Ultimate Guide to Buddhism and Jainism History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

Ultimate Guide to Buddhism and Jainism History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

History of Bihar-2

Here is a detailed explanation of Buddhism and Jainism, focusing on their origins in Bihar and the important sites of Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Vaishali:

Buddhism and Jainism – Origins and Significance in Bihar

Overview:

Both Buddhism and Jainism originated in the 6th century BCE in the region of ancient Bihar, during a time of great intellectual and spiritual churn. These religions emerged as reformist movements challenging the orthodoxy and ritualism of Vedic religion.

Buddhism

Founder: Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha)

• Born: c. 563 BCE at Lumbini (modern Nepal)
• Enlightenment: Attained under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar
• Died: at Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh

Core Teachings:

• Four Noble Truths:
  1. Life is suffering (Dukkha)
  2. Suffering is caused by desire
  3. Ending desire ends suffering
  4. The Eightfold Path leads to liberation (Nirvana)
• Eightfold Path: Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration.
• No belief in a permanent soul (Anatta)

Important Sites in Bihar:

Bodh Gaya:

• The place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
• The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located here.
• One of the most sacred sites in Buddhism; attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

Rajgir:

• Known as Rajagriha during Buddha’s time.
• Buddha delivered many sermons here, especially at Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak).
• Location of the First Buddhist Council after Buddha’s death, under the patronage of King Ajatashatru.

Vaishali:

• Early center of Buddhism.
• Site of the Second Buddhist Council.
• Buddha delivered his last sermon here and announced his impending death.
• A stupa and Ashokan pillar mark this significance.

Jainism

Founder: Not a single founder; the religion was reformed by Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara

• Born: c. 599 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali, Bihar
• Enlightenment: Attained at Jrimbhikagrama
• Death: at Pavapuri, Bihar (also called Nirvana or Moksha)

Core Teachings:

• Five major vows:
  1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
  2. Satya (Truth)
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
  4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
  5. Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
• Emphasis on self-discipline, asceticism, and non-violence toward all living beings.

Important Sites in Bihar:

Vaishali:

• Birthplace of Mahavira.
• Early Jain community and teachings flourished here.

Rajgir:

• Location of many Jain temples.
• Associated with Lord Mahavira’s spiritual journey.

Pawapuri (Pavapuri):

• Place of Mahavira’s Nirvana (death).
• The Jal Mandir (Water Temple) is a sacred pilgrimage site here.
• A marble temple sits in the middle of a lotus-filled pond, built where his cremation took place.

Why Bihar was the Cradle of these Religions:

• Geopolitical Importance: Located in fertile Gangetic plains, supported large settlements and patronage.
• Social Conditions: Reaction against rigid caste system and rituals of Brahmanism.
• Royal Patronage: Kings like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Ashoka supported Buddhist and Jain teachings.
• Intellectual Environment: Home to great thinkers and mendicants; free exchange of ideas.