New Questions and Ideas

Siddhartha, also known as Gautama. He was born about 2500 years ago. He belonged to the Sakya gana and was a Kshatriya.

He left home at a young age in search of knowledge. He wandered for years, meeting thinkers. Finally, he sat under a peepal tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) and meditated until he attained enlightenment.

After enlightenment, he went to Sarnath, near Varanasi, where he taught for the first time.

He attained nirvana (passed away) at Kusinara.

Buddha taught that life is full of suffering and unhappiness because we have cravings and desires (which often cannot be fulfilled). He described this as 'thirst' or 'tanha'.

The teaching of being kind and respecting the lives of others, including animals.

The result of our actions (good or bad), which affects us both in this life and the next.

Prakrit, so that ordinary people could understand his message.

Her son died. She roamed requesting medicine. Buddha asked her for mustard seeds from a house where no one had died. She found none. She realized death is common to all.

Part of the later Vedic texts. 'Upanishad' literally means 'approaching and sitting near'. They contain conversations between teachers and students about the Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal soul).

Mostly men, Brahmins and Rajas. Famous exceptions: Gargi (woman thinker) and Satyakama Jabala (son of a slave woman, taught by Gautama).

A famous scholar who prepared a grammar for Sanskrit. He arranged vowels and consonants in a special order to create formulae (like Algebra).

The 24th Tirthankara of the Jains. He was a Kshatriya prince of the Lichchhavis (part of Vajji sangha). Born 2500 years ago.

Ahimsa: Do not hurt or kill any being. 'All beings long to live.' To be a Jain, one had to lead a simple life, beg for food, be absolutely honest, and observe celibacy.

Farmers had to kill insects to protect their crops, which went against the strict rule of Ahimsa.

An association for those who left their homes (both Buddhist and Jain). It was believed that true knowledge could only be gained by leaving home.

A book containing the rules made for the Buddhist sangha. It mentions separate branches for men and women.

Men and women who joined the Sangha. They mediated, begged for food (Bhikkhu = beggar in Prakrit), and taught others.

Permanent shelters or monasteries built for monks and nuns. Initially wooden, later brick or in caves (like Karle caves in Maharashtra).

A system developed by Brahmins around the time of Buddha/Mahavira. 4 stages: Brahmacharya (Study), Grihastha (Household), Vanaprastha (Forest/Meditate), Samnyasa (Renounce world).

Buddha was a Kshatriya from Sakya Gana.

Buddha attained Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.

The Stupa at Sarnath marks the spot of the first sermon.

Buddha died at Kusinara.

Buddha taught in Prakrit.

Tanha means thirst or desire.

Upanishads focus on Atman and Brahman.

Gargi was a learned woman in royal courts.

Satyakama Jabala was named after his mother Jabali.

Panini wrote Sanskrit Grammar (Ashtadhyayi).

Jaina comes from 'Jina' meaning conqueror.

Mahavira was a Lichchhavi prince.

Mahavira attained enlightenment at age 42 (after 12 years).

Jain teachings were written down at Valabhi (Gujarat) 1500 years ago.

Jainism was supported mainly by traders.

Sangha rules are in Vinaya Pitaka.

Bhikkhu stands for beggar.

Monks begged during fixed hours.

Quarrels within Sangha were settled in meetings.

People of all castes joined the Sangha.

Viharas were often built on land donated by rich merchants.

Karle cave is in Maharashtra.

Ashrama system has 4 stages.

Brahmacharya: Study Vedas.

Grihastha: Marry and live as householder.

Vanaprastha: Live in forest and meditate.

Samnyasa: Renounce everything.

Women were not allowed to study Vedas.

Women followed the ashramas chosen by husbands.

Zoroaster was an Iranian prophet.

Zoroaster's book is Zend Avesta.

Zoroastrianism is similar to Vedic culture.

Parsis are descendants of Zoroastrians.

Thinkers tried to understand life after death.

Upanishads are later Vedic texts.

Most Upanishadic thinkers were men.

Poor people rarely took part in Upanishadic discussions.

Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia.

Theravada Buddhism is an older form.

Chinese pilgrims: Fa Xian, Xuan Zang, IQing.

Nalanda was a famous Buddhist centre.

Jainism spread to North India, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.

Mahavira taught 'Live and Let Live'.

Ahimsa is the core of Jainism.

Begging for food taught humility.

Monks traveled throughout the year except rainy season.

Viharas were built for rainy season stay.

Wealthy people supported the Sangha.

Buddhism challenged the Varna system.

Birth of Buddha and Mahavira / Panini

Writing down of Jain texts at Valabhi