Like most major religions, Jainism too evolved over centuries, leading to the formation of distinct sects. Although the core teachings remained constant — Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Samyak Darshana, and Kevala Jnana — differences emerged over rituals, monastic codes, the role of women, and idol worship. ⚖️ The Two Major Sects: Digambara and Svetambara Let us begin…
After attaining Kevala Jnana, Mahavira did not just live in silence. Like the Buddha, he institutionalised his teachings and ensured their transmission through a well-organised Sangha (monastic order). 🧘♂️ The Sangha and Its Role in Expansion 🗣️ Language as a Tool: The Power of Prakrit 📌 Language accessibility played a major role in dissemination, particularly…
After understanding the life of Mahavira, it is now important to grasp the essence of Jain philosophy — what it stands for, how it views the world, and how it differs from the dominant Brahmanical (Vedic) tradition. 🔥 A Challenge to Vedic Orthodoxy ✅ This was a revolutionary stand at a time when Vedic rituals…
Let us begin by understanding that Jainism, like many ancient Indian philosophies, did not begin with its most famous figure — Mahavira. Just like Buddha didn’t “invent” Dhamma but rediscovered it, Mahavira didn’t create Jainism. Instead, he was the 24th Tirthankara — a title for someone who has attained perfect knowledge and helps others cross…
As we conclude our study of Buddhism, we turn from philosophy to material culture—from thoughts to things. Buddhist architecture, though rooted in spiritual values, is tangible evidence of how faith shaped space, and how space preserved faith. Just as the Sangha preserved the Dhamma through words, artisans and monks preserved it through stone, brick, bronze,…
When we talk of Buddhism, we often focus only on the Buddha. But much like any living tradition, it is not the founder alone who sustains the flame. It is the generations of thinkers, monks, and teachers who build, clarify, defend, and spread the ideology. In this section, we’ll explore the key Buddhist scholars who…
✋ Mudras of Buddha – Symbols that Speak Without Words “A religion without symbols is like a body without gestures.”In Buddhism, Mudras are not merely hand gestures — they are powerful non-verbal expressions of ideas, teachings, and states of being. Think of them as the language of silent wisdom. Each mudra conveys a specific spiritual…
Now let’s understand the phenomenal spread of Buddhism — how it moved from the narrow Gangetic heartland to distant lands like China and Japan. We divide this into two phases: During Buddha’s Lifetime After Buddha’s Death Why Did Buddhism Become So Popular? Let’s now explore the core reasons behind Buddhism’s rapid spread, both in India…
As Buddhism spread rapidly after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha in 483 BCE, efforts were made by senior monks and royal patrons to preserve the purity of doctrine, address disciplinary disputes, and standardize texts. These gatherings, called Buddhist Councils, were critical in shaping the doctrinal evolution of Buddhism. 🏛️ Overview of the Four Buddhist Councils…
Buddhism’s rapid growth across India and beyond was supported by a strong textual tradition. Unlike the Vedic tradition, which remained oral for centuries, Buddhist monks preserved and systematised the Buddha’s teachings soon after his death. 🧱 Tripitaka – The Three Baskets of Wisdom The core scriptures of Theravada Buddhism are called the Tripitaka (Pali: Tipitaka),…
