Buddhist philosophy encompasses diverse schools of thought, each offering unique perspectives on fundamental questions of existence, suffering, and liberation. Major schools include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each with distinct philosophical frameworks, meditation practices, and interpretations of Buddhist teachings.
Key Features of Buddhist Philosophical School
- There are four principal Buddhist philosophical schools, which are the four pillars of Buddhist doctrine.
- Vaibhashikas: Believes that relative truth is that which can be broken down into parts, whereas ultimate truth is indivisible.
- Sautrantikas: Accept the selflessness of persons but not the selflessness of phenomena.
- Cittamatrins: Accept the selflessness of both self and phenomena, but believe in the true existence of mind.
- Madhyamikas: It claims that things appear to be real and substantial but are actually without inherent true existence.
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Major Causes of the Decline of Buddhism
- Hinduism Ascendancy: Buddhism declined throughout the phase of Bhakti movement, absorbing Hindu aspects, with some lineages regarding Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu.
- Language: Adoption of Sanskrit over Pali.
- Corrupt practices in monasteries like deviation from Buddha’s teachings.
- Patronage Lost: Buddhism lost its royal patronage after Harshavardhana.
- Invasion: The Turks invaded monasteries for their riches.
Important Facts Related to Buddhism
- Upasaka are lay followers of Buddhism who are not monks. [UPSC 2020]
- Parivrajaka literally means male renunciation & wanderer. Eg: Buddhist Bhikkhu. [UPSC 2020]
- Shramana is a wandering monk in certain ascetic traditions, including Jainism, Buddhism & Ajivikas. [UPSC 2020]
- Paramita (perfection) in Buddhism is associated with noble qualities that are found in Buddha-like enlightened beings. [UPSC 2020]
- Chaitya: It was the place of worship and congregation.
- Vihara: It was the place of residence of Buddhist monks.
- Stupa: Relics of the Buddha, such as his bodily remains or objects used by him, were buried here.
- Kingdoms associated with Buddha are Kosala, Magadha, Vaishali, Rajgir etc. [UPSC 2015]
- Uposatha: Ceremony held on full moon and new moon.
- Upasampada: Ordination ceremony when the novice becomes a full-fledged member of the monastic community.
- Pravrajya: Ceremony to mark a person’s going forth from home into homelessness and his/her becoming a novice under a preceptor. Involved shaving the head and donning ochre robes.
- Gajalakshmi/Maya (mother of Buddha): Women surrounded by Lotuses and elephants (Used as a symbol in Sanchi Stupa).
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Conclusion:
- Buddhist philosophical schools reflect the complexity and depth of Buddhist thought, providing practitioners with diverse approaches to understanding reality and achieving spiritual awakening. Despite differences, these schools share a common aspiration: the alleviation of suffering and the realization of ultimate truth.
April 24, 2024
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