17 Jun 2025·3 min read·

Buddhism

Buddhism is a major world religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in the 6th century BCE in Bihar.
It emphasizes the path to enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, promoting non-violence and compassion.

1. Buddhism

Definition & Introduction

Buddhism is a religion and philosophical system founded in the 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the Indian subcontinent. It is based on the principles of renunciation of worldly desires, compassion for all living beings, and attainment of liberation (Nirvana) through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.

Founder: Gautama Buddha

Birth: 563 BCE at Lumbini (present-day Nepal) in the Shakya clan.
Parents: King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya.
Four Sights: Old man, sick man, dead body, ascetic — inspired renunciation.
Enlightenment: At age 35 under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar).
First Sermon: At Sarnath — called Dharmachakra Pravartana.
Death (Mahaparinirvana): 483 BCE at Kushinagar.

Core Teachings

Four Noble Truths

Dukkha: Life is full of suffering.
Samudaya: Cause of suffering is desire (tanha).
Nirodha: Cessation of suffering is possible.
Magga: Path to end suffering — Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.

Other Principles

Middle Path (Madhyamaka): Avoid extremes of luxury and austerity.
Anitya: Impermanence.
Anatma: No permanent self.
Karma & Rebirth: Actions determine rebirth cycle.

Buddhist Councils

First Council (Rajgir, 483 BCE) — Under Ajatashatru, led by Mahakashyapa; compilation of Vinaya Pitaka & Sutta Pitaka.
Second Council (Vaishali, 383 BCE) — Under Kalashoka; resulted in split into Sthaviravadins and Mahasanghikas.
Third Council (Pataliputra, 250 BCE) — Under Ashoka; compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Fourth Council (Kashmir, 1st CE) — Under Kanishka; division into Hinayana & Mahayana strengthened.

Major Sects of Buddhism

Hinayana (Theravada): Early teachings, Pali language, individual salvation.
Mahayana: Sanskrit, Bodhisattva ideal, salvation for all.
Vajrayana: Esoteric practices, tantra.

Buddhist Literature

Tripitaka: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Jataka Tales: Stories of Buddha’s previous births.
Milindapanho: Dialogue between King Menander and Buddhist monk Nagasena.

Spread of Buddhism

During Ashoka’s reign: Missions to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Southeast Asia.
Trade routes: Silk Road to Central Asia and China.
University centres: Nalanda and Vikramashila in Bihar.

Decline of Buddhism in India

Revival of Brahmanism.
Division into sects.
Decline of patronage.
Muslim invasions destroyed monasteries (Nalanda burnt in 12th century).

Bihar Relevance

Bodh Gaya: Site of Enlightenment, UNESCO World Heritage.
Nalanda: Ancient learning centre; now Nalanda University revived.
Vaishali: Site of Second Buddhist Council.
Rajgir: Venue of First Buddhist Council.
Bihar hosts Buddha Circuit Tourism to promote Buddhist heritage.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

Restoration of ancient Buddhist monasteries in Nalanda under ASI.
Expansion of Bodh Gaya International Airport to promote Buddhist tourism.
Indo-Japan collaboration for Nalanda heritage conservation.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2018): Where did Buddha attain enlightenment? → Bodh Gaya
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): Which council compiled the Abhidhamma Pitaka? → Third Buddhist Council
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2011): Founder of Buddhism? → Gautama Buddha

Expected MCQs

📝 Bodh Gaya is on the bank of which river? → Niranjana (Phalgu)
📝 The language of early Buddhist texts? → Pali
📝 Who was the contemporary of Buddha? → Mahavira

Quick Revision Points

Born: 563 BCE, Lumbini; Enlightenment: Bodh Gaya; Death: Kushinagar.
Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path form the core.
Major councils: Rajgir, Vaishali, Pataliputra, Kashmir.
Sects: Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana.
Bihar: Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

Buddhism, founded by Gautama Buddha in the 6th century BCE, teaches liberation from suffering via ethical living, meditation, and wisdom. Centred on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, it spread widely under Ashoka through missions and trade. Bihar was the cradle of Buddhism, hosting key councils and sites like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda. While it declined in India due to internal divisions and external invasions, its heritage remains preserved in Bihar’s monuments and global Buddhist networks.