Jainism & Buddhism - Cause of Origin | Civil Services Preparation Online

Jainism & Buddhism – Cause of Origin

Ritualistic Dominion of Brahamanas

Kshatriya reacted strongly against the ritualistic dominion of brahamanas & vernas based on birth.
Verdhaman Mahavira & Gautama Buddha both belonged to Kshatriya clan & disputed the authority of brahamanas.

Rise of new Agriculture Economy

Real reason was rise of new agriculture economy in north India which was based on iron ploughshare.
Required the use of bullocks & cattles & could not flourish without animal husbandry.
But Vedic practices of killing cattles in sacrifice led to decimation of cattle wealth, against which both Jainism & Buddhism spoke & propagated the idea of ahimsa.

Punch Marked Coins

Earliest coins belonged to 500 BC & are known as punch marked coins, 1^st used by Vaishyas / Traders. Use of punch marked coins facilitated trade & commerce, which added to importance of Vaishyas as such.

Vaishyas were ranked 3^rd in verna system & were eager to improve their position, hence extended generous support to Buddhism & Jainism along with the following reasons:

Both were not biased towards any verna system
Both Preached the gospel of non-violence, which would put an end to the war b/w kingdoms & consequently will promote trade & commerce
Brahmanical law book “Dharamsutras” decried lending money on interest & a person who live on interest were not held in esteem by them, hence they were eager to improve their position.

New Way of life

A strong reaction by common people against use of coins, private properties, new dwellings, new dresses, new system of transport & luxury; Hence common people yearned to go back to primitive ways of life hence supported Buddhism & Jainism which

preferred simple, Puritan & ascetic living & asked people to forgo all good things in life
were not allowed to touch gold & silver & were to accept as much to keep their body & soul together.

20 Points – Causes of Origin of Jainism & Buddhism

Reaction against Vedic Ritualism – Both religions emerged as a protest against the complex and expensive rituals of Brahmanism.
Opposition to Caste System – They rejected the rigid caste hierarchy and promoted equality.
Desire for Simpler Spiritual Path – Common people sought easier, more personal paths to salvation.
Rise of Urban Centers – Growth of cities encouraged new ideas, questioning old traditions.
Economic Changes – Merchants and artisans supported these religions as they promoted non-violence and equality.
Overemphasis on Sacrifices – Criticism of animal sacrifices in Vedic religion promoted non-violence (Ahimsa).
No Need for Priestly Mediation – Both religions offered direct access to spiritual practice, without Brahmin intermediaries.
Spread of Literacy – Use of Pali and Prakrit (vernacular languages) made teachings accessible to the masses.
Political Support – Kings like Bimbisara and Ashoka supported Buddhism, aiding its spread.
Moral and Ethical Focus – Emphasis on right conduct, compassion, and inner discipline attracted followers.
Spiritual Dissatisfaction – Many were disillusioned with ritualistic religion and sought inner peace.
Charismatic Leaders – The teachings and lives of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha inspired many.
Ascetic Traditions – Continuation of earlier Shramana (ascetic) movements contributed to their rise.
Universal Appeal – Teachings were open to all, regardless of caste or gender.
Critique of Materialism – Both philosophies advocated detachment from material desires.
Philosophical Depth – Offered profound insights into life, suffering, and liberation.
Ethical Revolution – Promoted a new moral code based on non-violence, truth, and self-control.
Social Reforms – Condemned social evils like caste discrimination and encouraged compassion.
Emphasis on Meditation – Focused on self-realization and mental discipline.
Decline of Vedic Relevance – Growing irrelevance of old Vedic practices in changing social conditions.

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