Buddhism is one of the most influential religions in India and the world. It was founded by Gautama Buddha and emphasizes non-violence, meditation, and the Middle Path . It played a crucial role in India’s history , society, and culture. Understanding Buddhism is essential for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams .
1. Founder of Buddhism
Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)
Born: 563 BCE in Lumbini (Nepal) .
Clan: Shakya (Kshatriya class) .
Father: Suddhodana (King of Kapilavastu) .
Mother: Mahamaya (Died soon after birth, raised by stepmother Mahaprajapati Gautami) .
Married to Yashodhara , had a son Rahul .
Left home at 29 years (The Great Renunciation).
Attained enlightenment at 35 years in Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree .
Delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) at Sarnath .
Died at 80 years (483 BCE) at Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana).
2. Core Teachings of Buddhism The Four Noble Truths (Chaturarya Satya)
Dukkha – Life is full of suffering.Samudaya – Desire is the cause of suffering.Nirodha – Suffering can be ended by overcoming desire.Magga – The Eightfold Path leads to liberation.
The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)
Right View – Understanding the Four Noble Truths.Right Intention – Avoiding harmful thoughts.Right Speech – Speaking truthfully.Right Action – Avoiding harm to others.Right Livelihood – Earning a living ethically.Right Effort – Striving for self-improvement.Right Mindfulness – Being aware of thoughts and actions.Right Concentration – Practicing meditation.
Concepts in Buddhism
Nirvana : The ultimate goal, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.Anicca : Impermanence (everything changes).Anatta : No permanent self.Karma and Rebirth : Actions determine future births.
3. Sects of Buddhism Sects Description Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) Believes in individual salvation, follows Buddha’s original teachings. Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Worships Buddha as a divine figure, believes in Bodhisattvas. Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle) Practiced in Tibet, focuses on rituals and mantras.
4. Buddhist Councils Council Year Location Patron Result 1st Buddhist Council 483 BCE Rajgir Ajatashatru Compilation of teachings. 2nd Buddhist Council 383 BCE Vaishali Kalashoka Division into Hinayana and Mahayana. 3rd Buddhist Council 250 BCE Pataliputra Ashoka Spread of Buddhism to other countries. 4th Buddhist Council 1st Century CE Kashmir Kanishka Division of Mahayana and Hinayana confirmed.
5. Buddhist Literature Text Description Tripitaka (Three Baskets) The most sacred Buddhist texts . Vinaya Pitaka Rules for monks and nuns. Sutta Pitaka Teachings of Buddha. Abhidhamma Pitaka Philosophical interpretations. Jataka Tales Stories about Buddha’s previous births.
6. Spread of Buddhism
Emperor Ashoka played a major role in spreading Buddhism across India and Asia.Buddhist monks traveled to Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Tibet, and Southeast Asia .
Silk Route helped in the transmission of Buddhist ideas.
7. Buddhist Architecture Site Location Features Sanchi Stupa Madhya Pradesh Oldest stone structure, Ashoka’s construction. Ajanta Caves Maharashtra Rock-cut caves with paintings. Ellora Caves Maharashtra Mixed Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves. Nalanda University Bihar Ancient Buddhist learning center.
8. Buddhism vs. Jainism Feature Buddhism Jainism Founder Gautama Buddha Mahavira Concept of God No creator god No creator god Ahimsa Non-violence but allows self-defense Strict non-violence Language of Texts Pali & Sanskrit Prakrit Monastic Rules Less strict More ascetic
9. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams Prelims-Based Questions (MCQs)
Where did Gautama Buddha attain enlightenment?
(a) Sarnath
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Lumbini
(d) Kushinagar
Answer: (b) Bodh Gaya
Which Buddhist council led to the division of Hinayana and Mahayana?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth
Answer: (b) Second
Which text contains the teachings of Gautama Buddha?
(a) Vinaya Pitaka
(b) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(c) Sutta Pitaka
(d) Jataka Tales
Answer: (c) Sutta Pitaka
What was the main theme of Buddha’s first sermon?
(a) Nirvana
(b) Ahimsa
(c) Four Noble Truths
(d) Eightfold Path
Answer: (c) Four Noble Truths
Who convened the Fourth Buddhist Council?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Harsha
(d) Kalashoka
Answer: (b) Kanishka
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive)
Explain the significance of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. Analyze the role of Ashoka in the spread of Buddhism. Compare and contrast Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism. Discuss the contribution of Buddhist architecture in India.
10. Conclusion
Buddhism originated in India but spread to many parts of Asia.It teaches non-violence, self-discipline, and meditation .
The decline of Buddhism in India was due to revival of Hinduism , invasions, and loss of royal patronage .
Today, Buddhism continues to influence philosophy, art, and culture worldwide .
Would you like a timeline or map to visualize the spread of Buddhism?
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