Buddhism & Jainism – UPSC Essentials
Both Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the 6th century BCE as heterodox reactions to Brahmanical orthodoxy — opposing caste rigidity, Vedic ritualism, and the dominance of Sanskrit. They arose mainly in the middle Gangetic plains and are among the most important topics for UPSC Prelims and GS-I Mains.
⚡ Why Did These Religions Emerge?
Reasons Behind the Rise of Heterodox Sects
🟤 JAINISM
👤 Vardhamana Mahavira – The 24th Tirthankara
- Kshatriya reaction: Both Mahavira and Buddha were Kshatriyas — they challenged Brahmin supremacy over religion
- Against caste rigidity: Opposed the rigid varna system and birth-based hierarchy
- Against animal sacrifice: Vedic rituals involving animal killing were condemned
- Vedic Sanskrit inaccessible: Both preached in Prakrit and Pali — languages of the common people
- Economic factor: The rise of trade and commerce made Vaishyas (merchants) seek an alternative to Brahmin dominance — Buddhism and Jainism gave them dignity and social recognition
- Intellectual ferment: Upanishadic philosophy had already challenged ritualism — Buddhism and Jainism took this further
Life & Background
- Born: 599 BCE at Kundagrama (near Vaishali, Bihar)
- Clan: Licchavi clan — a Kshatriya family
- Father: Siddhartha (head of Jnatrikas clan)
- Mother: Trishala (sister of Licchhavi chief Chetaka)
- Wife: Yashoda; Daughter: Priyadarshana
- Left home: At age 30 (after parents’ death)
- Attained Kaivalya (enlightenment): After 12 years of intense penance — under a Sal tree on the banks of the Rijupalika river, near Jambhiyagrama
- Death (Nirvana): 527 BCE at Pavapuri (Bihar) at age 72
- Known as: Jina (conqueror), Nigantha Nataputta (in Buddhist texts), Mahavira
Key Terms
📜 The 24 Tirthankaras
- Jina: Conqueror (of passions) → hence followers are called Jains
- Nirgrantha: Free from bonds (another name for Mahavira)
- Kaivalya: Enlightenment in Jainism (= Nirvana in Buddhism)
- Tirthankar: Ford-maker — one who helps cross the river of rebirth
- Gandhara: Mahavira’s 11 chief disciples were called Gandharvas — their leader was Sudharman (first head of Jain Sangha after Mahavira)
- Jainism believes in 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers)
- First Tirthankara: Rishabhanatha (Adinath) — mentioned in the Rigveda; also mentioned in Vishnu Purana and Bhagavat Purana as an avatar of Vishnu
- 23rd Tirthankara: Parshvanatha — lived about 250 years before Mahavira; preached four vows (excluded Brahmacharya)
- 24th Tirthankara: Vardhamana Mahavira — added Brahmacharya as the 5th vow (Pancha Mahavrata)
- Vedic texts mention only Rishabhadeva and Arishtanemi among the 24 Tirthankaras
Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows)
- Ahimsa – Non-violence (the most important)
- Satya – Truthfulness
- Asteya – Non-stealing
- Aparigraha – Non-possession
- Brahmacharya – Celibacy (added by Mahavira; Parshvanatha had only four)
📌 UPSC Note
First four vows were preached by Parshvanatha. Mahavira added Brahmacharya as the fifth vow.
Triratna (Three Jewels) — Path to Moksha
- Samyak Darshana – Right Faith/Belief
- Samyak Jnana – Right Knowledge
- Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct
These three together lead to Kaivalya (Moksha) in Jainism.
Core Philosophical Doctrines
- Anekantavada: The doctrine of many-sidedness of truth — reality is complex and multi-faceted; no single viewpoint captures the whole truth
- Syadvada: Theory of conditional predication — “Perhaps” or “maybe” — all judgements are conditional. Also called Saptabhangi Naya (seven-fold predication)
- Nayavada: Doctrine of partial viewpoints — related to Anekantavada
- Karma as substance: Jainism believes Karma is a real physical substance that permeates the soul
- Soul (Jiva): Jainism believes in the eternal existence of the soul — every living being has a Jiva (including plants, water, fire, earth)
- Ajiva: Non-living matter — the other component of universe
- Moksha: Liberation through strict asceticism — the complete shedding of karma
Seven Fundamentals (Tattvas) — Tattvartha Sutra
- Jiva – Soul
- Ajiva – Non-soul matter
- Asrava – Influx of karma
- Bandha – Bondage of soul by karma
- Samvara – Stopping the influx of karma
- Nirjara – Shedding accumulated karma
- Moksha – Liberation
Other Important Concepts
🔱 Sects of Jainism
- Ahimsa is supreme: Even agriculture is prohibited as it harms insects
- God: Jainism recognises gods (including Brahmanical gods), but they are subordinate to Tirthankaras
- Vedas: Jainism rejects the authority of Vedas
- Caste: Rejects birth-based caste; emphasises conduct
- Sallekana (Sallekhana): Ritual death by fasting — the highest form of Jain asceticism
- Jain cosmology: Universe is eternal — no creator God
- Paryushana: Important Jain festival — Kalpa Sutra is recited
- Jain monasteries: Called Basadis (Basadas)
- Gandharva: Mahavira’s 11 chief disciples; Gandharva literally means “leader of the school” (head of a Gana)
Digambara vs Shwetambara
👑 Royal Patrons of Jainism
- Split occurred: c. 300 BCE during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya — when Bhadrabahu led a group to South India (Karnataka), followed by Chandragupta Maurya
- Digambara (“Sky-clad” — naked): Do not wear clothes; believe women cannot attain moksha; consider the original Agamas lost; associated with South India (Karnataka)
- Shwetambara (“White-clad”): Wear white clothes; believe women can attain moksha; preserve the Agamas; associated with Western India (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
- Yapaniya: A sub-sect — part Digambara (naked monks) but accepts some Shwetambara practices
📌 Key Fact
Chandana (daughter of Dadhivahana, king of Champa) was the first female disciple (first Bhikshuni) of Mahavira.
- Chandragupta Maurya — converted to Jainism in old age; accompanied Bhadrabahu to Karnataka; died by Sallekana at Shravanabelagola
- Udayin — Haryanka king; supporter
- Bimbisara — Haryanka king; supporter
- Ajatashatru — Haryanka king; supporter
- Kharvela — Kalinga king; major Jain patron (Hathigumpha inscription)
- Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta) — became a Jain monk; wrote Ratnamalika
- Kumarapala (Solanki, Gujarat) — made Jainism state religion under Hemachandra’s influence
- States that patronised Jainism: Ganga, Kadamba, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta
- First Jain Council: c. 300 BCE at Pataliputra — presided by Sthulabhadra; compiled 12 Angas; Digambaras opposed this council
- Second Jain Council: c. 512 CE at Valabhi (Gujarat) — presided by Devardhigani Kshamasramana; final compilation of Shwetambara canon
Life & Background
- Born: 563 BCE at Lumbini (modern Nepal) on Vaisakha Purnima
- Clan: Shakya clan — hence also called Shakyamuni
- Father: Shuddhodana (ruler of Kapilavastu)
- Mother: Mahamaya (died shortly after birth); raised by aunt Mahapajapati Gotami
- Wife: Yashodhara; Son: Rahula
- The Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana): Left home at age 29
- Enlightenment (Mahaparinibbana / Bodhi): After 6 years of meditation — under the Peepal (Bodhi) tree at Bodh Gaya, on the banks of Niranjana (Phalgu) river; at age 35
- First Sermon (Dhammachakkapavattana): At Sarnath (Deer Park / Rishipatana) — to five disciples; called the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
- Death (Mahaparinirvana): 483 BCE at Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) at age 80
Four Sights that Prompted Renunciation
- An old man (old age)
- A sick man (disease)
- A dead body (death)
- A wandering ascetic (path of liberation)
Symbols Representing Events of Buddha’s Life
⚖️ Buddhist Philosophy & Doctrines
- Birth → Lotus and Bull
- Enlightenment (Bodhi) → Bodhi tree / Peepal tree
- First Sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartana) → Wheel (Dharmachakra)
- Mahaparinirvana (Death) → Stupa / Footprint
Four Noble Truths (Chatur Arya Satya)
- Dukkha – The world is full of suffering
- Samudaya – All suffering has a cause (desire, ignorance, attachment)
- Nirodha – Suffering can be destroyed by eliminating its cause
- Marga – The Eightfold Path is the way to end suffering
Eightfold Path — Ashtangika Marga
- Right View (Samyak Drishti) – Understanding the nature of suffering
- Right Aim/Intention (Samyak Sankalpa) – Renouncing desire and ill-will
- Right Speech (Samyak Vak) – Speaking truth always
- Right Action (Samyak Karma) – Performing unselfish actions
- Right Livelihood (Samyak Ajiva) – Living by honest means
- Right Effort (Samyak Vyayama) – Controlling senses to prevent bad thoughts
- Right Mindfulness (Samyak Smriti) – Understanding impermanence of the body
- Right Concentration (Samyak Samadhi) – Meditation leading to peace and truth
📌 UPSC Note
The Eightfold Path is called the Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada) — avoiding both extreme luxury and extreme asceticism. This is the fundamental difference with Jainism which advocates extreme asceticism.
Triratna of Buddhism (Three Jewels)
- Buddha – The Enlightened One
- Dharma – His teachings
- Sangha – The community of monks
Panchshila — Five Precepts
- Do not kill (Ahimsa)
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Do not drink intoxicants
- Do not indulge in sensual pleasures
Key Philosophical Concepts
🏛️ Buddhist Councils
- Anatta (No-Self): Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul — no atman; this is the fundamental difference with Jainism and Brahmanism
- Anicca (Impermanence): Everything is transient and ever-changing
- Dukkha (Suffering): Existence is inherently unsatisfactory
- Pratitya Samutpada: Dependent Origination — all things arise in dependence on causes and conditions; the chain of 12 nidanas (links)
- Nirvana: Extinction of desire — liberation; possible in this life itself (unlike Jainism)
- Karma: Actions determine future — but no transmigrating soul in Buddhism
- God: Buddha neither accepted nor denied God — concerned primarily with individual liberation
- Madhyama Pratipada (Middle Path): Avoid extreme asceticism and extreme indulgence
1st Buddhist Council — c. 483 BCE, Rajagriha
- Presided by: Mahakassapa
- Patron: Ajatashatru (Haryanka dynasty)
- Purpose: Compiled Vinaya Pitaka (Upali) and Sutta Pitaka (Ananda)
- Held at Saptaparni Cave near Rajagriha
2nd Buddhist Council — c. 383 BCE, Vaishali
- Presided by: Sabakami
- Patron: Kalasoka (Shishunaga dynasty)
- Purpose: Dispute over 10 points of monastic discipline → First split in Buddhism
- Led to division into Sthaviravada (orthodox) and Mahasanghika
3rd Buddhist Council — c. 250 BCE, Pataliputra
- Presided by: Mogaliputta Tissa
- Patron: Ashoka (Maurya dynasty)
- Purpose: Purification of the Sangha; compiled Abhidhamma Pitaka; dispatched missionaries including Mahinda to Sri Lanka
4th Buddhist Council — c. 72 CE, Kashmir (Kundalvana)
🔱 Sects of Buddhism
- Presided by: Vasumitra (Chairman), Ashvaghosha (Vice-chairman)
- Patron: Kanishka (Kushan dynasty)
- Purpose: Final split into Hinayana and Mahayana
- Note: This council is NOT recognised by Theravada/Hinayana Buddhists
Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle)
- Also called Theravada (Doctrine of the Elders) — oldest surviving school
- Considers Buddha as a great man, not God
- Does not believe in idol worship
- Texts written in Pali
- Individual salvation is primary
- Spread to: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia
- Sub-sects: Vaibhashika (Kashmir) and Sautrantika
Mahayana (Greater Vehicle)
- Buddha is worshipped as a God — idol worship accepted
- Concept of Bodhisattva — delays own Nirvana to help others achieve it
- Texts written in Sanskrit
- Emphasis on universal salvation (helping all beings)
- Founded by Nagarjuna (Madhyamaka/Shunyavada)
- Spread to: China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Vietnam
- Sub-sects: Madhyamaka/Shunyavada (Nagarjuna) and Vijnanavada/Yogachara (Asanga & Vasubandhu)
📌 Key: Mahayana Ideal = Bodhisattva
Avalokitesvara (Padmapani) — holds a lotus; most popular Bodhisattva
Maitreya — the future Buddha yet to incarnate; holds a water phial
Manjushri — Bodhisattva of wisdom
Vajrapani — holds a thunderbolt
⭐ Bodhisattvas frequently asked in UPSC
Maitreya — the future Buddha yet to incarnate; holds a water phial
Manjushri — Bodhisattva of wisdom
Vajrapani — holds a thunderbolt
Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle / Thunderbolt Way)
🧠 Famous Buddhist Scholars
- Also called Tantric Buddhism
- Emerged in 7th century CE
- Uses mantras, mudras, and mandalas for salvation
- Worships Shakti (Tara) — female deities
- Spread to: Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan
- Key texts: Tantras
- Promoted by: Pala dynasty of Bengal
- Nagarjuna — “Einstein of India”; founder of Madhyamaka school; Madhyamika Karika; Shanyvada; contemporary of Satavahana king Yajnashri Gautamiputra
- Ashvaghosa — Poet, dramatist, philosopher; Buddhacharita (biography of Buddha), Saundarananda; contemporary of Kanishka
- Asanga — Founder of Yogachara/Vijnanavada school; 4th century CE
- Vasubandhu — Brother of Asanga; systematised Yogachara; wrote Abhidharmakosha
- Dignaga — Founder of Buddhist logic (Nyaya school) — “the Aristotle of India”
- Dharmakirti — Philosopher; student of Dignaga; Buddhist logic
- Buddhaghosa — 5th century CE; wrote Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification); commentaries on Digha Nikaya (Sumangalavilasini)
- Chandragomin — Known as “Vyakarancharya” (grammarian) and poet
- Chandrakirti — Madhyamaka philosopher; commentaries on Nagarjuna
- Stupa: Hemispherical dome structure containing relics of Buddha or Buddhist monks; earliest stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, Amaravati, Sarnath
- Chaitya: A Buddhist prayer hall containing a stupa; term also used for a sacred enclosure
- Vihara: Buddhist monastery — residential quarters for monks
- Oldest Buddha sculpture: Mathura style (Kushan period); also Gandhara style (Greco-Buddhist)
- Dharmachakra mudra: The preaching mudra — associated with Buddha’s First Sermon at Sarnath; used in Gandhara art
- Loss of royal patronage after the Guptas
- Revival of Brahmanical Hinduism — especially Bhakti movement
- Absorption into Hinduism — Buddha was accepted as an avatar of Vishnu
- Corruption in the Sangha — monks began acquiring wealth and engaging in rituals
- Destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni — attacked Nalanda and other monasteries
- Nalanda destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji (1203 CE) — decisive blow
- Split into sects — weakened the unified movement
12 Angas (Core Canonical Texts)
- The most sacred scriptures — believed to be teachings of Mahavira
- Written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
- Compiled at the First Jain Council (Pataliputra, c. 300 BCE)
- Digambaras believe the original Angas are lost
- Most important Anga: Acharanga Sutra — contains rules of conduct for monks; oldest Jain text
- Other Angas: Sutrakritanga, Sthananga, etc.
Kalpa Sutra
- Author: Bhadrabahu
- Contains biographies of Tirthankaras (especially Mahavira and Parshvanatha)
- Contains rules of conduct for monks and nuns
- Recited during the important Jain festival of Paryushana
- Key source for: Jain rituals, Mahavira’s life
Tattvartha Sutra
- Author: Umasvati (Umasvami)
- Language: Sanskrit (unique — most Jain texts are in Prakrit)
- Accepted by both Digambara and Shwetambara sects
- Systematic philosophical treatise on Jain doctrine
- Contains the Seven Fundamentals (Tattvas): Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha
Parishishtaparvan
- Author: Hemachandra
- Contains political history of the Mauryan period — important historical source
- Hemachandra was the great Jain scholar at the court of Kumarapala (Solanki dynasty)
Dravyasamgraha
- Author: Nemichandra
- Deals with Jain metaphysics and cosmology
Jain Agamas — Valabhi Council
- Final compilation of Shwetambara canon done at the Second Jain Council at Valabhi (Gujarat, c. 5th–6th century CE)
- Presided by Devardhigani Kshamasramana
Jain Puranas (Historical)
📚 Important Texts of Buddhism
A. Tripitaka — The Three Baskets (Most Important)
- Adi Purana — adapted from Hindu Puranic tradition
- Jain texts are also important for secular history — especially the Jain chronicles of Gujarat
- Language of Jain texts: Ardhamagadhi (earliest), then Prakrit, Sanskrit, later Apabhramsha
Vinaya Pitaka
- Rules of monastic discipline for monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkhunis)
- Origin and organization of the Sangha
- Compiled at the First Buddhist Council by Upali
- UPSC Angle: Social organization of Buddhist Sangha
Sutta Pitaka (Sutta = Sutra)
- Contains the sermons and discourses of Buddha
- Compiled by Ananda at the First Buddhist Council
- Five Nikayas (Collections):
- Digha Nikaya — Long discourses (34 suttas)
- Majjhima Nikaya — Middle-length discourses
- Samyutta Nikaya — Grouped/connected discourses
- Anguttara Nikaya — Numerical discourses
- Khuddaka Nikaya — Minor texts (includes Dhammapada, Jataka tales, Therigatha)
Abhidhamma Pitaka
B. Important Buddhist Texts Outside Tripitaka
- Philosophical and psychological analysis of Buddhist doctrine
- Buddhist metaphysics and analytical philosophy
- Compiled at the Third Buddhist Council under Ashoka
Jataka Tales
- 547 stories of Buddha’s previous births (past lives)
- Extremely important for social and economic history of ancient India
- Part of Khuddaka Nikaya
- Depicted on reliefs at Bharhut, Sanchi, and Amaravati
- Most famous Jataka: Khuddaka Nikaya sub-section
Dhammapada
- Collection of ethical verses (423 verses)
- Part of Khuddaka Nikaya
- Theme: Middle Path, morality, mental discipline
- One of the most popular Buddhist texts globally
Milinda Panha (Milindapanha)
- Dialogue between Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena
- Important for: Logical exposition of Buddhist philosophy
- Historical source for Indo-Greek relations
Buddhacharita
- Author: Ashvaghosha
- A biography of Gautama Buddha in Sanskrit verse
- First full-length biography of Buddha
Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification)
- Author: Buddhaghosa (5th century CE)
- Describes the path from monastic discipline to Nirvana/Nibbana
- Written in Pali
- Considered the “encyclopaedia of Theravada Buddhism”
Mahavastu
C. Mahayana Buddhist Texts
- School: Lokottaravada (sub-sect of Mahasanghika)
- Contains life of Buddha — semi-biographical
Prajnaparamita Sutras
- Associated with Nagarjuna and Madhyamaka school
- Theme: Shunyata (Emptiness) — all phenomena are empty of inherent existence
- Includes the famous Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra
Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Pundarika)
- Theme: Universal Buddhahood — all beings can attain enlightenment
- One of the most influential Mahayana texts
- Hugely important in East Asian Buddhism
Lankavatara Sutra
D. Historical/Chronicle Buddhist Texts
- Associated with Yogachara/Vijnanavada philosophy
- Theme: Mind-only doctrine (all phenomena are projections of the mind)
Dipavamsa & Mahavamsa
- Dipavamsa: Chronicle of Sri Lankan Buddhism — oldest Pali chronicle
- Mahavamsa: Written by Mahinda (son of Ashoka); major source for Ashokan period and Sri Lanka’s history
Therigatha
⚖️ Buddhism vs Jainism — Key Differences
- Songs/poems composed by senior Buddhist nuns (Theris = Elder Nuns)
- Part of Khuddaka Nikaya
- One of the earliest collections of women’s literature in the world
God
Jainism: Recognises gods (Brahmanical gods included); Tirthankaras are supreme
Buddhism: Buddha neither accepted nor denied God; focused on individual liberation
Buddhism: Buddha neither accepted nor denied God; focused on individual liberation
Soul (Atman)
Jainism: Believes in eternal Jiva (soul); also in transmigration of soul
Buddhism: Denies permanent soul — doctrine of Anatta (No-Self); no transmigrating soul
Buddhism: Denies permanent soul — doctrine of Anatta (No-Self); no transmigrating soul
Ahimsa
Jainism: Extreme — even agriculture is avoided; strict vegetarianism
Buddhism: Moderate — prohibits killing but allows eating meat in some circumstances
Buddhism: Moderate — prohibits killing but allows eating meat in some circumstances
Asceticism
Jainism: Extreme asceticism is the path — Sallekhana (ritual death by fasting)
Buddhism: Middle Path — rejects both extreme asceticism and luxury
Buddhism: Middle Path — rejects both extreme asceticism and luxury
Salvation
Jainism: Kaivalya — possible only after death; not for women (Digambara view)
Buddhism: Nirvana — possible during one’s own lifetime; women can also attain
Buddhism: Nirvana — possible during one’s own lifetime; women can also attain
Language
Jainism: Ardhamagadhi Prakrit (texts); spoken in Prakrit
Buddhism: Pali (Theravada texts); Sanskrit (Mahayana texts)
Buddhism: Pali (Theravada texts); Sanskrit (Mahayana texts)
Karma
Jainism: Karma is a real physical substance that sticks to the soul
Buddhism: Karma is a moral force (action and intention) — not a physical substance
Buddhism: Karma is a moral force (action and intention) — not a physical substance
Women
Jainism: Digambaras — women cannot attain moksha; Shwetambaras — they can
Buddhism: Buddha initially reluctant but allowed women in Sangha — women can attain Nirvana
Buddhism: Buddha initially reluctant but allowed women in Sangha — women can attain Nirvana
Spread
Jainism: Primarily stayed in India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka)
Buddhism: Spread across Asia — became a world religion
Buddhism: Spread across Asia — became a world religion
Key Philosophy
Jainism: Anekantavada, Syadvada
Buddhism: Madhyamaka (Nagarjuna), Vijnanavada (Asanga), Pratitya Samutpada
Buddhism: Madhyamaka (Nagarjuna), Vijnanavada (Asanga), Pratitya Samutpada
Practice all Jainism & Buddhism PYQs
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⚡ Quick Revision — High-Yield One-Liners
- First Tirthankara of Jainism → Rishabhanatha (Adinath) — mentioned in Rigveda
- 24th Tirthankara → Vardhamana Mahavira
- Parshvanatha added → 4 vows; Mahavira added → 5th vow (Brahmacharya)
- Mahavira born at → Kundagrama (near Vaishali); died at Pavapuri
- Buddha born at → Lumbini; enlightened at Bodh Gaya; first sermon at Sarnath; died at Kushinagar
- First Buddhist Council → Rajagriha; patron Ajatashatru; presided by Mahakassapa
- Third Buddhist Council → Pataliputra; patron Ashoka; presided by Mogaliputta Tissa
- Fourth Buddhist Council → Kashmir; patron Kanishka; led to Hinayana–Mahayana split
- Hinayana texts → Pali; Mahayana texts → Sanskrit
- Nagarjuna → Einstein of India; Madhyamaka/Shunyavada; Mahayana Buddhism
- Ashvaghosa → Buddhacharita (biography of Buddha); contemporary of Kanishka
- Buddhaghosa → Visuddhimagga; Sumangalavilasini (commentary on Digha Nikaya)
- Only text accepted by both Jain sects → Tattvartha Sutra (Umasvati)
- Kalpa Sutra → Bhadrabahu; biographies of Tirthankaras; recited during Paryushana
- Milinda Panha → Dialogue of king Menander (Milinda) and monk Nagasena
- Dhammapada → 423 ethical verses; part of Khuddaka Nikaya
- Jataka Tales → 547 stories of Buddha’s past lives; depicted at Sanchi and Bharhut
- Therigatha → Poems of senior Buddhist nuns; earliest women’s literature
- Mahavamsa → Written by Mahinda; key source for Ashoka’s era
- Maitreya → Future Buddha; holds water phial (Mahayana)
- Shunyata → Nagarjuna’s concept of Emptiness (Madhyamaka)
- Anatta → No-Soul doctrine of Buddhism (fundamental difference from Jainism)
- Pratitya Samutpada → Dependent Origination (12 links of causation) — core Buddhist concept
- Chandragupta Maurya → Converted to Jainism; died by Sallekhana at Shravanabelagola
- Suttapitaka compiled by → Ananda (at 1st Council); Ananda was Buddha’s personal attendant
- Vinaya Pitaka compiled by → Upali (at 1st Council)