Early Buddhism

Indus River Civilization and Early India

Early BuddhismLate Vedic India & Spiritual AgeBeliefs of Buddhism Practices of early Buddhism

IDs: Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), d. 483bce, nirvana, sanghaArgumentWith no gods, no supernatural features, and no afterlife, early Buddhism was a response to the historical context of Late Vedic India.I. Historical ContextA. Late Vedic Age (1000-500 BCE)Changes around 500 BCE

Many small statesRajas (from kshatriya caste)

Growth of towns

Transition to HinduismMore elaborate caste systemKarma & transmigration of soulsDissatisfaction with Brahman leadershipBhagavad GitaKrishnaArjuna

B. Axial (Spiritual Age) 6th-4th century BCEInfluential ThinkersBuddhaMahaviraConfuciusLaozi ?SocratesAristotlePlato & other GreeksNew Religions/Philosophical Systems

BuddhismConfucianismDaoismGreek PhilosophyHinduism in theSpiritual Age: 6th c. BCE1. Mahavira JainismAsceticismNon-violence

gurus

II. Beliefs of Early BuddhismSiddhartha Gautama (c. 563 483 BCE)

the Buddha (the Enlightened One)

GangesBodhi tree (bo)

Four Truths1.Life is full of suffering.2.Suffering is caused by desires.3.The only way to rise above suffering is to renounce desire.4.One can only do this by following Noble Eightfold Path.Goalsrid self of desire & the illusion of separate identity reach nirvana (contentment and extinction)

By following Noble Eightfold Path

III. Practices of Early BuddhimsThe Buddhas Footprints

Limestone carving on stupa, India

1st c. BCE

Sangha (Order)monksnuns

The Three JewelsI go for refuge to the Buddha.I go for refuge to the Doctrine (dharma).I go for refuge to the Order (sangha).

ArgumentWith no gods, no supernatural features, and no afterlife, early Buddhism was a response to the historical context of Late Vedic India.