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Book No. – 22 (Sociology)
Book Name – Indian Society & Culture (Nadeem Hasnain)
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1. Jainism and Buddhism
2. Islam
3. Christianity
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Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity on Indian Society
Chapter – 4
Table of Contents
Jainism and Buddhism
- India is home to followers of all major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.
- Jainism and Buddhism are considered offshoots of Hinduism, with Jainism being slightly older than Buddhism.
- Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, lived between 599-527 BC, while Gautam Buddha lived between 560-480 BC.
- Jainism emphasizes ethical idealism, focusing on austerity (both external and internal) to shut the influx of evil. Key practices include begging, fasting, and humility. The principles of Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya(non-adultery), and Aparigraha (non-possession) are central.
- Ahimsa (non-violence) holds a pivotal position in Jainism, promoting kindness not only to humans but to all life forms, leading to strict vegetarianism.
- Jain ascetics (Yati) and laypersons (Shravakta) follow practices such as meditation, fasting on the eighth and fourteenth days of the moon’s waxing and waning periods, and penance for faults.
- Intoxication is prohibited in Jainism.
- Jainism contributed to public service through the construction of dharmashalas (rest houses) and made significant contributions to architecture (rock-cut, temple) and fine arts.
- Jainism has flourished in Indian society due to its orthodoxy, affinity to Brahmanism, non-missionary spirit, and absence of hostility towards other religions.
- Gautam Buddha, a younger contemporary of Mahavira, emphasized a spiritual and humanistic outlook and founded Buddhism, which had a profound impact on Indian society.
- Buddhism became a popular religion, with simple, non-complicated rituals, making it accessible to the masses without needing a priestly class.
- The ethical code of Buddhism focuses on charity, purity, self-sacrifice, truthfulness, and control over passions, with an emphasis on love, equality, and non-violence.
- Buddhism introduced the idea that man is the architect of his own destiny, rather than being governed by gods or fate, promoting individuality.
- Buddhism rejected the caste system, violent rituals, and advocated for total equality and social justice.
- Buddhism’s emphasis on this-worldliness rather than other-worldliness sought answers to life’s questions through reason and compassion.
- Buddhism promoted social equality, gender equality, and the welfare of all life forms.
- Buddhism’s impact on Indian society extended to national integration, peace efforts, non-violence (influencing Mahatma Gandhi), and the upliftment of the weaker sections (Dalits, tribals).
- Education in Buddhism focused on practical, action-oriented learning for social welfare. It led to the creation of important universities like Nalanda, Taxila, and Vikramshila.
- Prominent scholars from Buddhism include Dignaga, Ashvagosa, Nagarjuna, Vasumitra, and Charak.
- The Indian national emblem and Ashoka’s wheel on the flag are adopted from Buddhism.
- Buddhism helped popularize Indian vernaculars and promoted respect for diverse languages and dialects.
- Buddhism had a humanizing and philanthropic influence on Indian society.