Buddhism, liberation from materialistic Hindu rituals

Gautama Buddha (566 - 486 BC)

Buddhism emerged as the most potent religious movement during the 6th century BC (just after the later Vedic period), opposing the ritualistic orthodox ideas of the Brahmans. Gautama Buddha (566 - 486 BC) was the founder of Buddhism, who resolves around attaining peace and non-violence, also directed the way of salvation and the concept of universal brotherhood.

The rise of Buddhism is closely connected to the prevalent practices of Vedic rituals, which had become cumbersome. The Vedic rituals established the domination of the Brahmans in the society and the sacred ritual rights was reserved to them only, as they claimed the highest position in the society, which was divided into four 'varnas' (casts). With the breakup of communities, the participation in these practices also became restricted and as such became irreverent to many sections in the society. 


Also the rituals became more rigid, elaborate, complicated and expensive during the later Vedic period that some rituals could continue for years, which expense was a burden on the common people. The rituals depicted to satisfy or to invoke the Gods, like yagna and sacrifice, in order to gain some boons or gain some property or child. So in the Vedic religion God was not worshiped for the spiritual upliftment of the people, nor for any other abstract philosophical concepts, but the rituals were invoked to grant material gains. Thus many practices (like elaborative yagna or rampant animal sacrifice) considered meaningless to many sections in the society, as they was forbidden to participate.

Also the contemporary economic and political development during 6th century BC, also helped the emergence of some new social group of Kshatriyas and Merchants (Vaisyas), which acquired considerable economic power and opposed to the social position defined for them by the Brahmans, on the basis of their heredity. And due to the growing dissatisfaction regarding their spiritual life, these people were in demand of a new reformed social order or equality, so they ceased to support the Vedic ritualistic practices.

So resentment of Vedic rituals and continued discontent about unbalanced social power prompted the development of new intellectual teachings and philosophies like Buddhism. Also many religious preachers before Gautama Buddha like Kapila, Makkali Gosala, Ajita Kesakambalin and Pakuda Kachchayanahad already highlighted the evils of the Vedic religions. While they developed some new ideas or philosophies on life and God, Buddha has shown us an alternative religious order.

The teaching of Buddha was very precised and simple, so anybody can understand as well as follow. The basic teachings of Buddha are contained in ‘Four Noble Truths’ and ‘Eight Fold Path’ (Ashtangika Marga). 

The ‘Four Noble Truths’ are:

I. The world is full of sufferings
II. Desire, ignorance and attachment are the cause of sufferings.
III. The suffering could be removed by destroying its cause.
IV. In order to end the sufferings one must know the right path. This path is the ‘Eight Fold Path’.

The ‘Eight Fold Path’ consists of the following principles:

1. Right belief: The ending of the desire will lead to the liberation of the soul.
2. Right aim: It aims to love humanity and increase the happiness of others.
3. Right speech: The speaking of truth always.
4. Right action: Every action should be unselfish and worthy.
5. Right livelihood: A man should live by honest means.
6. Right effort: It is through correct mental exercises that one can destroy the desire and attachment.
7. Right mindfulness: The body is impermanent and meditation is the means for the removal of worldly evils.
8. Right concentration: Meditation will unravel the real truth.

Along with this Buddhism laid great emphasis on ‘Karma’ and ‘Nirvana’. 

According to the law of ‘Karma’, present is determined by the past actions. Every individual is the maker of his own destiny by his ‘Karma’. We born repeatedly to reap the fruit of our ‘Karma’, if an individual has no sins, he is not born again.

‘Nirvana’ is the ultimate goal in the life of a man. It means the shedding of all desires and ending of sufferings, which finally leads to freedom from rebirth. Therefore, Buddha preached the annihilation of desire is the real problem. Prayers and sacrifices will not end the desire, which can be eliminated by the process of meditation.

The spirit of love was also emphasized by Buddha by following ‘Ahimsa’ (non-killing). Also according to Buddhism, an individual should pursue the middle path, and both severe asceticism as well as luxurious life are to be avoided.

Buddha rejected the authority of Vedas and condemned animal sacrifice. He said that neither a sacrifice to Gods can wash away sins, nor any prayer of any priest do any good to a sinner. So there was no need of a priest or middle man to achieve ‘Nirvana’ the ultimate goal of life.

Thus the teachings of Buddha put forward a serious challenge to the existing Brahmanical ideas and the idea of social equality was welcomed by the people of the lower orders. Also emphasis on practical morality an easily acceptable solution to the problem of mankind and using the popular language 'Pali' to explain the doctrines helped to spread of the religion, which was widespread in a remarkably short time by receiving patronage extended by kings like ‘Samrat Ashoka’. 

Buddha teaches the solution to end human sufferings, with the emphasis on the moral life of an individual, unlike the emphasis on rituals and ceremonies in Vedic religion. Therefore irrespective of caste and sex people admitted Buddhism to find peace and freedom in their spiritual life.

Thanks & regards,

Milan Chatterjee

PS: Jainism also emerged during almost the same period, due to the same reasons.
© Milan Chatterjee