Chapter 4 Followers of the Buddha| Class 12 History Notes

The Buddha was both an ascetically inclined leader and a teacher. He was born in Nepal. The Buddha’s teachings gave rise to a new faith: Buddhism. The name “Buddha” literally refers to someone who has attained enlightenment and awakening. He was a teacher for almost 45 years and travelled extensively to promote his beliefs. He believed in balance and spoke about the inescapable grief that all humans experience.

Despite growing up in a wealthy home, the Buddha grew aware of the challenges that others face all across the globe and resolved to help them.

Followers of the Buddha

• The followers of Buddha encompassed a diverse range of individuals, including kings, wealthy patrons (gahapatis), and affluent members of society.
• Additionally, the Buddha’s teachings resonated with people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, such as workers, slaves, and craftspeople, highlighting Buddhism’s universality.
• Within the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community, all followers were regarded as equals, irrespective of their social status or background, fostering a sense of egalitarianism.
• Decision-making within the Sangha was characterized by a democratic process, where consensus was sought through discussions, reflecting a participatory approach to governance.
• Initially, women were excluded from the Sangha, but later, through the mediation of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s closest disciples, women were admitted, marking a significant shift towards inclusivity.
• Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha’s foster mother, was among the first women ordained as bhikkhunis (nuns), symbolizing the progressive stance towards gender equality within Buddhism.
• Women within the Sangha not only participated actively but also emerged as esteemed teachers of dhamma, earning the title of theris, signifying their attainment of liberation and spiritual wisdom.
• Monastic life for monks was characterized by simplicity, with minimal possessions and sustenance provided through alms received from the laity, fostering a sense of detachment from materialism.
• Buddhism appealed to individuals disillusioned with prevailing religious practices and societal norms, offering a path focused on ethical conduct, compassion, and universal values.
• The emphasis on metta (loving-kindness) and karuna (compassion), particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized, served as compelling ideals that attracted both men and women to the teachings of Buddha.

Conclusion

The Buddha has been an influential religious leader who has inspired many with His ideas and teachings. The Buddha believed that one can only be happy if one manages to regulate between luxury and simplicity. There is no denying the human suffering. He introduced a huge population to the religion of what is now called Buddhism.

Related Links

• Impact of Buddhism on Indian Culture
• 16 Mahajanpadas of Ancient India- Origin, Types and Facts

Followers of the Buddha- FAQs

Who were the followers of the Buddha?

Buddha’s followers came from many social groups. They included kings, wealthy men and gajapatis. Humbler folk: workers, slaves and craftspeople. Within the sangha, all were equal, having shed their earlier social identities on becoming bhikkhus and bhikkhunis.

What are the followers of Buddhism called?

Followers of Buddhism, called Buddhists in English, referred to themselves as Sakyan-s or Sakyabhiksu in ancient India.

What is the ultimate goal of a follower of Buddhism?

The goal of Buddhism is to become enlightened and reach nirvana. Nirvana is believed to be attainable only with the elimination of all greed, hatred, and ignorance within a person. Nirvana signifies the end of the cycle of death and rebirth.

Who is the founder of Buddhism?

Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of Buddhism.

How many followers are there in Buddhism?

Buddhism is a faith that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major world religions.