With the rise of Mahajanpadas the societal structures become so rigid and so is the class system. Brahmins assumes more power, even above the ruling clan of kshatriyas. Some independent thinkers among Kshatriyas Vaishyas and other lower classes had discontent with the prevailing system and there arose search for paths other than Vedic ways and thus emerged Jainism and Buddhism.
Buddhism and Jainism belonged to Sramana thoughts, .i.e., repudiating the authority of Vedas and brahmanas. They propagated the idea that renunciation [moksha] is for everyone.
Jainism came into prominence in 6th century B.C. Lord Mahavira, was born in 540 B.C. in a village called Kundagrama near Vaishali and he propagated the religion. There were 24 great teachers or the Jinas last of whom was Lord Mahavira. These twenty- four teachers were called Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living and preached it to the people. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhadev (Rishabnatha). The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror.
He practiced austerity for 12 years and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (i.e., conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42 years. His first sermon was at Rajgriha. He died at Pavapuri at the age of 72.
Two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu to move South India.
The famous Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya become a Jaina follower and he came to Sravanabelgola during his final times.
There were two Jain councils
First Jain Council: Held at Patliputra in 3rd Century B.C. and was presided by Sthulbhadra. It led to the division among the Jaina sects.
Second Jain Council: Held at Vallabhi in 512 A.D. and was presided by Devardhi Kshmasramana. Final Compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas happened in this council.
Anekantavada is the central tenet of Jainism. It emphasizes that the ultimate truth and reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects i.e., theory of plurality.
Five Doctrines of Jainism
Ahimsa : Non-injury to a living being
Satya : Do not speak a lie
Asteya : Do not steal
Aparigraha : Do not acquire property
Brahmacharya : Observe continence
Its strict adherence to complex and rigorous practices. Its failure to match the second rising of Hinduism under Bhakti movement. led to its decline.
Buddhism was another contemporary movement to the Jainism. Like Jainism it thrived in the Ancient India with strong base of sanghas/monastries. Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini in modern-day Nepal, around the year 563 BCE, and raised in Kapilavastu. He believed there are four noble truths about the life
Dukh Life is full of sorrow
Dukh Samudaya – Desires are the cause of sorrow
Dukh Nirodha – Killing desires will kill sorrow
Dukh Nirodha Gamini Pratipada – It is the eight-fold path to kill sorrows
His eight-fold path/Ashtangamarga is the basis of a Buddhist life.
Right View (or Right Understanding] Viewing reality as it is, not just as it appears to be
Right Intention (or Right Thought): Intention of renunciation, freedom and harmlessness
Right Speech: Speaking in a truthful and non-hurtful way
Right Action: Acting in a non-harmful way
Right Livelihood: A non-harmful livelihood
Right Effort: Making an effort to improve
Right Mindfulness: Awareness to see things for what they are with clear consciousness
Right Concentration: Correct meditation or concentration, explained as the first four jnana.
Contrary to Jain ideas Buddhism was rooted in simple ascetic ways with no extremes. Called as Middle Path to liberation. And it is the one reason which attracted more people to Buddhism.
Mahayana and Hinayana are two major sects of Buddhism. Later there emerged newer versions like Vajrayana Buddhism, which is more esoteric in nature.
There were four important Buddhist councils the details are mentioned below.
