Symbolism, Decline, and Legacy of Buddhism
✋ 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 message or moment in Buddha’s life.
| Mudra | Meaning / Context | Associated Figure |
| Dhyana Mudra (Meditation) | Symbol of deep concentration, spiritual perfection. Used when Buddha was meditating under the pipal tree. | – |
| Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-touching) | Moment of enlightenment. Buddha calls Earth to witness his victory over Mara. | Akshobhya (Dhyani Buddha) |
| Dharmachakra Mudra (Turning the Wheel) | First Sermon at Sarnath – beginning of Dharma. | Vairochana (Dhyani Buddha) |
| Vitarka Mudra (Discussion or Teaching) | Symbol of explanation, reasoning, and teaching the Dhamma. | Bodhisattvas, Taras (Tibetan Buddhism) |
| Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness) | Represents protection, peace, and assurance. | – |
| Varada Mudra (Generosity) | Gesture of charity, welcoming, and compassion. Fingers signify Dāna, Śīla, Kṣānti, Vīrya, Dhyāna. | Ratnasambhava (Dhyani Buddha) |
| Anjali Mudra (Namaskar) | Universal gesture of greeting and devotion. | Avalokiteshvara |
| Uttarabodhi Mudra | Symbol of supreme enlightenment. | – |
| Vajra Mudra | Gesture of knowledge and wisdom. | – |
| Karana Mudra | Wards off evil forces, negativity, and illness. | – |
These mudras aren’t artistic whims — they codify the journey of the Buddha, offering visual shorthand for core teachings.
📉 Decline of Buddhism in India: A Post-Glory Analysis
By the 12th century CE, Buddhism had nearly vanished from the Indian subcontinent — the very land where it was born.
Let’s understand the multifaceted causes behind this decline:
1. Shift Toward Ritualism and Idol Worship
- Buddhism started as a protest against ritualistic Brahmanism.
- But ironically, it later imitated the same rituals — grand ceremonies, large-scale idol worship (starting from 1st century CE).
- Spiritual purity was lost, and masses saw no difference between Buddhism and Brahmanism.
2. Abandonment of Pali
- Early Buddhism spoke the language of the people — Pali.
- Later Buddhists shifted to Sanskrit, the elite language — cutting off mass connect.
- This gave an edge to new Bhakti movements that spoke in regional languages.
3. Degeneration of Monastic Life
- Once centres of learning and humility, Buddhist monasteries became rich, complacent, and corrupt.
- Lavish patronage made monks detached from the public.
- Moral decline, women in monasteries, and comfort-seeking lifestyle eroded the austere image of Sangha.
Buddha himself is said to have warned Ananda:
“Had women not been admitted, Buddhism would last 1000 years; now it will last only 500.”
This reflects internal anxieties, not misogyny — a reminder that institutional expansion comes with ethical challenges.
4. Persecution by Kings
- Some Brahmanical rulers viewed Buddhism as a threat:
- Pushyamitra Shunga, Mihirakula (Huna ruler), and Shashanka of Gauda were accused of temple destruction.
- Shashanka even cut down the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya.
- Foreign invaders like Turks looted wealthy monasteries, e.g., Nalanda, Vikramshila.
Hiuen Tsang mentions the destruction of over 1600 monasteries and killing of thousands of monks.
5. Revival of Brahmanism
- Smart Brahmanas reformed Vedic religion to make it more appealing:
- Emphasised Ahimsa, admitted Shudras and women into the spiritual fold.
- Promoted animal protection and ethical conduct.
6. Rise of Bhakti Movements
- Sects like Shaivism and Vaishnavism became mass-oriented.
- They offered emotional connection, devotional songs, and temple rituals — all in local languages.
- Buddhism seemed philosophically aloof in comparison.
🏛️ Kapilvastu and the Sacred Relics: Discovery and Legacy
Even though Buddhism declined, archaeology helped reconnect us with its past.
The Rediscovery:
- In 1896, an Ashokan Pillar was discovered at Lumbini.
- In 1897, William Claxton Pepp excavated a large mound near Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh — believed to be Kapilvastu, the city of Buddha’s early life.
What Did They Find?
- One of the original Eight Stupas (constructed after Buddha’s death).
- Five vases filled with:
- Beads, pearls, gemstones
- Sacred ashes and bones of the Buddha
- Inscriptions confirmed the connection with Kapilvastu.
- Between 1971–77, the ASI found two more steatite caskets — holding 22 sacred relics.
Where Are They Now?
- 20 relics are housed in the National Museum, Delhi
- 2 relics in the Indian Museum, Kolkata
These relics are living memory of a vanished presence, linking archaeology with faith.
🧘♂️ Final Reflection
Buddhism’s rise and fall in India is not just a historical story — it’s a profound case study in:
- Sociological adaptation
- Philosophical evolution
- Institutional decay
- Cultural resilience
Even though Buddhism declined in India, it flourished abroad, thanks to its ethical foundation, intellectual clarity, and compassionate philosophy.