Early Buddhist Schools - Art and Culture Notes
The early Buddhist schools are those into which the Buddhist monastic sangha split early in Buddhism's history. The divisions were caused initially by differences in Vinaya, but later also by doctrinal differences and geographical separation of monastic groups.
A significant number of years after Gautama Buddha's death, the original sangha split into the first early schools (generally believed to be the Sthavira Nikaya and the Mahsghika) between 383 and 250 BC. These early schools were later subdivided into schools such as the Sarvstivdins, Dharmaguptakas, and Vibhajyavda. Here we will discuss the Early Buddhist Schools in detail, which will be useful for UPSC IAS Exam aspirants.
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Early Buddhist Schools
- Between 383 and 250 BC, after Buddha's death, the original Sangha is thought to have split into two early schools: Sthavira Nikaya and Mahasamghika.
Early Buddhist Schools
Sthavira Nikaya
- One of the first Buddhist schools was the Sthavira Nikaya.
- They broke away from the majority Mahasamghikas during the Second Buddhist Council, resulting in the Sangha's first schism.
- The Mahasamghika Sariputrapariprccha, a text written to justify this school's departure from the elder monks' disciplinary code, claims that a council was convened over Vinaya matters and that the schism resulted from the majority (Mahasangha) refusing to accept the minority's addition of rules to the Vinaya (Sthaviras).
- As a result, the Mahasamghikas regarded the Sthaviras as a minority sect aiming to alter the original Vinaya Pitaka.
- Sthavira Nikaya school used paishachi.
- Paishachi is a largely unattested literary language of the middle kingdoms of India mentioned in Prakrit and Sanskrit grammars of antiquity.
- It is generally grouped with the Prakrits, with which it shares some linguistic similarities, but is still not considered a spoken Prakrit by the grammarians because it was purely a literary language, but also due to its archaicism.,
- The major sub-sects included Mahisasaka, Sarvastivada, Sankrantika, Sautrantika, Dharmaguptaka, Vatsiputriya, Dharmottariya, Bhadrayaniya, Sannagarika and Sammitiya.
Mahasamghika
- One of the first Buddhist schools was the Mahasamghika. The fact that their Vinaya Pitaka recension appears to represent an older redaction in various aspects piques interest in the Mahasamghika school's roots.
- Many academics attribute Mahayana Buddhism's early growth to the Mahasamghika branch.
- The Mahasamghikas is said to have originated at the Second Buddhist Council, according to most accounts.
- The Mahasamghika sect's initial headquarters were in Magadha, but they also had prominent locations in Mathura and Karli.
- Its sub-sects included Gokulika, Prajnaptivada, Bahusrutiya, Ekavyaharikas, Caitika.
- Other sub-sects not identified under the above two schools were Hemavatika, Rajagiriya, Siddhatthaka, Pubbaseliya, Aparaseliya, and Apararajagirika.
- Later Buddhist schools included Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, etc.
Conclusion
During the Second Buddhist Council, a small number of reformist elders proposed a new arrangement of the Vinaya Pitaka, which contained additional rules - something the Buddha forbade – and when they were unsuccessful, they split from the majority Mahasamghikas to found the Sthavira Nikaya.
FAQs
Question. What are the early Buddhist schools?
Answer: Early Buddhist schools refer to the different sects that emerged after the death of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) due to varying interpretations of his teachings. The most prominent among these schools are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. While Theravada preserves the earliest form of Buddhist teachings as found in the Pali Canon, Mahayana introduced new scriptures, promoting the ideal of the Bodhisattva who works for the enlightenment of all beings. Vajrayana evolved later as an esoteric form, incorporating rituals, mantras, and tantra, and is primarily practiced in Tibet.
Question. What is the difference between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?
Answer: Theravada Buddhism is considered the "Teaching of the Elders" and emphasizes individual enlightenment (Nirvana) through meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. It is focused on the teachings found in the Pali Canon and is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Mahayana Buddhism, known as the "Great Vehicle," introduces the concept of Bodhisattvas—beings who delay their own full enlightenment to assist others in achieving liberation. It is more inclusive and is practiced in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea.
Question. What role do the Bodhisattvas play in Mahayana Buddhism?
Answer: In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are central figures. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who, out of compassion, chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth (samsara) to help all beings attain enlightenment. Unlike the Arhat of Theravada, who seeks personal Nirvana, the Bodhisattva ideal stresses the importance of altruistic actions and the liberation of all sentient beings. The Bodhisattva is seen as a compassionate guide, and this idea of universal salvation is a core concept in Mahayana Buddhism.
Question. How did early Buddhist schools impact the development of Buddhist art and culture?
Answer: Early Buddhist schools had a profound impact on the development of Buddhist art and culture. Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and temples were significant architectural forms introduced in the early schools, and the Mahayana school further expanded artistic expression with the development of elaborate images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Buddhist art in the Ajanta Caves and Sanchi Stupa reflects the teachings of these schools. Early Buddhist culture also emphasized non-violence, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom, which were reflected in various forms of visual arts, literature, and rituals.
Question. What are the key texts of early Buddhist schools?
Answer: The key texts of early Buddhist schools include:
- Pali Canon (Tipitaka): The primary scripture for Theravada Buddhism, which includes the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic discipline), Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis).
- Mahayana Sutras: These texts, including the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Diamond Sutra, are fundamental to Mahayana Buddhism and emphasize the Bodhisattva ideal and the universality of Buddhahood.
- Tibetan Tantras: Key to Vajrayana Buddhism, these texts incorporate rituals and esoteric practices for attaining enlightenment.
MCQs
- Which of the following is a key feature of Theravada Buddhism?
A) Focus on the Bodhisattva ideal
B) Emphasis on individual enlightenment through meditation
C) Introduction of the Tantra practices
D) Worship of multiple Buddhas
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Theravada Buddhism focuses on individual liberation (Nirvana) through meditation and the pursuit of wisdom and ethical conduct, relying on the teachings found in the Pali Canon.
- In which regions is Mahayana Buddhism primarily practiced?
A) Southeast Asia
B) China, Japan, and Korea
C) Tibet
D) Sri Lanka
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Mahayana Buddhism is primarily practiced in East Asia, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Korea. It emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal and includes additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon.
- What is the role of the Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?
A) To seek personal Nirvana
B) To help all beings achieve enlightenment
C) To worship multiple Buddhas
D) To lead monastic communities
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who remains in samsara to assist all sentient beings in achieving enlightenment, embodying the ideals of compassion and altruism.
- The Pali Canon is the primary text of which school of Buddhism?
A) Mahayana
B) Vajrayana
C) Theravada
D) Zen
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The Pali Canon (Tipitaka) is the core scripture of Theravada Buddhism and contains the Buddha's teachings and the rules for monastic life.
- Which of the following Buddhist schools is associated with Tibetan Buddhism?
A) Mahayana
B) Vajrayana
C) Theravada
D) Zen
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizes esoteric practices, rituals, and mantras, and is primarily practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, and parts of Mongolia.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Compare and contrast Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism in terms of their doctrines and practices.
Answer: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, while sharing core principles such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, differ in their approach to enlightenment and the role of the Buddha. Theravada Buddhism, often considered the more conservative of the two, focuses on personal enlightenment and the path of the Arhat (an enlightened being who attains Nirvana for oneself). It follows the original teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon and emphasizes meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom as the means to liberation. It is practiced predominantly in Southeast Asia.
Mahayana Buddhism, in contrast, introduces the Bodhisattva ideal—an enlightened being who chooses to remain in samsara to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. Mahayana texts, including the Mahayana Sutras, expand upon the concept of emptiness (shunyata) and emphasize compassion (karuna). This school encourages a more inclusive path to enlightenment and views Buddhahood as attainable by all beings, not just monastics. Mahayana Buddhism is practiced primarily in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea.
While Theravada places more emphasis on monastic life and individual salvation, Mahayana focuses on universal salvation and compassionate action, with a broader scripture base and greater emphasis on lay participation.
Q2: Discuss the role of Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism and their impact on Buddhist philosophy.
Answer: In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are central figures who embody the ideal of compassionate action and altruistic enlightenment. A Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara (rebirth) to assist all sentient beings in achieving enlightenment. This selfless act contrasts with the Arhat of Theravada Buddhism, who seeks personal liberation through Nirvana.
The Bodhisattva path is defined by the Six Perfections (Paramitas): generosity, ethical conduct, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. The Bodhisattva’s compassion and vow to save all beings have a profound impact on Buddhist philosophy, encouraging a shift from individual salvation to collective liberation.
Philosophically, the Bodhisattva ideal led to the development of Mahayana concepts such as emptiness (shunyata) and the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood. These teachings have influenced not only Buddhist thought but also social and ethical principles in Mahayana cultures, emphasizing interdependence, universal compassion, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Q3: Explain the significance of the Pali Canon and Mahayana Sutras in the development of early Buddhist schools.
Answer: The Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, is the foundational text for Theravada Buddhism and represents the earliest compilation of the Buddha’s teachings. It consists of three "baskets" (pitakas): the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis). The Pali Canon emphasizes individual enlightenment through adherence to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and it provides a comprehensive guide to meditation, ethical conduct, and the path to Nirvana.
The Mahayana Sutras, on the other hand, were developed later and form the basis of Mahayana Buddhism. These texts, which include the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Diamond Sutra, expand upon the earlier teachings by introducing the Bodhisattva ideal and the notion of emptiness (shunyata). The Mahayana Sutras emphasize compassion and the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood, introducing new doctrines and practices that made Buddhism more accessible to a wider range of people, including lay practitioners.
The development of the Pali Canon and the Mahayana Sutras reflects the evolving nature of Buddhist thought, with the former focusing on personal liberation and the latter emphasizing collective salvation and universal compassion. Together, these texts shaped the trajectory of Buddhism into two major schools with differing philosophical and practical orientations.
Previous Year Questions on Buddhist Schools in India
1. UPSC CSE 2020
Question: "What are the primary differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism in terms of their doctrines and practices?"
Answer: The primary differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism lie in their philosophical approach and practices. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes personal enlightenment and the path of the Arhat through meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom, based on the Pali Canon. Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, introduces the Bodhisattva ideal, where enlightened beings delay their own Nirvana to help others. Mahayana focuses on compassion and the belief that all beings can achieve Buddhahood. The former is practiced mainly in Southeast Asia, while the latter is prevalent in East Asia.
2. UPSC CSE 2019
Question: "Discuss the significance of the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism and its philosophical implications."
Answer: The Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism is a central concept that emphasizes selfless compassion. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who chooses to remain in samsara to assist all beings in attaining enlightenment. This path of altruism contrasts with the Theravada path of individual liberation. Philosophically, the Bodhisattva ideal promotes the idea that enlightenment is not only about personal salvation but also about universal liberation, leading to the development of the concept of emptiness (shunyata) and the belief that all beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood. This transformative idea contributed significantly to Mahayana philosophy and practice, making Buddhism more inclusive and socially engaged.
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