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4.10 - New Religious Traditions

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Emergence of Mahayana Buddhism

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're going to discuss how Mahayana Buddhism emerged and how it differs from earlier traditions. Can anyone tell me what the term 'Mahayana' means?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it means 'great vehicle,' right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! 'Mahayana' translates to 'great vehicle,' indicating its broader outreach compared to earlier schools. It transformed the understanding of the Buddha from a human being to a divine savior. Why do you think that change was significant?

Student 2
Student 2

Maybe it made the teachings more accessible to more people?

Teacher
Teacher

That's a valuable insight! By portraying the Buddha as a savior, Mahayana Buddhism emphasized compassion and collective salvation. This is where the concept of Bodhisattvas comes in. Can anyone define 'Bodhisattva' for me?

Student 3
Student 3

A Bodhisattva is someone who helps others reach enlightenment instead of attaining nirvana themselves.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Bodhisattvas are characterized by their compassion. Remember the acronym 'B.O.D.I' for Bodhisattvas: **B**eings **O**bserving **D**elayed **I**lluminance. They delay their own enlightenment for the greater good.

Student 4
Student 4

That's a great way to remember it!

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, Mahayana Buddhism highlights the importance of community and salvation—shifting the focus from solitary practice to collective compassion.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, turning to Hinduism, we see the rise of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Can anyone tell me what defines these sects?

Student 2
Student 2

They focus on worshiping Vishnu and Shiva, respectively.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Vaishnavism centers around worshiping Vishnu and his avatars, such as Krishna and Rama, while Shaivism emphasizes the worship of Shiva. Each sect developed its unique practices and local deities. Why do you think this shift to more personal relationships with deities became popular?

Student 1
Student 1

Perhaps people were looking for more personal connections in their worship?

Teacher
Teacher

That's a great point! The concept of 'bhakti' or devotion became central, allowing followers to develop a personal relationship with their gods. Use the mnemonic 'B.H.A.K.T.I' - **B**elief in a **H**igher **A**chievement through **K**indness, **T**hankfulness, and **I**ntercession.

Student 3
Student 3

That's helpful for remembering the essence of bhakti!

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, these developments signify a shift towards personal devotion, creating vibrant spiritual communities centered around love and relationships with deities.

Temple Architecture

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's discuss temple architecture, which evolved alongside these new religious traditions. What features do you think are significant in Hindu temples?

Student 4
Student 4

They usually have a garbhagriha or sanctum that houses the deity, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The garbhagriha is indeed central, serving as a sacred space for the idol. As time went on, what other structures began to appear around these core temples?

Student 1
Student 1

There are often assembly halls and towers, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This marks the evolution towards more complex temple structures. Remember the acronym 'T.A.G.' for temples: **T**owers, **A**ssemblies, and the **G**arbhagriha.

Student 3
Student 3

That’s a good way to remember the key components!

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, the evolution in temple architecture mirrored the advancements in religious practices, reflecting the growing importance of worship and community.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section explores the emergence of new religious traditions in India, focusing on Mahayana Buddhism and the growth of Puranic Hinduism.

Standard

The development of Mahayana Buddhism and new forms of Hinduism, including Vaishnavism and Shaivism, introduced the concepts of saviors and the significance of deity worship. This section emphasizes how these traditions reshaped religious practices and beliefs in India during the early centuries.

Detailed

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Audio Book

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The Emergence of Mahayana Buddhism

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By the first century CE, there is evidence of changes in Buddhist ideas and practices. Early Buddhist teachings had given great importance to self-effort in achieving nibbana. Besides, the Buddha was regarded as a human being who attained enlightenment and nibbana through his own efforts. However, gradually the idea of a saviour emerged. It was believed that he was the one who could ensure salvation. Simultaneously, the concept of the Bodhisatta also developed. Bodhisattas were perceived as deeply compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts but used this not to attain nibbana and thereby abandon the world, but to help others. The worship of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattas became an important part of this tradition. This new way of thinking was called Mahayana – literally, the “great vehicle”. Those who adopted these beliefs described the older tradition as Hinayana or the “lesser vehicle.”

Detailed Explanation

This chunk discusses the evolution of Buddhist thought during the first century CE. Initially, Buddhism emphasized personal effort for enlightenment (nibbana). However, over time, the concept of a saviour emerged in the form of the Buddha, who could provide salvation. A new concept called the Bodhisatta developed, referring to compassionate beings who focus on helping others instead of seeking personal enlightenment. This led to the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, termed the 'great vehicle', which contrasts with the earlier tradition of Hinayana or 'lesser vehicle'.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a classroom where each student is focused solely on their own grades. Over time, one student proposes that they should also help each other—sharing notes and explaining difficult material to classmates. This approach not only helps everyone succeed but creates a more supportive environment, similar to how Mahayana Buddhism encourages compassion and collective salvation.

The Growth of Puranic Hinduism

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The notion of a saviour was not unique to Buddhism. We find similar ideas being developed in different ways within traditions that we now consider part of Hinduism. These included Vaishnavism (a form of Hinduism within which Vishnu was worshipped as the principal deity) and Shaivism (a tradition within which Shiva was regarded as the chief god), in which there was growing emphasis on the worship of a chosen deity. In such worship, the bond between the devotee and the god was visualized as one of love and devotion, or bhakti.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk highlights the development of a saviour concept in Hinduism, particularly within Vaishnavism and Shaivism. In these traditions, worshipping a specific deity became central, fostering a close, loving relationship between the worshipper and the god. This shift parallels the emerging ideas in Buddhism regarding Bodhisattas, showing a broader movement towards compassion and devotion in religious practices.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the way people have favorite sports teams. Fans often develop a deep emotional connection with their teams, attending games and celebrating victories together. Similarly, in Vaishnavism and Shaivism, devotees develop a strong emotional bond with their chosen deities, expressing devotion through rituals and celebrations.

Building Temples

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Around the time that the stupas at sites such as Sanchi were acquiring their present form, the first temples to house images of gods and goddesses were also being built. The early temple was a small square room, called the garbhagriha, with a single doorway for the worshipper to enter and offer worship to the image. Gradually, a tall structure, known as the shikhara, was built over the central shrine.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk explains the architectural evolution of temples in India concurrent with the advancement of stupas. The initial design of temples featured a small room called garbhagriha for worship, reflecting the need for a sacred space dedicated to divine images. Over time, this transformed into a more complex architecture with a tall structure called the shikhara, signifying the growing importance of these sites in religious practices.

Examples & Analogies

Consider how homes evolve over time; what starts as a simple hut can transform into a modern house with multiple rooms, a garden, and amenities. Similarly, Indian temples began modestly but became grand structures reflecting the growing significance of worship spaces in community life.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Mahayana Buddhism: A more communal form of Buddhism focused on collective enlightenment.

  • Bodhisattva: A compassionate being who helps others reach enlightenment.

  • Bhakti: A devotional love and personal connection to the divine.

  • Vaishnavism: A sect that worships Vishnu and his avatars.

  • Shaivism: A sect focusing on the worship of Shiva.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes community practices, such as collective chanting and prayer.

  • Vaishnavism promotes festivals where devotees celebrate the life and deeds of Vishnu’s avatars.

  • Temple architecture reflects local cultures, as seen in the differences between North and South Indian temples.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Mahayana's great ride, with Bodhisattvas at our side.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once a wise Bodhisattva saw suffering and chose to guide others, illuminating the path together with followers on a journey of compassion.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • BODHI for Bodhisattva: Beings Of Delayed Heavenly Intercession.

🎯 Super Acronyms

B.H.A.K.T.I

  • **B**elief in a **H**igher **A**chievement through **K**indness
  • **T**hankfulness
  • and **I**ntercession.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Mahayana Buddhism

    Definition:

    A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the role of Bodhisattvas and collective salvation.

  • Term: Bodhisattva

    Definition:

    A being who seeks enlightenment for themselves but also vows to help others achieve it.

  • Term: Vaishnavism

    Definition:

    A sect of Hinduism that worships Vishnu and his avatars as the supreme deity.

  • Term: Shaivism

    Definition:

    A sect of Hinduism focusing on the worship of Shiva as the primary god.

  • Term: Bhakti

    Definition:

    A devotional practice focusing on loving devotion towards a personal god.