Reasons for the Spread and Popularity of Buddhism:

• Appeal to the common man:
  • Liberal and democratic compared to Brahmanism.
  • Rejected the varna system, winning support from lower classes and non-Vedic people.
  • Open to all castes and women, who were admitted into the Sangha.
  • Conversion to Buddhism liberated people from caste-based inferiority.
  • The people of Magadha accepted Buddhism readily, as they were previously looked down upon by Brahmanas.
• Buddha’s personality:
  • His calm demeanor, wit, and rational doctrine attracted followers.
  • Buddha’s ability to win over opponents with reason and poise contributed to its popularity.
• Use of Pali language:
  • Unlike Brahmanism’s Sanskrit texts (accessible only to Brahmanas), Buddha’s teachings were in Pali, the language of the common man, aiding in the spread of Buddhism.
• Patronage by monarchs:
  • Supported by monarchies like Magadha, Kosala, Kaushambhi, and other Gana-Sanghas, which further popularized Buddhism among their people.
• Addressing materialism:
  • Buddhism responded to the social and economic disparities of the sixth century BCE.
  • Its teachings against wealth accumulation, cruelty, and violence were welcomed by people facing the challenges of materialism.

Reasons for the Decline of Buddhism:

Despite its origins in India, Buddhism began to disappear from the subcontinent by the early 12th century.

• Adoption of Rituals and Dogmas:
  • Buddhism, originally a reform movement, eventually adopted the same rituals and dogmas it once denounced.
  • The switch from Pali (language of the common people) to Sanskrit limited its accessibility to the intellectual elite.
• Idol Worship and Corruption:
  • From the 1st century CE, large-scale idol worship became prevalent, deviating from the original teachings.
  • Corruption spread as Buddhist monks accepted donations and led luxurious lives, forgetting the principles of asceticism prescribed by Buddha.
• Persecution by Brahmana Rulers:
  • Several rulers, like Pushyamitra Shunga, Huna King Mihirakula, and Shaivite Shashank of Gauda, persecuted Buddhists.
  • Monasteries lost financial support, and rich monasteries were targeted by Turkish and other invaders, leading to the decline.

Buddhism and Brahmanism:

• Buddhism’s view on Varna:
  • Varna (caste) was based on action in Buddhism, while Brahmanism considered it divine and based on birth.
  • In the Anguttara Nikaya, it is mentioned that when a person joins the Sangha, they become vevanniyanti (without varna).
  • The Sangha included members from all castes:
    • Brahmana monks: Mahakassapa, Sariputta, Mahamoggallana.
    • Kshatriya monks: Buddha, Ananda, Aniruddha.
    • Lower caste members: Upali (barber), Chunda (blacksmith).
• Reversing Varna Rank:
  • In the Pali canon, the order of rank is reversed, with the Kshatriya varna placed higher than the Brahmana.
• Inclusiveness of Buddhism:
  • While Buddhism was more inclusive than Brahmanism, it still supported a social order based on class.
  • Certain entry restrictions into the Sangha (such as for debtors, slaves, and soldiers) maintained the status quo and were biased against social dropouts.
• Similarities between Buddhism and Brahmanism:
  • Both supported the virtue of familial obligations, protection of private property, and respect for political authority.
  • Neither participated directly in production, both lived on alms provided by society.