Buddhism and Jainism Flashcards
when did buddhism and jainism emerge
6th century BC
What caused rise of buddhism and jainism
religious factors
1. religious unrest in india in 6th century BC
2. Complex and unnecessary rituals and sacrifices in LV
3. Sacrificial ceremonies too costly
4. Superstition confused people
5. Upanishads as an alternative to sacrifices was too philosophical
6. Sanskrit was the language of the elite
social factors
1. Rigid caste system generated tensions in society
2. Unequal status and power dynamics
3. Kshatriyas resented priestly domination
4. Even buddha and mahavira were from kshatriya origin
economic factors
1. Growth of trade led to better economic conditions of vaishyas but orthodox varna system did not allow better social status.
hence ppl needed a short and simple way to salvation
who created jainism
rishabhdeva
who was vardhaman mahavira
24th and the last tithankara of the jain tradition
who are Neminath and Parsvanatha
other tirthankaras of jainism
where was mahavira born and died
born in kundagram
died at rajagriha
what is the highest spiritual knowledge attained by mahavira called
Kevala gnana
who was called jina
mahavira
what are the teachings of mahavira
triratnas
- right faith- in mahavira’s teachings
- right knowledge- no god
- right conduct-
a not to injure
b not to lie
c not to steal
d not to acquire property
e not to lead an immoral life
who gave the doctrine of ahimsa
mahavira
what is the doctrine of ahimsa
regards all objects animate and inanimate as having souls of varying degree and consciousness
they possess life and feel pain when injured
even agriculture was sinful as it injures earth, worms and animals
Did jainism reject vedas
yes
what is the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation
starvation, nudity and self torture
how did mahavira spread his teachings
Organised SANGHA and admitted both men and women, and monks and lay followers
famous kings who patronised jainism
chandragupta maurya, kharavela of kalinga, Gangas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakuta