Origins and Diffusion of Buddhism

World History to 1400
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Buddhism's origins and subsequent diffusion are anchored on India's ancient societal values in response to the Late Vedic society's sprouting socioreligious practices. At the time, Buddhism had evolved from the orthodox traditions centered on spiritual and philosophical dimensions that later resonated with significant populations. This paper offers insights concerning the origins and spreading of Buddhism, incorporating the late Vedic society and religious practices, historical Buddha's life, teachings, and discipleship, as well as the establishment of Mahayana and Theravada schools.
The Late Vedic Society and Religion
In the Late Vedic period between 1000 and 500 BCE, India experienced a significant transformation in its ancient religious and social fabric. The Late Vedic society's social structure was founded on Varna's doctrines. Varna constituted a framework that categorized people into different levels, including the Vaishyas (agriculturists and merchants), Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), Shudras (service providers and enslaved people), and Brahmins (academicians and priests). The Varna system's primary role entailed maintaining social order (Leo & Panigrahi, 2021). Regarding religious development, the late Vedic religion recorded a paradigm shift from the initially established Early Vedic society's ritualist activities towards a more complex exploration and analysis of philosophical concepts.
Historical Buddha's Life
Amid this antique backdrop, the historical Buddha (also called Siddhartha Gautama) was born in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, in the sixth century. His birth incorporated unexpected occasions, including the prophecy that predicted his power and greatness. King Suddhodana, the historical Buddha's father, wished that Siddhartha would become a mighty king instead of a spiritualist. In this context, Siddhartha's early life phases incorporated substantial privileges and luxuries, as portrayed by the palace walls' separation and opulence. His spiritual revelations would show him the harsh realities of life, such as sicknesses, aging, and death. These perceived encounters motivated him to seek a substantial comprehension of human conditions (Lee & Tang, 2023). Subsequently, Siddhartha was inspired by inquiry for truth and compassionate feelings, offering the impetus to relinquish his royal class settings to focus on his spiritual journey....