4.10. New Religious Traditions

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.”

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'.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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