Buddhism – The Teachings and Philosophy

Buddhism as discussed by Harsh Kumar

The term Buddhism is named after the Mahatma Buddha, which means teachings of Buddha, a heterodox sect. It was the time period of around 6^th century BC when the teachings of Buddha were emerged as a centre of attraction for the common peoples as they became sick of Brahmanical religious practices. In counter of the complex and costly Brahmanical rituals and sacrifices, the Buddhism provided a set of simple teachings and noble truths.

Also Read : Indus Valley Civilization – The Origin

Rise of Heterodox Sects in Indian Subcontinent

The Post-Vedic Age – Second Urbanization of Indian Subcontinent

Vedic Age – Origin and Political Life

Four Noble Truths Presented by Buddha

Mahatma Buddha through his enlightenment discovered the four noble truths of human life, which are;

1. The world is full of sorrow.
2. There is a cause of sorrow.
3. The main cause of sorrow is desire.
4. This sorrow can be annihilated by the elimination of the desire.

Astangika Marga of Buddha (Eight-Fold Path)

1. Right belief is the very first path of Buddha’s teaching which emphasis on the believes.
2. The right conduct is the second path which put emphasis on right doings.
3. Right memory is third path to follow.
4. Right meditation is very important as per Buddha which is fourth path.
5. Right speech is very according to Buddha for following the path of salvation.
6. Right thoughts are the basics for prospering any society.
7. Right means of livelihood by avoiding corrupt practices.
8. The right action is last path as one need to avoid harm anyone purposely.

The Ten Teachings of Buddha

1. Not to harm any living being.
2. Not to tell a lie.
3. Abstain from consuming alcohol.
4. Not to take what is not given.
5. Abstain from evil behavior.
6. Not to sleep on broad and higher bed.
7. Abstain from eating at forbidden times.
8. Abstain from receiving precious items like gold and silver.
9. Avoid using music, singing, dancing and drama.
10.  Abstain use of jewelry.

Concept of Salvation in Buddhism

According to Buddha a person has to remain trapped in cycle of life and death because of their wrong deeds. Salvation is possible through the knowledge (Gyanamarga). The four noble truths represented true knowledge. Eight-fold path and ten teachings were put forward by Buddha to enable people to annihilate their desire and avoid their wrong deeds. In Buddhist philosophy, salvation is known as Nirvana, which means freedom from the cycle of life and death. At death person achieves Mahaparinirvana.

Other Important Elements of Buddhist Philosophy

Buddha rejected idea of soul. He believed in soullessness. Buddha did not say anything on existence or non-existence of God. Buddhism believes in idea conditioned co-production (Pratitya Samutpda). According to this idea, one state of life leads to next i.e., the present activities shape future. Buddhism did not believe in infallibility of Vedas i.e., refused to accept Vedas as Ultimate truth.

Buddhism believes in the efficiency of middle-path neither extreme luxury nor complete ascetism. They believed in non-violence but within practical limits. Buddhism accepted Varna system but in in a modified form. They put Kshatriyas over the Brahman class. Buddhism did not believe in untouchability. There are certain references of Chandalas teachers in Buddhism.

Buddhism recognized slavery. These slaves were not allowed to enter in Buddhist institutions without the permission of master. Buddha’s attitude towards women was non-egalitarian. Initially he was against the entry of women in Buddhist Sangha but when his foster mother Prajapati Gautami and her chief disciple Ananda requested repeatedly women were allowed.

Influence of Upanishads on Buddhist Philosophy

Upanishads reflects first reaction against Brahmanical dominance. They condemn rituals and ceremonies. As per Mundaka Upanishad, the rituals and sacrifices are broken boats that cannot ferry a person across the ocean of life. A similar attitude is found in the philosophy of Buddhism. The Upanishad philosophy emphasizes on non-violence.

They condemn violent sacrifices and rituals. Buddhism also believed in non-violence. Upanishad believes in efficiency of path of knowledge, the Gyanamarga, to attain the salvation. Buddha also believes that salvation is only possible through knowledge.

Difference Between Upanishad and Buddhist Philosophy

Upanishads believes in idea od soul and transmigration of soul but Buddha rejected the existence of soul. They believe in soullessness. The philosophy of Upanishad was revolved around the supreme deity, Brahma. According to this, every individual is an expansion of Brahma. This idea of monotheism (Atwaitawad) is the central significance of Upanishad philosophy.

On the other hand, Buddha did not say about anything about the existence and non-existence of God. The concept of salvation is different in Upanishadic philosophy and Buddhism. In Upanishadic philosophy, the salvation is known as the Moksha. Moksha lies in the merging of individual soul with the supreme deity, Brahma.

According to this philosophy, once an individual attained Moksha to reaches heaven and resides there forever without coming to the world. Moksha is identified with ultimate bliss. Here, the lifecycle is ended for the body, not for the soul. And Moksha is attained only after death. In Buddhist philosophy, the salvation is known as the Nirvana.

Nirvana is free from the cycle of life and death. A person can attain Nirvana within lifetime itself. On the death, a person attains Mahaparinirvana. The idea of heaven and hell present in Upanishadic philosophy but absent in the philosophy of Buddhism. According to the Upanishads, God Brahma is the creator of the universe of world but Buddhism did not talk anything about the creation and sustenance of universe.

Thus, there were various fundamental differences between the Upanishadic and Buddhism philosophy.