Reasons Behind the Decline of Buddhism in Indian History

How and why the decline of Buddhism caused the decline of Buddhism in Indian history. This is what you will know today.

Indian history is a rich and deep story that is a dialogue of various religious, social, and political changes over thousands of years. An important part of this story was that of Buddhism, which influenced Indian society from its earliest days. But over time, due to the decline of Buddhism, its influence decreased and its existence gradually ceased.

10 drishti ias due to the decline of Buddhism

1. Philosophical diversity: During the development of Buddhism, there was a conflict between different philosophical tendencies. There was a deliberate opposition between Vedantic philosophy and Buddhist philosophy, which hindered the spread of Buddhism.

Political change:

2. Political changes: In the early days of Buddhism it was a peaceful movement, but with time it faced political attacks. The Buddhist Sangha had to face conversational or non-communicative behavior towards many dynasties, which reduced its influence.

3. Revival of Hinduism: During the decline of Buddhism, there came a time of new rise in Hinduism. With the change in religious ideology, Hinduism revived its earlier form, due to which the influence of Buddhism declined.

  In the Brahmin religion, Shankaracharya, Kumaril Bhatt, etc. became such high-quality scholars and philosophers that they created a new life in Hinduism, and by refuting Buddhism, they caused great harm to it. Ramanuja etc. Bhakti Marga saints did a great service to the Hindu religion by showing the simple path of devotion and reducing the influence of Buddhism.

4. Social change: With changing times in society, individual and social needs changed. The traditional system of Buddhism could not keep up with these changes. And this further became the reason for the decline of Buddhism.

5. Weakness of the Buddhist Sangha: The weakness of the Buddhist Sangha due to internecine disputes and movements hastened its decline. During the destructive period of the Sangha, the spiritual and social importance of the Buddhist Sangha declined. Which became a major reason for the downfall of Buddhism. "Buddhism" The Buddhist Sangha could not emerge from this weakness.

alien invasion:

6. Foreign invasion: Foreign invasion is also considered an important reason for the decline of Buddhism and also change in trade relations. Although this is not very accurate, it is a speculation. Conflict with foreign rulers weakened Buddhism and hastened its decline.

(7) Lack of patronage of kings – There was great help from kings in the rise of Buddhism, but with time Buddhism was deprived of it and Brahmin religion got the patronage of kings. The kings of the Shunga dynasty were Brahmins, hence they gave shelter to the Brahmin religion and started trying for its upliftment.

The rulers of the Gupta period also adopted the Brahmin religion and gave it their shelter. Later, the Rajput rulers, who were very war-loving, despised the religion of non-violence and welcomed the Brahmin religion. Due to this, the Brahmin religion started progressing and Buddhism started declining.

(8) Idea of Tantra-Mantra- There was a branch among Buddhists which was called 'Vajrayana'. In fact, it was a developed branch of the Mahayana sect. These people broke the rules of modesty and made rules for indulging in immoral activities. As a result, texts were written on the subject of Mantra-Tantra and instead of being simple monks, Buddhist monks became experts in Tantra Vidya and fell in love with women and alcohol.

Now teachings of Tantra-Mantra and exorcism started being given in Buddhist centres. In this way, when Buddha's simple religion became a trap of Tantra-Mantra, it was natural for it to be destroyed.

(9) The invasion of Turks and Muslims had a very detrimental effect on Buddhism. Muslims looted and demolished Buddhist temples and monasteries. Which could not be rebuilt. In that period of conflict and violence, there was no place for non-violent Buddhism.

(10) Rise of Rajputs – Buddhism suffered a big blow due to the rise of Rajputs. The violence and warlike nature of Rajputs did not accept the religion of non-violence. As a result, Rajputs were more attracted to the Hindu religion instead of Buddhism and they embraced it.

Jainism was the reason for the decline of Buddhism

Jainism was the reason for the decline of Buddhism. Comparison of Buddhism and Jainism – Both these religions emerged at the same time and under similar circumstances. Both these religions were started against the Brahmin religion in the sixth century BC, hence the aim of both of them was to reform the Brahmin religion. Since the originators and propagators of Brahmin religion were Brahmins and Brahmins had the monopoly on that religion, there was a need for such a religion which could be called the religion of the common people.

Apart from this, the Brahmin religion was very difficult and impractical. Therefore, there was a need for a religion which was very simple and practical. To fulfill these needs, Jainism and Buddhism were propagated. Since the goal of both these religions was the same, that is, to remove the defects of the Brahmin religion, it was natural for them to have similarities.

ending:

Thus, Indian History The reason for the decline of Buddhism in Indian history was a mixture of various philosophical, political, social, and economic changes. Reasons for the decline of Buddhism This decline was the result of the cultural, religious, and ideological changes that took place in Indian society at that time. This was an important chapter of our religious and cultural heritage, which gives us an understanding of important activities in our history. youtube