Buddhism

Buddhism has been a favourite topic for UPSC to frame at least one question in the preliminary examination every year. Here we will look to understand the basic concepts, terms and philosophy related to Buddhism that will enable us to answer those questions.

What/Who is/was Buddha ?

Siddharta ( family name Gautama ) founded Buddhism. He was given the title of “Buddha”. Buddha means one who has woken up to reality i.e enlightened. So, rather than a single person, Buddha is a title that can be given to anyone who is enlightened. Since Siddhartha was the first to attain it ( according to Buddhists ), he is called the Supreme Buddha.

Buddhism as a reaction to rigidities in Hinduism

It is said that the rigidities of the caste system in Hinduism, abuse of power by the Brahman priests was a prominent cause of origination of Buddhism. There are many similarities and differences between the two, which is out of scope of this post. However you can go through this article if you want.

The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold path ( Middle path )

1. The truth of Suffering – No matter how much we struggle, we are unable to find the ultimate happiness or satisfaction. Suffering is the common bond we share. Therefore suffering is the real truth of our existence.

2. Desire : The truth about the cause of suffering – Cravings, desires and ignorance about reality are the cause of suffering.

3. The truth about end of suffering – If desire is eliminated, then only the suffering would stop. This stage when all desires are burned is called “nirvana” in Buddhism.

4. The path for ending suffering – This path is called the eightfold path. It emphasizes on a middle path between worldly pleasure and painful asceticism.

worldly pleasures<————-MIDDLE PATH——————–>painful asceticism.

The image below taken from expertlearners illustrate the 4 noble truth and 8 fold path very well.

On the issue of God, Soul and Transmigration 

Does Buddhism believe in GOD ? Do they believe that living beings have a soul ? UPSC often form statement on the basis of these facts. Well, the answer for the above is no, for both of them. Buddhism does NOT believe in GOD and SOUL. Their view is that life is transient and changing. Ans where change prevails, something like a ‘permanent soul’ would have no meaning.

Similarly rather than believing in God, Buddhism focuses on moral progress independent of God. Buddha believed that religious ideas and especially the god idea have their origins in fear. Quoting Buddha here ”Gripped by fear people go to sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees and shrines.”

However, Buddhism has been said to accept the theory of transmigration. But, Buddhists refute to accept transmigration as understood in ‘ transmigration of soul’. What they believe is rebirth and not exactly transmigration.

Quoting from buddhanet  ” You may have noticed that in Buddhism, we consistently speak of rebirth and not transmigration. This is because in Buddhism we do not believe in an abiding entity, in a substance that trans-migrates. We do not believe in a self that is reborn. This is why when we explain rebirth, we make use of examples which do not require the transmigration of an essence or a substance. For example, when a sprout is born from a seed, there is no substance that transmigrates. The seed and the sprout are not identical. Similarly, when we light one candle from another candle, no substance travels from one to the other, and yet the first is the cause of the second.”

Divisions – Hinayana, Mahayana and Theravada

There are conflicting view about the divisions/sects in Buddhism. This is because each division along with their different schools of thought promote their own sect as actual Buddhism. Nevertheless, few precise differences can be ascertained –

After Buddha’s demise ( Mahaparinirman ), the Buddhist order split into two groups.

1. Hinayana ( lesser vehicle ) – they interpreted Buddha’s teaching literally and strictly, emphasizing on strict personal meditation and the monastic path to Enlightenment.

2. Mahayana ( greater vehicle ) – they interpreted Buddha’s teaching logically and liberally trying to understand the true meaning of Buddha’s teachings.

But why were these called “lesser” and “greater” vehicles ?

The word vehicle is used here to describe the Buddha’s teachings, since the ultimate purpose of the teachings is to carry people from the shore of this impure world to the other shore of enlightenment. A great vehicle is like a large ship that can carry many people over the ocean. A lesser vehicle is like a little boat that can carry only a few people across a river.

So Mahayana, which promises spiritual liberation to both monks and ordinary people is called greater vehicle because it can help a large number of people in attaining enlightenment. On the other hand, Hinayana which calls for strict discipline cannot be practiced by ordinary people can only carry fewer people towards enlightenment.

It is to be noted that here lesser and greater are not to be understood in terms of inferior and superior though rival schools do this name calling.

Ok, but what about Theravada ? Isn’t same as Hinayana ? The answer is no. Theravada is also called “southern Buddhism” as it was the form that developed in souther part of the Indian subcontinent, primarliy Sri Lanka.Quoting from Urbandhadharma  ” We must not confuse Hinayana with Theravada because the terms are not synonymous. Theravada Buddhism went to Sri Lanka during the 3rd Century B.C. when there was no Mahayana at all. Hinayana sects developed in India and had an existence independent from the form of Buddhism existing in Sri Lanka. “

Bodhisattva

A BODHISATTVA IS an ordinary person who takes up a course in his or her life that moves in the direction of buddha. You’re a bodhisattva, I’m a bodhisattva; actually, anyone who directs their attention, their life, to practicing the way of life of a buddha is a bodhisattva. The Mahayana has conceived them as having renounced the ultimate state out of pure compassion towards all beings, and can therefore refers to anyone en route. In non-Mahayana Buddhism, it usually refers either to Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, or to the historical Buddha Gautama prior to his enlightenment.

The four major events

Stupa, wheels, bodhi tree, horses and lotus. Do these remind you of anything ? These are prominent in Buddhist art and architecture. Actually they resemble four major events of Buddha’s life.

1. The great renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana) – Buddha leaving his home, family and kingdom in search of truth. This is symbolised by a horse.

2. Enlightenment (Nirvana) – Buddha attaining enlightenment under the tree in Bodh Gaya. This is symbolised by a bodhi tree.

3. Dhammachakraparivartan – This was Buddha giving his first sermon in Deer Park close to Varanasi. This is symbolised by a wheel.

4. Mahaparinirvana – Buddha’s death. This is symbolised by a stupa. Essentially, stupa is a mound.

Ok, but what is the lotus for ? Some scholars add a fifth event – Buddha’s birth which is symbolised by a lotus. Also to be noted is that before the Mathura school of art, Buddha was never represented in human form.

Mudras in Buddhism

The various hand gestures of Buddha are called mudras. Different gestures signify different meanings. UPSC asked about bhumisparsha mudra in 2012. However preparing all mudras would be a time consuming task. Nevertheless, you can have a look at the various mudras along with their meanings  here.

Buddhist Literary Texts – Tripitakas

Tripitakas ( three baskets ) comprises the three main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon
1. Vinaya-pitaka – contains the rules of communal life for monks and nuns
2. Sutta-pitaka – collection of sermons of the Buddha
3. Abhidhamma-pitaka – contains interpretations and analyses of Buddhist concept

Buddhist Councils

Two other councils were held, but they do not seem to be important from exam point of view. Ending the post with a quote from Buddha “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

Source: http://selfstudyias.com/understanding-buddhism-for-gs-prelims/

Buddha Poses

If you know what to look for, you can tell the meaning of a Buddha Statue by looking at the pose / posture, and the accompanying hand gestures. Each traditional pose has a significance related to an important event in the the life – or past lives – of the Historical Buddha. (Note: You can see more examples by Visiting our Buddha Statues For Sale Page on this site.)
Also referred to as an asana or an Attitude, there are over 100 poses illustrating the life of the Buddha. And each posture will have a specific hand gesture, called a Mudra, associated with the posture. In general, the carvings of the Buddha that you can buy are representations of highly venerated statues that are enshrined at major temples throughout the world, or are reproductions of well known sculptures that were originally commissioned by royal patrons, and as such, their meanings and significance are similar to the original statues.

Protection Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

Protection Buddha / Overcoming Fear

This depiction of a seated Buddha with the right hand raised and facing outwards has two common meanings. The first is that of the Protection Buddha, as the raised right hand symbolically represents a shield. The second meaning, Overcoming Fear, is closely related to the first (since one who is receiving protection would be less fearful).
The main features of this pose, aside from the raised right hand, is that The Buddha can be depicted either sitting or standing, and the left hand may either be extended outward or palm up in the lap. This statue signifies courage and offers protection from fear, delusion and anger.

Meditation Buddha (Click to View Larger Image)

Meditation Buddha / Serenity Buddha / Calming Buddha

Another of the more common rupas is of the Buddha in Meditation. This statue is for people who are either looking for peace and clam in their lives, or for those who wish to improve their own meditation skills. People will often buy a Meditation Buddha if they want to set up a “serenity room” or a corner of their house where they can sit in calm for a little while and unwind.
In this pose, the Buddha is depicted with both hands in the lap, face up, and the legs are crossed, either in a Double Lotus pose (with the ankles of each leg tucked behind one another in a locked position), or in a Single Lotus pose (where one leg rests on top of the other leg). Occasionally, an alms bowl is placed in the lap as well.
As this statue generally represents focused concentration, the eyes of the Buddha are either depicted as halfway closed, or closed nearly all the way. The silhouette of the statue is shaped – more or less – like a triangle, which represents stability.
Many of the largest Buddha Statues in Japan, such as the Great Kamakura Buddha Statue at Kotokuin Temple, and large statues in Korea are in the Meditation Pose. This pose is also known as the Amithabha Buddha, which means “Boundless Light.”

Earth Touching Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

Calling The Earth To Witness / Earth Touching Buddha

The most common pose you will find in Thai temples is with the legs crossed, the left hand in the lap, and the right hand pointing to the ground with the palm facing inward toward the Buddha. This posture is known as Calling The Earth to Witness, and it is the definition of the moment of enlightenment for the Buddha.
It is the story of how the Buddha, after six years, finally was at the verge of enlightenment. Unfortunately Mara, the Demon of Illusion, tried to dissuade The Buddha from the final last steps. The Buddha meditated all night to overcome the fears and temptations sent by Mara, and then called the Earth Goddess to witness that the Buddha achieved enlightenment in order to share with the rest of the world. Witnessing that, the Earth Goddess wrung her hair, releasing flood waters that swept away the Demon Mara and all the temptresses he had released.

Nirvana Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

The Nirvana Buddha / Reclining Buddha

This statue depicts the Historical Buddha in the last moments of life on earth, prior to the Buddha dying one last time before entering Nirvana (often written in English as ParaNirvana when referring to the life of The Buddha). It is said that an alms giver had accidentally given the Buddha pork that had gone bad, and this eventually led to the death of the Buddha.
Because the Buddha had gained enlightenment in this lifetime, the Buddha was able to escape the endless cycle of birth – death – rebirth (known as samsara) and was able to enter Nirvana. In this pose, the Buddha is always depicted lying on the right hand side on top of a resting table. One of the most well-known examples of this statue is enshrined at Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand, although there are numerous other temples throughout Southeast Asia that house statues in the posture.

Medicine Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

Medicine Buddha

The Medicine Buddha is depicted in paintings having blue skin, but whether shown in statue or painted form, the right hand is held facing downward with fingers extended toward the ground, palm facing outward toward the viewer, a bowl of herbs rests in the left hand upon the lap.
It is believed by the Tibetans that the Buddha was responsible for delivering the knowledge of medicine to the people of the world, and in fact the right hand facing outward signifies “granting a boon” (meaning, giving a blessing) to mankind. This is a common hand gesture amongst both Buddhist and Hindu statues.
The Medicine Buddha is venerated by those seeking health, and is more commonly found in the Buddhist temples and communities of Nepal and Tibet.

Teaching Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

Teaching Buddha / DharmaChakra Buddha

This statue signifies wisdom, understanding, and fulfilling destiny. Both hands are held at chest level, with thumb and index fingers forming a circle. The right hand is turned palm in, while the left hand is turned palm out.
As do most images of the Buddha, the Teaching Buddha depicts a particular moment in the life of the Buddha, namely, the first sermon the Buddha gave after reaching Enlightenment. This sermon was to a small group of disciples who had previously scorned the Buddha. This is a statue that is particularly appropriate for those who are either studying or are interested in learning more about spirituality.
The phrase DharmaChakra is hard to translate. The word Dharma means “the way of righteousness,” while the word Chakra is usually translated as the “Universe” or as the “cosmos.” Taken together, this phrase generally is interpreted as, “putting the cosmic law of righteousness in order,” or “turning the wheel of cosmic righteousness.”

Walking Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

Walking Buddha / Sukhothai Buddha

Signifies grace and internal beauty, and in Thai, we call this “Phra LeeLaa”. Right hand raised, facing outward, left hand dangles along left side of body. Standing with right foot behind, starting to raise off the ground. This statue is particular to the Sukhothai period in Thailand. It represents a time when the Buddha was returning to earth after delivering a sermon on the Dharma in Heaven, and was being accompanied by Lord Indra and Lord Brahma.

Contemplation Buddha

Contemplation Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

In this pose, Both arms of the Buddha lie flat against the chest, the palms of both hands facing in, with right arm on outside of left arm. The Contemplation Buddha signifies quiet determination and patient understanding.

Alms Bowl Buddha / Begging Buddha

Alms Collecting Buddha (Click To View Larger Image)

Arms bent at elbows, holding an alms bowl at chest level. This statue signifies compassion and caring for all beings. Contrary to what many think, monks (and the Buddha) did NOT beg for food. Instead, they collected alms. The difference is that collecting alms allows for those GIVING the alms to make merit (meaning, to acquire good karma). Devout Buddhists in Asia will prepare and give food to monks in the morning on their alms rounds.

Repelling The Ocean (Click To View Larger Image)

Repelling The Ocean / Preventing the Relatives From Fighting

This statue has two meanings based on two different stories. The first meaning of Repelling The Ocean comes from a story when the Buddha visited Bihar state in India. A hermit unleashed a wall of water hoping to cause a flood, but the Buddha used the power generated from meditating to stop the water from flooding the area. The Forbidding The Relatives from Fighting is related to a period in the life of the Buddha where relatives of his father had an argument with relatives of the Buddha’s mother over water, as one of the rivers that both sets of relatives normally depended on was starting to run dry. The Buddha raised his right hand to draw attention to their own bickering and asked them what was ore important; water, or their family relations?

Differences In Leg Positions

Leg Positions

In general, the Buddha is depicted as sitting with the legs crossed. This makes a “triangle” shape to the image; the knees making the two bottom points of the triangle shape, while the tip of the head makes the top point of the triangle. The significance is that a triangle shape is more “grounded” or has a more solid foundation.
There are two positions for crossed legs, namely with the right leg resting above the left leg in the Single Lotus Position, or with both knees pointing downward and the ankles tucked on top of one another in the Double Lotus Position.
But there are a few postures that are not seated with crossed legs, namely the Maitreya Buddha, where the “Buddha of the Future” sits in a chair Western style. Also, there is a story of how a monkey and an elephant visited to make offerings to the Buddha, and in those images he is depicted sitting in a chair as well. there are standing Buddhas, and in Thailand, one of the most beloved forms is of the Walking Buddha statue, which is exclusive to the Sukhothai period of Thai art.