Rise Of Jainism And Buddhism

Rishabhanatha

Rishabhanatha is the first Tirthankara in Jainism. He is also known as Adinatha means Adi(first) Natha(lord) or Adishwara.

Kundpur Kindom of Videh or near Vaishali.

Mahavira also was known as Vardhman, was the 24^th Tirthankara in Jainism. He was born in Kundpur kingdom of Videh or Vaishali.

Enlightenment(Kevala Jnana)

Kevala Jnana means absolute knowledge or omniscience in Jainism. Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana. He was the 24^th tirthankara of Jainism

Pawapuri

Pawapuri or Pawa is a holy site for Jains located in the Nalanda district of Bihar. It is just 19 kilometers away from Rajgir.

Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama or Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. He was born in Shakya clan community, his parents were Suddodhana and Mayadevi.

Sarnath

Sarnath is one of the four holy places of Buddhism. Here Gautama Buddha gave his first speech after he attained enlightenment.

Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta is a Buddhist text that is considered by Buddhist to be a record of first teachings of Gautama Buddha after he attained enlightenment.

Mahavira was the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was also known as Vardhamana. He was an Indian ascetic philosopher and one the principal figures of Jainism. He was born into a royal family of Kshatriyas in Kundala, which is present-day Bihar. He had a privileged childhood and grew up to be a brave man and is said to have been courageous. However, at the age of 30, he realized that his luxurious life did not satisfy him. He then renounced all worldly ties and embarked on a journey to seek the ultimate truth. He endured severe penance for 12 and a half years. Until he attained “Kevala Jnana”, the highest stage of Enlightenment. He spent the next several years traveling all over India and spreading his philosophy along with the rules of religious life for Jains.

Triratna is also called The Triple Gem or The Three Jewels of Buddhism. The Triratna comprises the Buddha, the Dharma(teaching) and the Sangha(community).

In Jainism, three jewels are Samyagdarshana(right faith), Samyagjnana(right knowledge), Samyakcharita(right conduct).

Jains are divided into two major sects:

(i) Digambara (sky clad)- Digambara saints do not wear clothes also they reject property ownership.

(ii) Svetambara (white clad)- Svetambara saints wear white clothes.

The Middle Path is the term that Gautama Buddha used to describe the character of the Noble Eightfold Path that he discovered. It leads to liberation. By “middle”, Buddha meant that we need to embrace both spiritualism as well as materialism, just like front and back sheets of paper.

The people who were influenced by the new religion were the Kshatriyas who were dominated by the Brahmans (priestly class) and the varna system. Also, the Ahimsa preached by the new religions influenced the peasants who did not approve of cattle-killing as sacrifices.

The common people were influenced because they were unable to understand the superstitious beliefs and mantras of the priests and were often exploited by the Brahmans.

Tripitaka or Three Baskets is a traditional term used for various Buddhist scriptures. It is known as Pali Canon. The three pitakas are Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

1. The Sutta Pitaka contains over 10,000 suttas related to Buddha's sermons. They were rehearsed orally during the meeting of the First Buddhist Council after Buddha's death.

2. The Vinaya Pitaka is the monastic rules and regulations for monks and nuns. It can also be called the book of discipline.

3. The Abhidhammapitaka deals with the philosophy and teachings of Buddhism appearing in the suttas.

Mahaveera is also known as Vardhman was the 24^th Tirthankara of Jainism. Mahavira was born in Kshatriya family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of Ikshvaku dynasty. According to Digambara sect he was born in 582 BC but according to Svetambara sect he was born in 599 BC. He was born in Videh or Vaishali. He was a kshatriya and son of a king but he was more interested in understanding religion, philosophy or other things. He attained enlightenment and then he worked for the welfare of people he shared his knowledge and also gave new principles and theories to Jainism. he was a great saint of Jainism also he was a great social reformer.

Tapussa and Bhallika (two merchant brothers) who offered their provision, received eight strands of hair from the Buddha as sacred objects of veneration.

1. Dharma- it is a key concept with multiple meanings in Indian religion it means- the eternal law of the cosmos, inherent in the very nature of things.

2. Sect- a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs from those of a larger group they belong.

3. Theism- belief in the existence of god or gods, specifically of a creator who intervenes in the universe.

4. Atheism- disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of god.