THREAD
Buddhism: by the Kshatriyas, of the Kshatriyas, for the Kshatriyas.
First, the basics.
Goutam Buddha was a Kshatriya who belonged to the Shakya Clan (Modern day Terai region of Nepal, & Basti region of Uttar Pradesh). Popular legends say that he was son of a mighty king,
Buddhism: by the Kshatriyas, of the Kshatriyas, for the Kshatriyas.
First, the basics.
Goutam Buddha was a Kshatriya who belonged to the Shakya Clan (Modern day Terai region of Nepal, & Basti region of Uttar Pradesh). Popular legends say that he was son of a mighty king,
born & brought up amidst luxuries of a palace. However, the fact is that the Shakyas had a Republican Constitution, and the father of Goutam was probably elected to the chief position in the state for the time being.
Source: In the Pabbajja sutta of the Suttanipata, Ananda
Source: In the Pabbajja sutta of the Suttanipata, Ananda
describes the ordination of Gautama Buddha. Bimbisara (son of Chandragupta Maurya) tells Gautama: “Vannarohena sampanno, jatima viya khattiyo”. Which means, “from the complexion and physiognomy, you [Gautama] appear to be a Kshatriya by Jaati [descent]”. Buddha replies that he
is Suryavamsi (by Gotra) and comes from the Shakya Jaati (clan or tribe).
‘Suryavashi’ means he was related to Prabhu Ram or Ikshvaku.
The legend was a part of Buddhist propaganda BTW in order to make it sound romantic to the masses.
The date of his birth is a matter of dispute,
‘Suryavashi’ means he was related to Prabhu Ram or Ikshvaku.
The legend was a part of Buddhist propaganda BTW in order to make it sound romantic to the masses.
The date of his birth is a matter of dispute,
but we may reasonably place him about 566 BC (dotted record chronology)
It is a common and widespread belief among scholars that Buddha had taught that all men were equal, & that social superiority based on varna (colour, or race of a person) and Jaati (birth) was untenable. It
It is a common and widespread belief among scholars that Buddha had taught that all men were equal, & that social superiority based on varna (colour, or race of a person) and Jaati (birth) was untenable. It
is what the mainstream has preached for years (Ambedkar’s opinion on the subject is often cited). Ambedkar went as far as to say that, “The rise of Buddhism in India was as significant as the French Revolution”.
The result is that a lot of people in & outside of India believe
The result is that a lot of people in & outside of India believe
that Buddhism was kind of a revolt of the masses against the upper caste (something bottom-up).
However, a critical examination of the Buddhist suttas which deal with varna, Jaati, kula and gotra, indicates that Buddhism was not what it is often assumed.
1.THE DIVISION OF CASTE
However, a critical examination of the Buddhist suttas which deal with varna, Jaati, kula and gotra, indicates that Buddhism was not what it is often assumed.
1.THE DIVISION OF CASTE
The Madhura sutta, the Kannakatthala sutta, and the Assalaayana sutta of the Majjhima-nikaaya, all recognize the existence of four castes. It is called “Cattaro vanna”: Ksatriya, Brahmana, Vaisya, & Shudra.
In the Kannakatthala sutta, the superiority of Ksatriya and Brahmana
In the Kannakatthala sutta, the superiority of Ksatriya and Brahmana
castes is recognized. It says, “dve vanna aggam akkhayanti”. Which means, “the two castes [Brahmin & Kshatriya] are said to be chief and therefore deserve respect and service by the other two castes.
2.BIRTH & EUGENICS
In the context in which the term ‘Jaati’ is used in
2.BIRTH & EUGENICS
In the context in which the term ‘Jaati’ is used in
Buddhist literature, it means ‘birth’, or ‘descent’. (The only exception is the Vasettha sutta)
The Vinayapitaka enumerates ‘Heen Jaatis’, which means basket makers, hunters, trappers, scavengers, makers of chariots, etc.
The Vinayapitaka declares that calling an ordained monk
The Vinayapitaka enumerates ‘Heen Jaatis’, which means basket makers, hunters, trappers, scavengers, makers of chariots, etc.
The Vinayapitaka declares that calling an ordained monk
as having come from a Heen Jaati is equal to abusing him. The word ‘Jaati’ in this context refers to a distinct category of human beings based on birth or descent. Basically, not profession, but pedigree.
In the Anguttaranikaya, the Buddha states that human beings are Ksatriya,
In the Anguttaranikaya, the Buddha states that human beings are Ksatriya,
Brahmana, Vaisya, and Shudra, Chandala and Pukkusa (these last two are outcastes) on the basis of their birth, “Jaatiyam”.
Further, the expressions “Jaatiya nama gottena” (Vinayapitaka) and “Jaatito, namato, gottato” (Dighanikaya), clearly indicate that the word Jaati connotes
Further, the expressions “Jaatiya nama gottena” (Vinayapitaka) and “Jaatito, namato, gottato” (Dighanikaya), clearly indicate that the word Jaati connotes
birth only.
In the Khuddakapatha of the Khuddaka-nikaya, it is mentioned that “persons belonging to the Heen Jaati, [low castes] are totally excluded from possessing any of the seven jewels which are produced for the use of a Cakravarti King of the Ksatriya Caste: 'Well born on
In the Khuddakapatha of the Khuddaka-nikaya, it is mentioned that “persons belonging to the Heen Jaati, [low castes] are totally excluded from possessing any of the seven jewels which are produced for the use of a Cakravarti King of the Ksatriya Caste: 'Well born on
both sides'.
3.BUDDHA & WOMEN
Goutam was endowed with a great organizing capacity. The community of Buddhist monks was called ‘Sangha’ (70-80% of its members were Kshatriyas & Brahmins BTW). It was founded by Buddha. It is one of the greatest religious corporations the world
3.BUDDHA & WOMEN
Goutam was endowed with a great organizing capacity. The community of Buddhist monks was called ‘Sangha’ (70-80% of its members were Kshatriyas & Brahmins BTW). It was founded by Buddha. It is one of the greatest religious corporations the world
has ever seen.
A few striking characteristics of Buddhism may be noticed. One was about the admission of female members (Bhikshuni) into the Church. Buddha was at first opposed to this. Later, he was persuaded by Ananda, but he still was concerned about the future of the Church.
A few striking characteristics of Buddhism may be noticed. One was about the admission of female members (Bhikshuni) into the Church. Buddha was at first opposed to this. Later, he was persuaded by Ananda, but he still was concerned about the future of the Church.
That is why when he allowed admissions of women in the beginning, he allowed it on a condition that “even the most senior nun shall be subordinate to the most junior monk”.
4.DEATH OF BUDDHA
After the death of Goutam Buddha, his followers, who learned Buddhism directly from
4.DEATH OF BUDDHA
After the death of Goutam Buddha, his followers, who learned Buddhism directly from
him, demanded the ashes of Gautam Buddha. They said that these ashes belong to us since, we are Kshatriyas.
Sources: Ancient India, RC Majumdar; The age of Imperial Unity, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan; jstor.org.
The point of writing this thread was simply to explain
Sources: Ancient India, RC Majumdar; The age of Imperial Unity, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan; jstor.org.
The point of writing this thread was simply to explain
that Buddhism was not some romantic social movement. It was perhaps something started by Kshatriyas in order to challenge the Brahmin Vedic religion. Something like “Pope v. Kings” in Europe.
Also, thanks to @Ajaysharmakhet4 for suggesting this topic :)
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