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Buddhism: Teachings and History

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Origins of Buddhism
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- Founded by Gautama Buddha in 566 B.C.
- Born into Shakya clan, Lumbini (now in Nepal).
- Renounced princely life, sought truth through asceticism.
- Attained enlightenment (Nirvana) at Bodh Gaya.
- Preached first sermon at Sarnath, established Sangha.

Teachings of Buddha
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- Four Noble Truths:
1. Dukkha (suffering)
2. Samudaya (cause of suffering)
3. Nirodha (cessation of suffering)
4. Magga (path to end suffering)
- Eight-Fold Path:
- Right Understanding
- Right Thought
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
- Belief in Nirvana: Freedom from cycle of rebirth.

Buddhist Scriptures and Councils

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- Tripitakas: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka.
- Important Buddhist Councils:
1. First Buddhist Council (483 BC)
2. Second Buddhist Council (383 BC)
3. Third Buddhist Council (250 BC)
4. Fourth Buddhist Council (72 AD)

Buddhist Sects
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- Hinayana (Theravada):
- Emphasizes original teachings of Buddha.
- Found in Southern regions (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.).
- Mahayana:
- Belief in Buddha's heavenly nature.
- Prevalent in Northern regions (China, Korea, etc.).
- Vajrayana:
- Focuses on obtaining magical abilities for salvation.
- Gained popularity in Bengal and Bihar.
- Bodhisattvas: Divine beings embodying Buddhist virtues.
 Buddhism in UPSC
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- Criticism of established socio-religious norms.
- Emergence as alternative religion in India.
- Emphasis on moral values, non-violence, charity.