Buddhism, one of the major religions originating in ancient India, has evolved over centuries into various sects and schools. These divisions arose from differing interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings, leading to the development of distinct doctrines and practices. Understanding these sects is crucial for UPSC CSE aspirants, especially within the context of Ancient History, as they reflect the cultural and religious diversity of ancient India.
Early Buddhist Schools:
After the Buddha’s parinirvana (death), his followers gradually split into different schools due to disagreements over doctrine and monastic discipline. Traditionally, there were about 18 or 20 early Buddhist schools, though only a few have survived. Among them, the most significant are:
Theravada: Also known as the “Teaching of the Elders,” Theravada is the only surviving school of the early Buddhist tradition. It focuses on the Pali Canon and is predominant in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Mahāsāṃghika: This school emphasized the transcendental nature of the Buddha, proposing that the Buddha was beyond human limitations. They were influential in the later development of Mahayana Buddhism.
Sarvāstivāda: Known for their belief that all phenomena (past, present, and future) exist, Sarvāstivādins played a significant role in the development of the Abhidharma literature.
Pudgalavāda: This school introduced the controversial idea of a “person” (pudgala) that transmigrates from life to life, which was not accepted by other schools.
Dharmaguptaka: They had distinct interpretations of the Vinaya (monastic rules) and were instrumental in spreading Buddhism to Central Asia and China.
Sects and Schools of Buddhism :Mahayana Schools
Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged around the 1st century BCE, brought new philosophical ideas and expanded the Buddhist canon. Some of the key Mahayana schools include:
Madhyamaka: Founded by Nagarjuna, this school emphasizes the concept of “emptiness” (śūnyatā) and the middle way, avoiding extremes of existence and non-existence.
Yogacara: Also known as the “Consciousness-Only” school, it focuses on the nature of mind and the concept that all experiences are mental constructions.
Pure Land: This devotional school focuses on the worship of Amitabha Buddha and the aspiration to be reborn in his Pure Land, a paradise conducive to attaining enlightenment.
Zen (Chan): Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation and direct insight into one’s true nature, developed in China (as Chan) and later spread to Japan.
Nichiren: Based on the teachings of the Japanese monk Nichiren, this school emphasizes the chanting of the Lotus Sutra as the primary practice.
Sects and Schools of Buddhism :Vajrayana Schools
Vajrayana, or Tantric Buddhism, is an esoteric tradition that developed out of Mahayana. It is most prominent in Tibet and Mongolia, with schools like:
Nyingma: The oldest of the Tibetan schools, emphasizing Dzogchen, or the “Great Perfection” teachings.
Kagyu: Known for its focus on meditation practices and the transmission of oral instructions.
Sakya: A school known for its scholastic tradition and tantric practices.
Gelug: Founded by Je Tsongkhapa, this school emphasizes monastic discipline and is the school of the Dalai Lama.
Conclusion:
The development of various Buddhist sects and schools reflects the adaptability of Buddhism to different cultures and historical contexts. For UPSC CSE aspirants, understanding these divisions is essential for grasping the complexities of ancient Indian history and the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
FAQs
In India today, the most prominent schools of Buddhism are Theravada and Vajrayana. Theravada Buddhism, focusing on the teachings from the Pali Canon, has seen a revival, especially among the Dalit community following Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism. Vajrayana Buddhism, closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism, is also significant, with a strong presence in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Sikkim, where the Tibetan community practices it under the spiritual leadership of the Dalai Lama.
Maharashtra has the highest Buddhist population among Indian states. This is largely due to the mass conversion movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1956, where millions of Dalits embraced Buddhism. The state’s significant Buddhist community primarily follows the Navayana or Neo-Buddhism tradition, rooted in Theravada Buddhism.
Yes, there are philosophical differences between Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhism focuses on the Middle Way and the path to Nirvana, while Jainism emphasizes strict non-violence (Ahimsa) and asceticism to achieve liberation (Moksha). Additionally, Buddhism rejects the concept of an eternal soul, whereas Jainism believes in the existence of an individual soul.
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