Notes and Study material for Exams
The literal meaning of Mahajanapadas is great kingdoms. They flourished in the north/north western parts of India before the rise of Megasthenes. Whereas Avantipura who was the king of Surasena was one of the first desciples of Buddha, and it gained prominence evr since then in Mathura. The geographical locattion of this kingdom among the sixteen … Read more
Philosophy of Samkhya Samkhya, also spelled Sankhya, one of the six systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy. Samkhya adopts a consistent dualism of matter (prakriti) and the eternal spirit (purusha). The two are originally separate, but in the course of evolution purusha mistakenly identifies itself with aspects of prakriti. Right knowledge consists of the ability of … Read more
Jainism Originated in India thousands of years ago and is thought to have heavily influenced the two other main belief systems of the region at that time: Buddhism. The religion centres on the progress of one’s soul towards a divine consciousness through self-reformation, wisdom and self-control and pacifism towards all living creatures. There are two … Read more
Concepts and Philosophy under Buddhism Introduction Buddhism is a religion that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by attachment and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold … Read more
Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two major schools of Buddhism, along with Theravada Buddhism. It is the dominant form of Buddhism in East Asia, and is also practiced in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America. Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by its emphasis on the bodhisattva ideal, the goal of … Read more