13-12-2024
11:30 AM
Prelims: History of India
Mains: The salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Theravada Buddhism, also known as the "Doctrine of the Elders," is one of Buddhism's oldest and most influential traditions. It adheres to "vibhajjavada," which means "analytical instruction."Theravāda is renowned for preserving the Buddha’s teachings and practices in their most authentic form.
Theravada is one of the two major schools of Buddhism, the other being Mahayana, with some considering Vajrayana as the third school, though it is based on Mahayana philosophy.
Theravāda Buddhism is the oldest surviving school of Buddhism, tracing its origins to theFirst Buddhist Council held shortly after the Buddha's passing. During this council, the Buddha's teachings, known as Buddha Dhamma, were compiled and organised. Sthaviravadin or Thervadins, the followers of this tradition, have preserved these teachings in the Pāli Canon for over a thousand years.
The Pāli Canon (Tripiṭaka) | - The Pāli Canon, also known as the Tripiṭaka ("Three Baskets"), is the foundation of Theravāda Buddhism. It consists of three primary sections:
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Monastic Tradition and Sangha | - The Sangha (community of monks and nuns) plays a vital role in Theravāda Buddhism:
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Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth | - Karma: Actions, whether physical or mental, shape one’s future experiences and rebirth. - Saṁsāra: The cycle of rebirth continues until enlightenment is attained, breaking free from this cycle. |
Core philosophical concepts | - Impermanence (Anicca): All conditioned phenomena are in a constant state of flux. - Non-Self (Anattā): There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. |
Theravāda Abhidhamma | - The Abhidhamma is a comprehensive, scholarly system of the highest Buddhist teachings:
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Theravāda Buddhism is widely regarded as the most historically grounded and conservative form of the tradition. It is distinguished by several key characteristics that set it apart from other schools of thought:
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Theravāda Buddhism, originating around 250 BCE from the original disciples of the Buddha, gained prominence under King Ashoka, who embraced and promoted it. It spread from India to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century.
Today, Theravada Buddhism remains the dominant form of Buddhism in much of Southeast Asia and continues to be an important part of the cultural and religious landscape of the region.
Question 1: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: (b)
Q1. What does Theravāda Buddhism believe?
Ans. Theravāda Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path, aiming for Nirvana by eliminating suffering and mental defilements.
Q2. What is the difference between Mahayana and Theravāda Buddhism?
Ans. Theravāda focuses on individual liberation (Arhat ideal), while Mahayana emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal of helping others attain enlightenment.
Q3. Are Hinayana and Theravāda the same?
Ans. Theravāda is a sect of Hinayana Buddhism, but the term Hinayana is often considered pejorative and not commonly used.
Q4. Is Indian Buddhism Theravāda or Mahayana?
Ans. Ancient Indian Buddhism included both Theravāda and Mahayana, but Mahayana became more prominent in later periods.
Q5. Who is the founder of Theravāda Buddhism?
Ans. Theravāda Buddhism was founded by the early disciples of Gautama Buddha, with no single founder beyond the Buddha himself.
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