Context:
The gifting of the Tipitaka to India’s Prime Minister during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit has renewed interest in Buddhism’s legacy, particularly its Indian roots and eventual decline.
Origins of Buddhism in India:
- Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (563–483 BCE), born in Lumbini (present-day Nepal), achieved enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
- Core Teachings: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path; emphasized personal liberation over rituals.
- Reformist Movement: Rejected Vedic caste hierarchy and Brahmanical rituals.
- Early Support: Kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru in Magadha were early patrons.
- Ashoka’s Influence (3rd century BCE): State sponsorship, missionary work, and edicts helped Buddhism spread across Asia.
- First Buddhist Council (483 BCE): Held at Rajgir to compile Buddha’s teachings.
Evolution & Development:
- Theravada vs. Mahayana:
- Theravada: Original teachings, personal nirvana.
- Mahayana: Universal salvation, Bodhisattva ideal.
- Vajrayana Buddhism: Esoteric form developed in Bengal and Bihar, blending Tantra with Mahayana.
- Centers of Learning: Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Taxila emerged as global Buddhist universities.
- Global Expansion: Spread via Silk Road to China, Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka.
- Buddhist Art & Architecture:
- Monuments: Sanchi Stupa, Ajanta Caves.
- Styles: Gandhara art blended Hellenistic and Indian elements.
Contributions of Buddhism to India
- Social Equality: Founded the Sangha, promoting egalitarian ideals.
- Linguistic Impact: Canonical texts in Pali and Prakrit enriched Indian language and literature.
- Ahimsa & Ethics: Influenced Indian thought, including Gandhi’s non-violence movement.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Buddhist missions enhanced India’s soft power in Asia.
- Architectural Heritage: Viharas, Chaityas, and Stupas shaped Indian sacred architecture.
Reasons for the Decline of Buddhism in India:
1. Cultural Factors:
- Syncretism with Hinduism:
- Buddha became an avatar of Vishnu, blurring religious lines.
- Bhakti Movement Appeal:
- Personal devotion to deities like Rama/Krishna offered emotional and spiritual intimacy.
- Limited Ritual Experience:
- Hinduism integrated music, festivals, and rituals, whereas Buddhism remained austere.
2. Social Factors:
- Monasticism vs. Household Life:
- Buddhism’s stress on monkhood conflicted with family-centric Hindu values.
- Caste Dynamics:
- While Buddhism opposed caste, Hindu reformers like Shankara absorbed egalitarian elements.
- Disconnect with Laypeople:
- Buddhist monasteries grew wealthy and alienated the masses.
3. Political Factors:
- Shift in Royal Patronage:
- Gupta rulers and Rajputs favored Hindu traditions.
- Only the Pala Dynasty (8th–12th century) remained significant Buddhist patrons.
- Islamic Invasions:
- Destruction of Nalanda and Vikramshila by Turkish invaders.
- No large-scale resistance due to lack of grassroots support.
- Hindu Philosophical Revival:
- Adi Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta intellectually countered Buddhist doctrine, reclaiming elite followers.
Buddhism, though originated in India, found greater longevity and transformation abroad. Its emphasis on ethics, social equality, and education left an enduring imprint, while its decline was shaped by cultural assimilation, shifting political loyalties, and structural limitations.
