GS Paper 1:
Topics Covered: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Context:
Buddha Purnima was celebrated on May 16th to mark the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama or Gautam Buddha.
- It is also believed to be the day he attained salvation or Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.
- It is also known as Vesak
- In 1999, it became an UN-designated day, to acknowledge the contribution of Buddhism to society.
On this occasion, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Lumbini. He laid the foundation of a monastery.
About Gautam Buddha:
- Buddha’s birth and death dates are unknown. Most historians place his birth between 563 and 483 BC.
- He is believed to be the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as per Vedic literature.
- He was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini and belonged to the Sakya clan.
Places associated with him:
- Gautam attained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree at Bodhgaya, Bihar.
- Buddha gave his first sermon in the village of Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This event is known as Dharma Chakra Pravartana (turning of the wheel of law).
- He died at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The event is known as Mahaparinibban or Mahaparinirvana.
Schools of Buddhism:
Mahayana (Idol Worship), Hinayana, Theravada, Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism), Zen.
Want to learn more about Buddhist Councils, Tripitakas, Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture?
- Reference: read this.
Insta Curious:
Did you know that Buddha Purnima is also considered a ‘triple-blessed day’ – as Tathagata Gautam Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parnirvana?
Most Buddha images throughout Asia are in one of three postures: standing, sitting or lying down. But did you know there is a famous Walking Buddha posture known as Sukhothai Walking Buddha? Read Here.
Did you know about various mudras of Buddha(few questions have been asked on this in Prelims). Read Here.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Buddhism- Origin and Spread.
- Different sects under Buddhism.
- Various Mudras.
- Differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Sects.
- Who are Bodhisattvas?
- Different places associated with the life of Buddha.
- Various Buddhist Councils.
Mains Link:
Discuss the relevance of Buddha and his thoughts today.
Q.1) With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? (2020)
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style.
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas.
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path.
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India.
Sources: Indian Express.
