Other factors giving impetus to this diversification were certain characteristics of Buddhism itself like the absence of a central doctrinal authority (the Catholic Church), the relation of the Buddhist Order with the temporal power, social stratification within the clergy and the royal patronage. Thus it can be said that geographical diffusion of Buddhism followed by its cultural adaptations, led to its diversity in India. More specifically, this infusion took place on one hand by Buddhism itself adapting to local beliefs and cults and on the other hand ensuring the absorption of these beliefs and cults into its own system. It is important to note that wherever Buddhism journeyed it got infused in the local culture. With the diversification of Buddhism, Buddhist literature also became dynamic. The Buddhists believe that they are the very words of Buddha formulated to impart moral teachings to the common man.īuddhism in Indian regional languages is known to be a vast subject. The Dhammapada is an anthology containing 423 verses which is divided into 26 vaggas (chapters). It is important to note that the contents of Tripitaka do not highlight a systematic philosophy, but are considered to be a special treatment of the Dhamma as found in the Sutta Pitaka. According to the Pali texts, this is what the Buddha taught the tavatimsa Gods and the Sariputta. The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of seven books, usually known as the Sattapakaranas. It is the primary source for the teachings of the Buddha and his earliest disciples. The Sutta Pitaka is a collection of the large and small doctrinal compositions. The Vinaya Pitaka comprises of the rules of discipline to be followed by the Buddhist Sangha and commands for regulating the daily life of monks and nuns. These divisions are the Vinaya Pitaka (the rules for the conduct of the order), the Sutta Pitaka (doctrines of the order), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (higher subtleties of the doctrine). Tripitaka means three pitakas or baskets. It is the third council that settled the Buddhist canonical literature and grouped it under three divisions called the Tripitaka, after the Buddha's parinirvana. After Buddha's death, Buddhist councils wanted to ascertain the authenticity and priority of the available teachings of Buddha. The teachings of Buddha had spread rapidly but peacefully during this time. Within a span of three months, his followers increased to sixty. Those becoming a light to one self are also taught to help others to light their lamps, so that the darkness of sorrow gets removed which has engulfed humanity.Īt Sarnath near Varanasi, it is known that Buddha converted five recluses to his new doctrine after his enlightenment. To become a light to oneself called Atmadipa is a teaching of Buddha. This extinction is the function of love, which leads to illumination. Liberation of self by attaining love finally leads to extinction of selfishness. As ones physical nature is set free in attaining health, social being is liberated in attaining goodness, similarly, ones own self gains independence in attaining love. It is the awakening from the sleep of self to the perfection of consciousness that leads to Bodhi or becoming the Buddha. This is the state of avidya as he does not know about the reality of his own soul. When the man is not completely conscious about the highest reality that surrounds him, he remains in a state of spiritual sleep and is confined within his own self. Bodhi relates to ones true awakening and the revelation of infinite joy in us by the light of love. Bodhi is also known as enlightenment in English. He has penned about Bodhi, continued popularity of Buddha and his enlightenment. Indian Literature on Buddhism has been compiled by the great thinker, Rabindranath Tagore. This genius is perceived as flowing quietly and steadily, in spite of the almost imperceptible changes over the years and the ethos of the different epochs. Substance and form amalgamate with each other in any literary composition. It is important to note that Indian literature has glorified Buddhism and is also considered to be somewhat distinct and different from literature of other countries wherein Buddhism has flourished. Buddhism is known to have left indelible marks on the social and cultural life of the people in different parts of India. Led by Lord Buddha, this religion gained popularity in India. Buddhism as a sect has its roots in India.
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