Buddhism Notes for UPSC: Origins, Teachings & Historical Impact

Buddhism is one of the world’s most influential religions and philosophies. It began in ancient India over 2,500 years ago and has shaped the history, culture, and traditions of Asia. Buddhism UPSC notes are important for Ancient Indian History and Art & Culture in GS Paper I, while its teachings and values remain highly relevant to modern India.

Buddhism is a spiritual philosophy and religion founded by Prince Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha or "the enlightened one," in the 6th century BCE in ancient India.

• Objective - To achieve liberation from suffering and attain inner peace through wisdom and compassion.
• Core Belief - Life involves suffering, but this suffering can be overcome through proper understanding and practice.
• No Supreme God - Focuses on personal spiritual development rather than worshipping a deity, and it does not acknowledge the existence of god and soul (atman).
• The Middle path – Teaches us to live with balance, avoiding extremes of luxury or hardship.

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a prince of the Shakya clan born in the 6th century BCE who renounced worldly life, attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and became the founder of Buddhism. His teachings focused on ending human suffering and guiding people towards peace and liberation.

1. Birth

• Born in 563 BCE at Lumbini (present-day Nepal).
• Mother: Queen Maya, Father: King Suddhodana of the Shakya clan.

2. Early Life

• Raised in luxury at Kapilavastu.
• Married to Yashodhara and had a son named Rahula.

3. The Four Sights

• Saw an old man, a sick man, a dead body, and a wandering monk.
• These experiences awakened his awareness of suffering and impermanence.

4. The Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana)

• At age 29, he left palace life, wealth, and family.
• Began his spiritual journey in search of truth and liberation.

5. Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya

• Meditated under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.
• At age 35, attained Enlightenment (Nirvana), realising the Four Noble Truths.

6. First Sermon at Sarnath

• Delivered the Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma).
• Taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to his first disciples.

8. Mahaparinirvana

• At age 80, attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar.
• His passing symbolised the final release from the cycle of birth and death.

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The life of Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was marked by several significant events that highlight his journey from a prince to an enlightened spiritual teacher.

Buddhism is based on simple yet profound teachings that explain the nature of suffering, its causes, and the way to overcome it. These ideas form the foundation of Buddhist thought and guide people in living a balanced, ethical, and peaceful life.

1. Four Noble Truths

• Life is full of suffering.
• Suffering arises from desire/attachment.
• Suffering can be ended.
• The way to end it is the Noble Eightfold Path.

2. Noble Eightfold Path

• Right View
• Right Intention
• Right Speech
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration

3. Dependent Origination (Pratityasamutpada)- Everything happens because of a cause; nothing exists on its own.

4. Impermanence (Anitya)- Everything in life keeps changing; nothing lasts forever.

5. No-Self (Anatta) - There is no fixed “soul” or permanent self; we are constantly changing.

6. The Middle Path- Avoid extremes, don’t live in luxury, don’t torture yourself. Live with balance.
7. Nirvana- The ultimate goal: complete peace and freedom from suffering and rebirth.

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After the death of Buddha, his followers wanted to keep his teachings safe and pure. So, they held big meetings called Buddhist Councils. These gatherings helped compile the scriptures, settle disputes, and spread Buddhism.

Over time, as Buddhism spread across regions, it developed into different traditions and interpretations.

As Buddhism spread over time, differences in the interpretation of Buddha’s teachings gave rise to various schools. The two main divisions are Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana, and later, Vajrayana developed.

1. Hinayana (Theravada)

• The Oldest School means “Lesser Vehicle.”
• Focus on individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation.
• Believes Buddha was a great teacher, not a god.
• Mainly followed in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

2. Mahayana

• Means “Greater Vehicle.”
• Emphasises compassion and salvation for all beings.
• Believes in Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who help others).
• Worship of Buddha and other celestial Buddhas.
• Spread to China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Nepal.

3. Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism)

• Means “Diamond Vehicle” or “Thunderbolt Vehicle.”
• Developed from Mahayana, adds rituals, mantras, and meditation practices.
• Strong presence in Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of Himalayan India (Ladakh, Sikkim).

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The teachings of Buddha were preserved in collections known as the Tripitaka (Three Baskets) and later expanded through other important texts. These writings form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice.

1. Tripitaka (Three Baskets)

• Vinaya Pitaka – Rules and discipline for monks and nuns.
• Sutta Pitaka – Buddha’s sermons and teachings.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka – Philosophical and psychological analysis of teachings.

2. Jatakas

• Stories about the previous births of Buddha.
• Teach moral lessons through simple tales.

3. Mahayana Texts

• Mahayana Sutras (like Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra).
• Focus on compassion, Bodhisattva ideals, and universal salvation.

4. Vajrayana Texts

• Tantras, rituals, and meditation practices.
• Specially developed in Tibet and the Himalayan regions.

5. Commentaries & Chronicles

• Works by great scholars like Ashvaghosha, Nagarjuna, and Buddhaghosa.
• Chronicles like the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa (Sri Lanka).

Buddhism gradually spread beyond its homeland through monks, traders, and rulers. Its simple teachings, focus on compassion, and rejection of caste made it appealing across cultures.

• Patronage of Rulers – King Ashoka played the biggest role by sending missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• Trade Routes – Buddhist monks travelled with traders along the Silk Road, spreading Buddhism to Central Asia and China.
• Monastic Institutions – Great monasteries like Nalanda and Vikramashila became centres of learning that attracted students from across Asia.
• Adaptability – Teachings blended with local cultures (e.g., Mahayana in China, Zen in Japan, Vajrayana in Tibet).
• Southeast Asia – Theravada Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
• East Asia – Mahayana Buddhism spread to China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
• Tibet & Himalayas – Vajrayana Buddhism became dominant under local kings and teachers.

Buddhism, which once flourished across India, gradually declined after the early medieval period. Its fall was due to both internal weaknesses and external pressures. Here are the key reasons: 

• Loss of Royal Patronage – After Ashoka and Kanishka, later rulers supported Hinduism more strongly.
• Internal Corruption – Monks in monasteries became more focused on wealth and rituals than on true teachings.
• Split into Many Sects – Division into Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana weakened unity.
• Revival of Hinduism – Rise of the Bhakti movement and strong Hindu kings reduced Buddhism’s influence.
• Decline of Monastic Institutions – Famous centres like Nalanda and Vikramashila lost importance.
• Foreign Invasions – Attacks by Huns and later destruction by Turkish invaders (12th century) wiped out monasteries.
• Migration Abroad – Buddhism found greater acceptance in Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia than in India.

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Buddhism began as one person’s search for truth and compassion and grew into a world-changing faith. Even after fading in India, it left timeless lessons of kindness, balance, and inner peace that still guide millions today.

For aspirants, Buddhism UPSC preparation is highly important, as it forms a key part of Ancient Indian History in GS Paper I. Mastering this topic ensures strong conceptual clarity and a scoring edge in the exam.

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