{"id":297,"date":"2025-11-23T23:23:58","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T17:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/?p=297"},"modified":"2025-11-29T00:14:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T18:44:19","slug":"buddhism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddhism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Table_of_Contents\" >Table of Contents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Life_of_Gautam_Buddha\" >Life of Gautam Buddha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Five_Key_Events_of_Buddhas_Life\" >Five Key Events of Buddha\u2019s Life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Core_Beliefs_Teachings\" >Core Beliefs &amp; Teachings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Major_Buddhist_Councils\" >Major Buddhist Councils<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Sacred_Buddhist_Texts\" >Sacred Buddhist Texts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Famous_Monks_during_Buddhas_Time\" >Famous Monks during Buddha\u2019s Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Renowned_Buddhist_Scholars\" >Renowned Buddhist Scholars<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Buddhist_SchoolsTraditions\" >Buddhist Schools\/Traditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-ancient-india\/ancient-notes\/buddhism\/#Major_Buddhist_Monasteries_in_India\" >Major Buddhist Monasteries in India<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Table_of_Contents\"><\/span>Table of Contents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#life-of-gautam-buddha\">Life of Gautam Buddha<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#five-key-events-of-buddhas-life\">Five Key Events of Buddha\u2019s Life<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#core-beliefs-teachings\">Core Beliefs &amp; Teachings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#major-buddhist-councils\">Major Buddhist Councils<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#sacred-buddhist-texts\">Sacred Buddhist Texts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#famous-monks-during-buddhas-time\">Famous Monks during Buddha\u2019s Time<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#renowned-buddhist-scholars\">Renowned Buddhist Scholars<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#buddhist-schools-traditions\">Buddhist Schools\/Traditions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#major-buddhist-monasteries-in-india\">Major Buddhist Monasteries in India<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"life-of-gautam-buddha\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Life_of_Gautam_Buddha\"><\/span><strong>Life of Gautam Buddha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Born as <em>Prince Siddhartha<\/em> in 563 BC at Lumbini, Nepal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Son of Suddhodhana (chief of Sakya clan) and Mahamaya.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Referred to as <em>Sakyamuni<\/em> due to his Sakya lineage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raised by his maternal aunt Prajapati Gautami (after mother\u2019s early death), hence the name \u2018Gautama\u2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Married Yashodhara; his son was Rahula.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At age 29, renounced royal life\u2014this event is called <em>Mahabhinishkramana<\/em>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prompted by seeing: a sick man, old man, corpse, and ascetic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wandered as an ascetic for 7 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Achieved <em>enlightenment<\/em> (Nirvana) at Bodh Gaya, Bihar (meditated under Bodhi Tree near river Niranjana at age 35).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivered first sermon at <em>Sarnath<\/em>, called <em>Dharmachakra Pravartana<\/em> (\u201cSetting in Motion the Wheel of Law\u201d).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Died at Kushinagar, UP in 483 BC (<em>Mahaparinirvana<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buddha = \u201cEnlightened One\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"five-key-events-of-buddhas-life\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Five_Key_Events_of_Buddhas_Life\"><\/span><strong>Five Key Events of Buddha\u2019s Life<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Birth (563 BC, Lumbini) \u2013 Symbol: Lotus &amp; Bull<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Renunciation\/Great Departure \u2013 Symbol: Horse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enlightenment\/Nirvana (Bodh Gaya) \u2013 Symbol: Bodhi Tree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Sermon (Sarnath) \u2013 Symbol: Wheel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Death\/Parinirvana (483 BC, Kushinagar) \u2013 Symbol: Stupa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"core-beliefs-teachings\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Beliefs_Teachings\"><\/span><strong>Core Beliefs &amp; Teachings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Four Noble Truths:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dukkha\u2014Life is full of suffering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dukkha Samuddaya\u2014Origin of suffering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dukkha Nirodha\u2014End of suffering is possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dukkha Nirodhagamini Pratipada\u2014Path leading to cessation of suffering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Goal:<\/strong> Attain Nirvana\u2014liberation from the cycle of birth and death, eternal peace and bliss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Three Jewels (Triratnas):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buddha (the Enlightened One)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dhamma (the Doctrine)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sangha (the Community)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Threefold Path to Nirvana:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seela (right conduct)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Samadhi (right concentration)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prajna (right wisdom)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preached the \u201c<em>Middle Path<\/em>\u201d\u2014balance between indulgence and austerity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"major-buddhist-councils\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Buddhist_Councils\"><\/span><strong>Major Buddhist Councils<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1st Council (483 BC, Rajagriha):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patron: King Ajatasatru; President: Mahakassapa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objective: Preserve Buddha\u2019s teachings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ananda compiled Sutta Pitaka; Mahakassapa compiled Vinaya Pitaka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2nd Council (383 BC, Vaishali):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patron: King Kalasoka; President: Sabakami<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objective: Resolve disputes in Vinaya Pitaka, leading to split\u2014Theravada (original teachings) vs Mahasanghika (liberal group)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3rd Council (250 BC, Pataliputra):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patron: Emperor Ashoka; President: Mogaliputta Tissa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objective: Purify Buddhism, finish Abhidhamma Pitaka, send missionaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>4th Council (1st century AD, Kashmir):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patron: King Kanishka; Presidents: Vasumitra, Ashvaghosha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliberations in Sanskrit, resulted in division: Mahayana (idol worship, rituals) vs Hinayana (original teachings)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sacred-buddhist-texts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sacred_Buddhist_Texts\"><\/span><strong>Sacred Buddhist Texts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tripitakas\/Tipitakas (in Pali):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sutta Pitaka (teachings)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vinaya Pitaka (monastic code)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other Important Works:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dhammapada\u2014verses by Buddha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Milinda Panha\u2014dialogue with Indo-Greek king Menander I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buddhacharita\u2014Sanskrit epic on Buddha\u2019s life by Ashvaghosha<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"famous-monks-during-buddhas-time\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Famous_Monks_during_Buddhas_Time\"><\/span><strong>Famous Monks during Buddha\u2019s Time<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ananda\u2014Buddha\u2019s close companion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mahakassapa\u2014presided over the 1st council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moggallana\u2014possessed supernatural powers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sariputta\u2014profound insight into Dhamma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upali\u2014master of Vinaya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anurddha\u2014teacher of mindfulness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"renowned-buddhist-scholars\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Renowned_Buddhist_Scholars\"><\/span><strong>Renowned Buddhist Scholars<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ashvaghosha\u2014poet, dramatist, musician; contemporary to Kanishka<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nagarjuna\u2014philosopher, Satavahana contemporary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assanga &amp; Vasubandhu\u2014authors of Abhidarmakosha, encyclopaedia of Buddhism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buddhagosha\u2014Pali scholar, wrote Visuddhimagga<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dinnaga\u2014founded Buddhist logic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dharmakirti\u2014philosophical thinker<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buddhist-schools-traditions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buddhist_SchoolsTraditions\"><\/span><strong>Buddhist Schools\/Traditions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hinayana (Theravada):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oldest school, original philosophy, texts in Pali.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sarvastivada (Sanskrit)\u2014believes in existence of physical and mental realities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vaibhasika &amp; Sautantrika\u2014branches with different outlooks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patronized by Ashoka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mahayana:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emphasizes idol worship, rituals, and Boddhisattvas (future Buddhas).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Texts in Sanskrit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main philosophies: Madhyamika (Nagarjuna), Yogachara (Maitreyanatha).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patronized by Kanishka, Harsha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notable Boddhisattva: Maitreya, regarded as future Buddha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"major-buddhist-monasteries-in-india\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Buddhist_Monasteries_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Major Buddhist Monasteries in India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Namgyal Monastery<\/strong> (Dharamshala, HP) \u2013 Linked to Dalai Lamas, major tourist spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thikse Monastery<\/strong> (Leh, Ladakh) \u2013 Famous Indus Valley site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hemis Monastery<\/strong> (Ladakh) \u2013 Known for Hemis Festival<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shashur Monastery<\/strong> (Lahaul-Spiti, HP) \u2013 Surrounded by blue pines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mindrolling Monastery<\/strong> (Dehradun, Uttarakhand) \u2013 Has India\u2019s tallest Buddha statue and stupa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ghum Monastery<\/strong> (Darjeeling, WB) \u2013 Oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rumtek Monastery<\/strong> (Gangtok, Sikkim) \u2013 One of the largest in Sikkim, scenic location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tawang Monastery<\/strong> (Arunachal Pradesh) \u2013 Largest in India, 2nd largest in the world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Life of Gautam Buddha Five Key Events of Buddha\u2019s Life Core Beliefs &amp; Teachings Major Buddhist Councils Sacred Buddhist Texts Famous Monks during Buddha\u2019s Time Renowned Buddhist Scholars Buddhist Schools\/Traditions Major Buddhist Monasteries in India<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ancient-notes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=297"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":426,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297\/revisions\/426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}