हिंदी शिक्षण - set-1

New Ideas: Upanishads, Jainism & Buddhism

Class 6 Social Science - Understanding Ancient Indian Philosophy

This chapter explores the philosophical and religious developments in ancient India that challenged the complex rituals of Brahmanism. We'll learn about the Upanishads, Jainism, and Buddhism - three revolutionary systems of thought that emerged around the 6th century BCE.

The Upanishads: Ancient Philosophical Texts

What are the Upanishads?

The term 'Upanishad' means 'sitting near' a teacher to receive secret knowledge. These texts form the philosophical part of the Vedas.

Key Fact: There are 108 Upanishads written between 800-500 BCE by various saints and sages.

Main Teachings

• Brahma and Aatmaa: "The universe is Brahma but the Brahma is the Aatmaa" - God (Brahma) is everywhere and also within us as our soul (Aatmaa)
• Transmigration of Souls: The soul is reborn after death (reincarnation)
• Goal of Life: To achieve liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth
• Way of Living: Simple life and right actions

Global Importance

The Upanishads attracted European scholars and have been translated into Persian, English, French, and other languages, making them an important part of world literature.

Jainism: The Path of Non-Violence

Founder: Vardhaman Mahavira

540 BCE: Born at Kundagram near Vaishali

Age 30: Left his family to become an ascetic

12 Years: Wandered and performed hard penances

Age 42: Attained Kaivalya (supreme knowledge)

Age 72 (468 BCE): Died at Pavapuri

Core Teachings: The Three Jewels (Triratna)

Jewel	Meaning
Right Faith	Believe in Mahavira's teachings
Right Knowledge	Understand the true nature of the world
Right Conduct	Follow the Five Vows

The Five Vows (Mahavratas)

1. Ahimsa: Non-violence (not to injure any living being)
2. Satya: Truthfulness (not to tell lies)
3. Asteya: Non-stealing
4. Aparigraha: Non-possession (not to own property)
5. Brahmacharya: Celibacy

Main Sects of Jainism

Sect	Practice
Digambaras	"Sky-clad" - monks do not wear clothes
Shvetambaras	"White-clad" - monks wear white clothes

Buddhism: The Middle Path

Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

563 BCE: Born in Lumbini (modern Nepal)

Age 29: The Great Renunciation - left palace after seeing Four Sights

6 Years: Wandered in search of truth

Age 35: Attained enlightenment under Peepal tree at Bodh Gaya

Age 80 (483 BCE): Died at Kushinagar

The Four Noble Truths

1. The world is full of suffering (Dukkha)
2. The cause of suffering is desire (Trishna)
3. Suffering can be stopped by ending desires
4. The path to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path

Wisdom (Praja)
1. Right View
2. Right Intention

Ethical Conduct (Sheel)
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood

Mental Development (Samadhi)
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

Other Important Teachings

• Against rituals and sacrifices
• Rejected caste system
• Silent about existence of God
• Believed in Karma and rebirth
• Emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence)

Spread of Buddhism

Buddhism spread widely in India and abroad with support from kings like Ashoka, Kanishka, and Harsha. It reached countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and many parts of Asia.

Conclusion: Why These Were "Simple Religions"

Aspect	Hinduism (Brahmanism)	Jainism & Buddhism
Language	Complex Sanskrit	Simple Prakrit (common people's language)
Rituals	Costly sacrifices & ceremonies	Simple personal conduct & meditation
Access	Controlled by Brahmanas	Open to all, regardless of caste

Key Takeaway: Jainism and Buddhism emerged as simple alternatives to complex Brahmanism, emphasizing personal spiritual development over elaborate rituals.

Class 6 Social Science Notes | Chapter: New Ideas

Study Tip: Create flashcards for the Three Jewels of Jainism and the Eightfold Path of Buddhism!