Buddhism.

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Taxila

Importance

• One of the earliest universities in the world.
• Famous center of higher learning.

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4. Contribution to Language and Literature

Promotion of Pali

• Buddhist teachings spread through Pali language.

Growth of Literature

Important works:

• Tripitaka
• Jataka Tales
• Buddhacharita
• Milinda Panha
• Mahavamsa

Result

Literature became accessible to common people.

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5. Contribution to Art and Architecture

Buddhism produced remarkable artistic achievements.

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Stupas

Meaning

Sacred mounds containing relics.

Famous Stupas

Sanchi Stupa

• Madhya Pradesh
• Built by Ashoka.

Bharhut Stupa

• Madhya Pradesh

Amaravati Stupa

• Andhra Pradesh

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Chaityas

Meaning

Prayer halls for worship.

Examples

• Karle Chaitya
• Bhaja Chaitya
• Ajanta Chaitya

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Viharas

Meaning

Residential monasteries for monks.

Function

• Education
• Meditation
• Residence

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Rock-Cut Architecture

Famous Examples

Ajanta Caves

• Maharashtra
• Famous for paintings.

Ellora Caves

• Maharashtra
• Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves.

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Gandhara School of Art

Region

Present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Features

• Strong Greek influence.
• First human images of Buddha.

Material

Grey stone.

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Mathura School of Art

Region

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Features

• Indigenous Indian style.
• Red sandstone used.

Importance

Produced numerous Buddha images.

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6. Contribution to International Culture

Spread Across Asia

Buddhism carried Indian culture to:

• Sri Lanka
• China
• Japan
• Korea
• Myanmar
• Thailand
• Cambodia
• Vietnam
• Tibet

Impact

• Strengthened cultural ties.
• Spread Indian philosophy and art.

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Important Examination Facts

First Human Image of Buddha

➡ Gandhara School

Indian Style Buddha Images

➡ Mathura School

Largest Ancient Buddhist University

➡ Nalanda

Founder of Vikramashila

➡ Dharmapala

Famous Stupa Built by Ashoka

➡ Sanchi Stupa

Buddhist Prayer Hall

➡ Chaitya

Buddhist Monastery

➡ Vihara

Language of Theravada Texts

➡ Pali

Future Buddha

➡ Maitreya

Founder of Madhyamaka School

➡ Nagarjuna

Third Buddhist Council President

➡ Moggaliputta Tissa

First Bhikkhuni

➡ Mahapajapati Gotami

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Complete Buddhism Summary (One Page Revision)

Founder

• Gautama Buddha

Birth

• 563 BCE
• Lumbini

Clan

• Sakya

Father

• Shuddhodana

Mother

• Mahamaya

Renunciation

• Age 29
• Mahabhinishkramana

Enlightenment

• Bodh Gaya
• Under Bodhi Tree
• After 49 days of meditation

First Sermon

• Sarnath
• Dharmachakra Pravartana

Death

• Kushinagar
• 483 BCE
• Mahaparinirvana

Core Teachings

• Four Noble Truths
• Eightfold Path
• Middle Path
• Panchsheel

Three Jewels

• Buddha
• Dhamma
• Sangha

Sacred Places

• Lumbini
• Bodh Gaya
• Sarnath
• Kushinagar

Main Texts

• Tripitaka
• Jataka Tales
• Buddhacharita
• Milinda Panha

Main Schools

• Mahayana
• Hinayana
• Theravada
• Vajrayana
• Zen

Main Universities

• Nalanda
• Vikramashila
• Taxila

Major Contributions

• Ahimsa
• Equality
• Education
• Art & Architecture
• Spread of Indian Culture