week 14 pt 2

The Reign of Emperor Ashoka

Overview of Ashoka's Conversion to Buddhism

  • Emperor Ashoka's conversion was a significant turning point in the Buddhist tradition.
  • Ashoka, reflecting on the violence and killing that accompanied his establishment of a vast empire, felt morally bankrupt.
  • His conversion signified a commitment to peace and ethical governance.

Contributions to Buddhism and Society

Infrastructure Developments
  • Under Ashoka's rule, significant infrastructure projects were undertaken.
    • Construction of roadways connecting important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
  • Establishment of way stations along trade routes providing rest and shelter for travelers and animals.
Health Care Initiatives
  • Introduction of universal health care, which included:
    • Creation of veterinary hospitals for animals.

Political Nature of Ashoka's Rule

  • Despite positive contributions, Ashoka wielded considerable power.
  • Enforced Buddhist edicts through:
    • A secret police force and brutal methods, raising questions about the extent of his peacemaking.

The Third Buddhist Council: Patiloputra

Context for the Council
  • Call for the third council arose due to the proliferation of monks.
  • Many individuals, particularly wealthy ones, claimed monastic status for tax exemptions but did not genuinely adopt a monastic lifestyle.
Goals of the Council
  • The council aimed to purify the sangha by removing nominal monks who misrepresented their commitment to Buddhism.
  • Reinforcement of the strict monastic code (Vinaya) to ensure true adherence to Buddhism.

Ashoka's Role in Globalizing Buddhism

Missionary Activities
  • Ashoka initiated a mission to spread Buddhism beyond India:
    • Sent missionaries to regions including the Eastern Mediterranean and Sri Lanka.
  • This outreach established Buddhism as a global religion.
Preservation of Buddhism
  • Ashoka's missionary efforts played a crucial role in preserving Buddhism during periods of persecution under later empires in India.

The Next Council in Sri Lanka

The Need for a New Council
  • Approximately two to three centuries post-Ashoka, inconsistencies in oral transmissions of Buddhist teachings prompted the need for a new council.
Documentation of Teachings
  • Decision made to document teachings in the Pali language, a vernacular as opposed to the elite-oriented Sanskrit.
  • Introduced the Pali Canon, which consists of recorded teachings accessible to the general population.
Structure of the Pali Canon
  • Comprises three sections known as the Tripitaka (Three Baskets):
    1. Vinaya Pitaka: Rules governing monastic life.
    2. Sutta Pitaka: Records of the teachings of the Buddha.
    3. Abhidhamma Pitaka: Philosophical and doctrinal summaries of teachings developed since the Buddha's enlightenment.

Theravada Buddhism

Definition and Characteristics
  • Theravada translates to "The Doctrine of the Elders."
  • Represents one of the earliest codified forms of Buddhism developed from the Pali Canon.

The Council of Chandelhar (Kashmir)

Context and Outcome
  • This council marked a significant division in Buddhism.
  • Some monks argued that Buddha had provided advanced teachings (sutras) to select disciples that were to be revealed only when humanity was ready.
Emergence of Mahayana Buddhism
  • The concept of the "Greater Vehicle" (Mahayana) emerged, allowing wider access to enlightenment, not limited to monks.
  • Prominent sutras include the Heart Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, and the Pure Land Sutra, emphasizing compassion.

Symbolism in Buddhism

Differentiation of Buddhist Icons
  • Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism represented by two iconic figures:
    • Thin Buddha: Represents the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, an enlightened teacher.
    • Fat Buddha (Budai): A later Chinese monk known for humor and compassion, incorrectly conflated with the historical Buddha in Western contexts.

Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism

Role and Definition
  • Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings that choose to remain in the cycle of reincarnation to help others achieve enlightenment.
  • Mahayana Buddhism conceptualizes Buddha as divine, with Buddha and bodhisattvas intervening in the lives of the suffering.

Comparison of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

Understanding the Difference
  • Theravada Buddhism
    • Buddha as a man; emphasizes individual meditation and the monastic path.
    • Reverence without worship; statues serve as reminders of the path to enlightenment.
  • Mahayana Buddhism
    • Buddha as divine, with bodhisattvas that help lead others to liberation.
    • Incorporation of compassion and the greater vehicle philosophy.

Cultural Interactions in Southeast Asia

Hindu Influence on Theravada Buddhism
  • Combines Buddhist and Hindu elements:
    • Brahma repurposed as a protector deity in the context of Buddhist dharma.
    • Ganesh serves as a remover of obstacles on the path to Nirvana.
Conflicts and Syncretism
  • Historical conflicts between Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia led to both rivalry and cultural blending.
    • Examples include the integration of Hindu deities into Buddhist worship contexts.

Conclusion: Modern Presence of Buddhism

Theravada Monastic Life
  • Central to Theravada practice, with a strong emphasis on monasteries as reservoirs of tradition and learning.
  • Monks are revered figures in societies practicing Theravada Buddhism, resembling royal status.
Legacy of Ashoka
  • Ashoka's actions and councils played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of Buddhism, from a localized tradition to a global religious force, while presenting a philosophical framework that endures to this day through various cultural expressions and practices.