Buddhism in India

Introduction of Buddhism:

Buddhism started in India around 2,600 years ago (around 600 BC). Buddhism spread across Asia and around the world. It offers simple path to enlightenment and more access to common people. Buddhists do not believe in a god that created everything. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, or rebirth. Reincarnation is the belief that when someone dies, they are reborn again as something else. They believe that the human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but it is possible to escape this cycle forever by reaching a state of enlightenment, or nirvana. The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution. It promoted education through residential universities like Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila. Buddha had two kinds of disciples monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas). The monks were organized into the Sangha for the purpose of spreading his teachings. After the death of Buddha, his followers traversed on his path of meditation and roamed throughout the countryside. Ashoka, Kanishka, Harsha, Bimbisara, Ajatasatru are well known kings to give significant contribution to development of Buddhism across the world. The symbol of Buddhism is called ‘The Wheel of Life’, the Dharmachakra or the Dharma Wheel. The wheel represents the teachings of the Buddha. The three swirls in the center of the wheel represent the three jewels of Buddhism. The three jewels are the Buddha (or the teacher), the Dharma (the teachings of Buddha), and the sangha (the community). It is in the shape of a wheel to represent the completeness of the Dharma. Gautama Buddha was the first person to reach the state of enlightenment. Siddhartha(Gautama Buddha) was a prince, born in Lumbini  in the 5th century BC. The five great events of the life of the Buddha, also known as the Pancha Maha Bhutika or Five Great Wonders, are important milestones in the life of Siddhartha Gautama. At the age of 29 siddartha was gone outside and saw in succession an old man, a sick person, a corpse being carried to cremation, and a monk in meditation beneath a tree. By seeing all these incidents siddhartha renounced his princely life and became an asetic and seeking the cause of suffering. At the age of 35 he got Enlightenment/Nirvana under Bodhi tree and became Buddha (Enlightened one).

GAUTAMA BUDDHA (563 BC-483 BC):

The symbols of the five great events of the Buddha’s life are as follows:

Teachings of Buddha (Panchsheel):

The Panchsheel of Buddha (Five Precepts) or Five Rules of Training is the most essential moral code for Buddhist. They are commitments to abstain from harmful actions and cultivate a moral life

• Abstain from killing: Not to indulge in violence
• Abstain from theft: Not to steal anything
• Abstain from sexual misconduct: To show Fidelity.
• Abstain from falsehood: Not to speak the untruth
• Abstain from intoxication: Not to indulge in substance abuse

The Four Noble Truths (Arya Satyas) form the core of the teachings of Buddhism :

• World is full of misery (Dukha)
• Desire is a root cause of sorrow (Samudya)
• Desire can be conquered (Nirodha)
• Desire can be conquered by following the right path Astangika marga

Eight-Fold Paths (Astangika Marga):

• Right Action: Avoiding harm to others maintain ethics
• Right View: Understanding the reality
• Right Speech: Always speak truth
• Right Thought: Right Determination, Correct Thinking (No hate, No harm, No ill treating, No greed, No anger)
• Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that doesn’t harm others
• Right Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present. Don’t think future
• Right Effort: Actively engaging in the process of mental purification and development, Positive attitude
• Right Concentration: Gaining attention, focus through meditation

Triratna’s:

The Triratna is also called Three Jewels in Sanskrit, are main elements to Buddhist practice. They are Buddha, Dharma and Sangha representing the path to enlightenment. 

Buddhist Councils:

First Buddhist Council:

Year: 483 BC

Place: Sattapani cave at Rajgriha.

President: Mahakasyapa

King: Ajatasatru

Outcome: (i) First Buddhist Council was held immediate after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha.

(ii) It was held with the purpose of preserving Buddha’s teachings and rules for disciples. During this ,the teachings  of Buddha were divided into Three Pitakas.

(iii) During First Buddhist Council Buddha’s disciples Anandudu Compiled Suttapitaka and Upali compiled  Vinaya Pitaka 

Second Buddhist Council:

Year: 383 BC

Place: Vaishali

President: Sabbakami

King: Kalashoka

Outcome: (i) Divide in Sthaviravada/Theravada & Mahasangikas

                 (ii)  Established Committees to promote Buddhism in various countries

Third Buddhist Council:

Year: 250 BC

Place: Pataliputra

President: MogaliputtaTissa

King: Ashoka

Outcome: Compilation of Abhidhamapitaka

Fourth Buddhist Council:

Year: 1st Century AD

Place: Kashmir Kundalavanam

President: Vasumitra & Ashvaghosa (Deputy)

King: Kanishka

Outcome: Compilation of Mahavibhasha sastra (commentary on the Abhidhamma) Division of Bhuddhism and Hinayana and Mahayana

Buddhist Literature:

The Buddhist works can be divided into the canonical and the non-canonical Literature.

The canonical literature is best represented by the “Tripitakas”, that is, three baskets – Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Canonical Literature/Three Pitakas:

conical literature means it include works of well known authors. Tripitaka’s is the Buddhist holy book.. Tripitaka means ‘Triple Basket’. The book contains three volumes called:  Sutta Piṭaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. The three volumes contain the teachings of Buddha, this is called Dharma.

Sutta Pitaka:

The Sutta Pitaka consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. the sermons and discourses of the Buddha are the beliefs and teachings in a story format It was written by Ananda.In the Buddhist context, sutta (from the Sanskrit sutra) refers to texts that are supposed to contain what the Buddha himself said. It is divided into five Nikayas or collections:

• Digha Nikaya
• Majjhima Nikaya
• Samyukta Nikaya
• Anguttara Nikaya
• Khuddaka Nikaya 

The Digha Nikaya, is Lengthy Collection, contains 34 long Suttas. The Mahaparinibbana Sutta is the most important of these because it tells about Buddha’s final days. Khuddaka Nikaya is  Largest Nikaya of  500 Jataka stories abut Buddha and Bodhisathvas (Previous Buddhas). Some of the Jatakas Mandata,Bhimasena,Chula Kalinga,Swetagaja. The Khuddaka Nikaya contains some literary works such as The Khuddakapatha, Udana (It includes the well-known story “Blind Men and Elephant.”). Itivuttaka (collection of maxims uttered by the Buddha to his students) Sutta Nipata (Collection of poems and literary works).Vimanavatthu( The collection of stories describes the  celestial palaces where the gods live) Petavatthu(Stries of Ghost), Dhammapada.

Vinaya Pitaka:

The Vinaya Pitaka consists of code of conduct and discipline applicable to the monastic life of the monks and nuns. It was written by Upali (Buddha Disciple). Vinaya Pitaka consists 3 parts

1.Patimokka

Cllection of  rules or code of conduct for Buddhist Monks and nuns)

Parivara – said to have been written by a Ceylonese monk, it is a handbook of instruction on the contents of the Vinaya Pitaka.

2.Sutta Vibhanga

Suttavibhanga, also known as the Patimokkha Sutta, provides the regulations for completely ordained monks known as bhikkhus (Maha Vibhanga) and fully ordained nuns known as bhikkhunis (Maha Vibhanga).

3.Khandaka

Mahavagga & Cullavagga are two section in Khandaka(22 Chapters). The Mahavagga is about the Buddha’s awakening and his great disciples, while the Cullavagga is about the First and Second Buddhist Councils, as well as the establishment of a community of Buddhist nuns.

Abhidhamma Pitaka:

The Abhidamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis, Buddha’s teaching and the scholarly activity of the monks.  Abhidhamma means the Buddha’s ‘Higher Teaching. The essence of Abhidamma was formulated by the Buddha after his Enlightenment. It includes discourses on various subjects such as ethics, psychology, theories of knowledge and metaphysical problems.

There are seven books in the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

• • Dhammasangani
  • Puggalapannatti
  • Kathavatthu
  • Yamaka
  • Patthana
  • Vibhanga
  • Dhatukatha

Non Canonical Literature:

Non conical literature means it include works of less known authors. Here some of the non conical literature works

(1) Dipavamsa (4th Century):

• Dipavamsa called as Chronicle of the Island.
• Dipavamsa is a ancient chronicle of Srilankan history written by Buddhist monks of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya (Srilanka) in pali language.
• The Dipavamsa gives a fuller account of the arrival of Theri Sangamitta (daughter to Ashoka).
• The Dipavamsa was likely the first completely new Pali text composed in Sri Lanka
• Buddhaghosa refers to Dipavamsa in his book “Samantapasadika”.
  The Dipavaṃsa praises the Theravada as a “Great Banyan Tree,”

(2) Mahavamsa (5th Century):

• Mahavamsa called as Great Chronicle 
• Mahavamsa is a ancient chronicle of Srilankan history written by Mahanama in Pali language
• It was written based on prior ancient compilations known as the Atthakatha. It has thirty-seven chapters describing the founding of the Sinhala kingdom by Vijaya.
• It recounts the history of Buddhism in India, from Buddha’s death to the third Buddhist council.
• Culavamsa (2nd part of Mahavamsa) was written by Dhammakitti Thero in 13th Century AD.
• The Dipavamsa gives a fuller account of the arrival of Mahinda (Son of Ashoka).

(3) Milinda Panha (1st Century BC to 2nd Century AD):

• Milinda Panha was written by Nagasena in pali language
• conversation on Buddhist philosophy between the Indian Buddhist scholar Nagasena and the Indo-Greek monarch Menander I of Bactria 
• The Milinda Panha is considered canonical in Burmese Buddhism and is contained in the book of Khuddaka Nikaya.
• It is mentioned in the Grand Inscription d’Angkor engraved in 1701 on the walls of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

(4) Netti Parakana:

• Netti Parakana is called The Book of Guidance
• The Nettipakarana is an ancient Buddhist text that holds a crucial place in the Theravāda tradition written by the Buddha’s disciple Kaccana by the text’s colophon, introductory verses, and the commentary attributed to Dhammapala.
• Nettipakarana has divided into two sections Sangahavara Vibhagavara.

(5) Petakopadesa:

• Petakopadesa was written by Kaccana in pali language.
• Petakopadesa is a Buddhist scripture sometimes included in the Khuddaka Nikaya of Theravada Buddhism.

Schools in Buddhism:

There are 5 schools in Buddhism.

1. Mahayana
2. Hinayana
3. Theravada
4. Vajrayana
5. Zen

Mahayana:

• Mahayana is one of the main school of Buddhism. The term Mahayana is a Sanskrit word means “Great Vehicle”.
• It originated in northern India and Kashmir and then spread east into Central Asia, East Asia and some areas of Southeast Asia.
• Mahayana school worshipped buddha in  Idol worship.
• Mahayana school believes that Buddha will be born again (Re birth concept).
• Scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism were written Sanskrit.
• Mahayana schools embedded in China, Japan, Tibet and Korea.
• Believed that Buddha will be born again.
• Mahayana believes Bodhisattvas and celestial Buddhas

Hinayana:

• Literally Small  vehicle, Also known as Abandoned Vehicle or Defective vehicle. It believes in the original teaching of Buddha.
• It does not believe in Idol worship and tries to attain individual salvation through self discipline and meditation.
• Buddha will never be reborn.
• Hinayana believes Buddha was not a god but buddha was an ordinary man who gt enlightenment through nirvana.
• Scriptures of Hinayana Buddhism were written in Pali language
• Encompasses 18 sub schools. Most important – Sarvastivada, Theravadin ,Sautantrika,Mahasamghika & Sthaviravada
• Hinayana Buddhism is followed in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos

Theravada:

• Theravada is a Hinayana sect.
• Theravada is the oldest existing school of Buddhism.
• Theravada Buddhism is also known as Doctrine of Elders
• It remains closest to the original teachings of the Buddha.
• Scriptures of Theravada Buddhism were written in Pali language
• In Theravada Buddhism, an Arhat is the ideal for practitioners. They strive to become Arhats and gain freedom from the cycle of samsara by following the Buddha’s teachings and eradicating the causes of suffering
• Theravada Buddhism developed in Sri Lanka and subsequently spread to the rest of Southeast Asia. It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Vajrayana:

• Vajrayana is a Mahayana Sect it flourished in Dhanyakataka(Amaravati) of Guntur,Andhrapradesh
• Vajrayana means “The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt”, also known as Tantric Buddhism. Mantrayana (‘mantra vehicle’), Guhyamantrayana (‘secret mantra vehicle’), Tantrayana (‘tantra vehicle’), Tantric Buddhism, and Esoteric Buddhism
• Vajrayana has two sub schools. one is Kalachakrayana (Achieve enlightenment by Tantric practices) and second one is Sahajayana (that emphasizes a natural realization of truth, often involving the body and human experience)
• It is grounded on esoteric elements and very complex set of rituals compared with the rest of the Buddhist schools.
• Vajrayana Buddhism was developed during the medieval period (7th centure to 12th century) 
• Believed in acquiring magical power for liberation.
• Vajrayana Buddhism is Developed in Tibet .In Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, Tara is considered to be a Buddha, and the TaraTantra describes her as “a mother who gives birth to the buddhas of the three times” who is also beyond saṃsara and nirvaṇa. She is one of the most important female deities in Vajrayana.
• Vajrayana also spread to other regions like China, Mongolia, and Japan and It became popular in Eastern India, particularly Bengal and Bihar.

Zen:

• Zen is a Mahayana School of Buddhism. Zen comes from the sanskrit word Dhyana
• Zen school originated in China during the Tang dynasty as the Chan school of Chinese Buddhism in and later developed into various schools.
• Zen Buddhism is direct experience and meditation to achieve nirvana/enlightenment. Meditation or Dhyana is main feature of Zen Buddhism.
• It spread to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. 

Important Places:

Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh) : Sravasti is famous ancient city capital of Kosala. Buddha spent 24 years and gave several teachings.

Sankassa/Sankasya (Uttar Pradesh) : It is renowned as the place where the Gautama Buddha descended from the Tavatimsa heaven after preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother (“The Great Descent). Ashoka builds a pillar topped with an elephant standing on a lotus in Sankassa.

Rajgir (Bihar) : Rajgir is famous ancient city capital of Magada (City of Kings) where Buddha spent several years and gave many teachings.Budhha delivered his famous Atanatiya Sutta.

Vaishali (Bihar): Vaishali is famous ancient city capital of Vajji Kingdom where Buddha gave several teachings and delivered the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. Gautama Buddha delivered his last sermon. Vaishali hosted 2nd Buddhist Council.

Lumbini (Nepal) :Birth place of Gautama Buddha

Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under peepal tree

Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh):  Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlighentment.

Kushinagar ( Uttarapradesh): Gautama Buddha achieved Mahaparinirvana (Died)

Nalanda: Ancient Buddhist monastic university. It is considered as centre for learning. Many students coming from foreign countries.The university offers many curses like philosophy, Yoga, Maths, theology, metaphysics, logic, grammar, astronomy, medicine and many other subjects. Historians consider it to be the world’s first residential university, as well as one of the greatest centres of study in antiquity.

Amaravati (Guntur-Andhrapradesh):

Amaravati, in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, is also known as Dhanyakataka or Dharanikota, and was the location of a large Buddhist stupa erected by Satavahana rulers in pre-Mauryan times.The Mahachaitya is the most prominent historic landmark in Amaravathi village.

Nagarjunakonda (Andhrapradesh):

• It was named after Nagarjuna, a well-known Buddhist scholar, and philosopher who had relocated here from Amravati to disseminate and teach the Buddha’s worldwide message of peace and fraternity.
• The site has  30 Buddhist Viharas of a large Buddhist monastic university complex, attracting students from as far as China, Gandhara, Bengal and Sri Lanka. From the 2nd  century BC to the 3rd century AD, Nagarjunkonda was one of the greatest  Buddhist centers in South India.

Ajanta Caves:

• Ajanta Caves are a group of 29 (25 Viharas and 4 Chaityas) rock-cut Buddhist cave structures in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, that date from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE.
•  Sculpture of Buddha: In Ajanta caves, the sculpture of Buddha in the garba-griha is in the classical model
• Cave no.26: It is the biggest and is carved with a variety of Buddha images, the biggest one being the Mahaparinibbana image.
• The Ajanta Caves are a collection of ancient Buddhist monasteries and prayer rooms carved into a 75-metre (246-foot) rock wall.
• Life of Buddha and Jataka stories painted on the walls of caves. Paintings illustrating the Buddha’s previous incarnations and rebirths, pictorial tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala, and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities may also be found in the caverns.
• The Ajanta caves were inscribed by the Buddhist monks under the patronage of the Vakataka Kings; Harisena being a prominent one.

Ellora Caves:

• Ellora Caves are a group of 34 (17 Hindu (Cave No.13-29), 12 Buddhist (Cave No.1-13) ,5 Jains(Cave No.30-34)) caves. It is the one of largest rock-cut cave structures in the world situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, that date from 600 -1000 CE period.
• These caves mainly served as Vihara’s and Chaitya’s.
• Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave) is particularly prominent, featuring a large fifteen foot tall sculpture, the figure of the Buddha seated Buddha in a preaching pose with his attendants.
• Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India, located in the Aurangabad district.
• As per Inscriptions in ancient times Ellora was called Elapura

Odantapuri (Bihar):

• Odantapuri was a well-known ancient Buddhist Mahavihara.
• Buddhist monastic university was established by Gopala-I in 8th Century AD
• It is regarded as India’s second oldest Mahavihara after Nalanda.
• As per Inscriptional evidence  Local Buddhist princes, like the Pithipatis of Bodh Gaya backed The Buddhist Mahavihara.
• The vihara fell in decline in the 11th century, and was looted and destroyed by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji, a Turkic Muslim

Important Buddhist Scholars:

Mogaliputta Tissa (3rd Century BC) – Moggaliputtatissa, was a Buddhist monk and scholar who was born in Pataliputra, Magadha. He is associated with the Third Buddhist council. Mogaliputta Tissa is the author of The Kathavatthu (Text within the Abhidhamma Pitaka). He launched Ashoka’s dhamma campaign

Ashvagosha (1st and 2nd Century AD) : He wrote Buddhacharitra and Sanskrit drama Sariputra Prakaran (sariputra the disciple of Buddha)

Acharya Nagarjuna (1st Century AD)– Founded Madhyamik school of mahayanbuddism, gave theory of Sunyavada’ . He wrote 24 books in sanskrit. Important work include

• Mulamadhyamakakarika
• Madhyamika Karika
• Sunya Saptati
• Prajaparamita
• Sruhulleka
• Rasaratnakara
• Ayurveda Manjari   

Bhavavivekudu (500-600 AD): He is Mahayana Scholar and followed madyamikavada. Tibetans to refer  him as the founder of the Svātantrika-Madhyamaka. He wrote

• Tarkajwala
• Pragnapradeepa
• Karatalaratna.

Buddhapalitudu(500-600 AD):He is Mahayana Scholar and followed madyamikavada. He proposed Prasangika Madyamikavada. He wrote Madyamikavrutti in sanskrit.

Maitreyanadhudu: He is Mahayana Scholar and proposed Yogakara/Vignanavada. He wrote Lankavatarasutra in sanskrit.

Dignagudu (500 AD): He is Mahayana Scholar born in Kanchi. He followed Yogakaravada. Dignagudu is one of the Buddhist founders of Indian logic. Dignaga revolutionized logic and epistemology in India. He wrote  many books in sanskrit. Some of the books are

• Pramanasamuchaya
• Nyayapravesa
• Alambana Pareeksha  
• Hetuchakradamaru.
• Abhidharmakosa-marma-Pradip
• A summary of the Mahayana Astasahasrika-prajnaparamita sutra

Buddhagosha (5th Century) :Most important commentator of Theravada. He worked in the great monastery at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. His important works are

• Visuddimagga (On Tripitakas)
• Dhathukatha Prakarana
• Kathavattu Prakarana
• Samantha Pasadika .

Dharmakiriti (7th Century)–: He was Teacher at Nalanda, called as ‘kant of india’. He was one of the key scholars of epistemology in Buddhist philosophy, and is associated with the Yogacara and Sautrantika schools. His works include Sambandhaparikshavrtti, Pramanaviniscaya, Pramavarttika-karaka.

Chandrakirti (600 CE-650 CE):Chandrakirti was a Buddhist scholar of Madhyamaka school.His works include Mulamadhyamaka-vrtti-prasannapada, Madhyamakavatara, Yuktisasthika-vrtti.

Buddhist Monks-Countries:

Many Buddhist monks are promoted buddhism in various countries.

• China: Kasyapamatanga, Kumarajeeva, Acharya Nagarjuna promoted Mahayana Buddhism
• Srilanka: Mahendra,Sangamitra (Ashoka children) promoted  Staviravada Buddhism (Hinayana)
• Nepal:Vasubandu promoted Mahayana Buddhism.
• Tibet: Atisha dipankar, Padmasambava (Introduced Tantrika Buddhism), Shantarakshita (author of the Tattvasamgraha) promoted Vajrayana Buddhism.

Eight Great Boddhisatvas:

• Manjushri
  • Manjushri embodies wisdom.
  • Depiction – In his right hand, Manjushri holds a flaming sword which symbolises the wisdom that cuts through ignorance. In his left hand, he holds the Prajnaparamita sutra, a scripture that signifies his mastery of prajna. Often, he appears sitting on a lion or lion skin which symbolises the wild mind, which can be tamed through wisdom.
• Avalokiteshvara/Padmapani/Lokeshvara
  • The Bodhisattva that represents infinite compassion. He is regarded as the manifestation of Amitabha – The Buddha of infinite light.
  • Usually depicted as holding a lotus and is white in colour.
• Vajrapani 
  • The Bodhisattva of power and great energy.
  • He is usually depicted as standing in a warrior pose and surrounded by fire, which represents the power of transformation. Vajrapani is wreathed in flame with a fierce pose and fiercer face. Vajrapani is blue in colour and can be seen holding a lightning bolt (Vajra).
• Kshitigarbha
  • Kshtigarbha is known for saving the souls of all beings, between Buddha’s death and the age of Maitreya (future Buddha), including the souls of children who died young and those in hell.
  • Kshitigarbha wears simple monk’s clothes and holds a staff in one hand to open the gates of hell, and in another, he holds a jewel (cintamani) that has the strength to light up darkness and fulfill wishes.
• Akashagarbha 
  • Akashagarbha is known for wisdom and the ability to purify transgressions. He is the twin brother of Kshitigarbha.
  • He appears in a serene meditation pose sitting cross-legged on a flower of lotus or standing peacefully on a fish in the middle of the ocean carrying a sword to cut through negative emotions.
• Samantabhadra 
  • He is famous for his ten vows. He is a part of the Shakyamuni Trinity with Shakyamuni Buddha (Gautama Buddha) and Bodhisattva Manjushri.
  • He is seen riding an elephant with six tusks which represent the Paramitas (six perfections) – patience, diligence, morality, charity, contemplation and wisdom.
• Sarvanivarana – Vishkambhin
  • The Bodhisattva purifies both internal and external wrongdoings and obstructions, that are faced by the people on their path to enlightenment.
  • Usually depicted as seated on a lotus and holding a wheel of jewels with deep blue skin that represents royalty. The Bodhisattva may also appear yellow when he has to provide sufficient provisions, or white when his role is to relieve calamities.
• Maitreya 
  • Also known as a future Buddha who has not lived yet but is predicted to arrive as a saviour in the future to bring true Buddhist teachings back into the world after its decline.
  • He is usually depicted as sitting and waiting painted orange or light yellow wearing a traditional scarf made of silk (khata) and holding an orange bush, symbolising his strength to clear all the distractions and destructive emotions

The five Buddhas of the present kalpa are:

Tathagata:

Tathagata is a Pali and Sanskrit word used in ancient India for a person who has attained the highest religious goal. In Vajrayana Buddhism 5 Tataghata’s are there.

• Vairocana: (Buddha Family, Lion Throne): Represents the Buddha of all-encompassing wisdom and universal illumination.
• Akshobhya: (Vajra family, Elephant Throne): Represents the Buddha of mirror-like wisdom and immovable strength.
• Ratnasambhava: (Ratna family, Horse Throne): Represents the Buddha of equanimity and enriching qualities.
• Amitabha : (Padma family, Peacock Throne): Represents the Buddha of discernment and infinite light.
• Amoghasiddhi: (Karma family, Garuda Throne) : Represents the Buddha of all-accomplishing wisdom and fearless action

Causes for Declining of Buddhism:

• Decline of Buddhist Sanghas due to violation of Buddhist principles & discipline.
• Buddhist moved from  Pali language to Sanskrit. Most of the pali language speakers are buddhist. Due to the movement of pali to sanskrit buddhism disappear. Sanskrit was the language of a few intellectuals, hardly understood by masses and therefore became one of the many reasons for the fall of Buddhism.
• The attack of Huns in the 5th & 6th centuries and Turkish invaders in the 12th century destroyed the monasteries. The Muslim invasion of India almost wiped out Buddhism. Their invasions of India became regular, and repeated such invasions forced the Buddhist monks to seek asylum and shelter in Nepal and Tibet. In the end, Buddhism died in India.
• Buddhism was mainly an urban religion with rural India always Hindu. When Islam came to India, it impacted the urban regions & thus Buddhism.
• Buddhism divided into Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tantrayana and Sahajayana led Buddhism to lose its originality. The simplicity of Buddhism was lost and it was becoming complex.
• Revival of Brahmanism and Division among Buddhists
• Many rulers does not follow the policy of Ahimsa.
• Loss of Royal Patronage.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites India (Buddhism):

• Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, MP
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
• Ajanta Caves Aurangabad, Maharashtra
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Buddhist Stupas India:
• Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
• Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh)
• Kesaria Stupa, Bihar (Considered the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in India)
• Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh))
• Ramabhar Stupa, Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh)
• Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath 
• Shanti Stupa, Leh (Ladakh)
• Amaravati Stupa oldest stupas in India
• Chandavaram Buddhist Site
• Bavikonda
• Sujata Stupa Located near the Mahabodhi Temple
• Do Drul Chorten Sikkim
• Salugara Monastery Located in West Bengal, it is known for its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere

Important points of Buddhism:

• Buddhism Stressed on ethical living rather than rituals, animal sacrifices, etc.
• Does not recognize the existance of god/soul.
• Propagated Liberal & democratic values.
• Women were given equal status as men. It allows women to join buddhist monastic life and fulfill their spiritual goals.
• Opposed caste and Varna system, any form of hierarchy and discrimination.
• The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya the chaityas and viharas.
• Promoted education through universities like those at Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
• The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
• Promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia
• Vipassana and Anapanasati ( Mindfulness of breathing) are two prominent meditation practices associated with the Buddha. Vipassana, meaning “insight,” focuses on developing wisdom through observing the changing nature of reality. Anapanasati, a core practice in several Buddhist traditions, involves cultivating mindfulness of the breath
• Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and asceticism. He asked to follow Middle Path or  Madhyam Marg to avoid extremes of indulgence and self-mortification. According to him everyone was responsible for their own happiness in life, stressing upon the individualistic component of Buddhism.
• The process of Birth, Death and Re birth continues till one attains Nirvana.
• Chinese Monk Fa-hien(Faxin) visited india in 5th century for collecting Buddhist texts

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