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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct

2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BUDDHISM


FROM ITS COUNTRY OF ORIGIN1
Phra S. M. Sujano

1. Introduction
Buddhism introduced by the Prince Siddhartha or
Gotama Buddha who lived in ancient India 6 BCE. He was a
prince of Kapilavatthu in modern Nepal. He renounced the world
at the age of the 29. He, then having practiced 6 years of several
difference ascetic ways, became enlightenment under the Bodhi
tree at Buddhagaya in modern India. He preached for 45 years
since his enlightenment, the real way out from the Dukkha; social
and spiritual, to the society. Later, his teachings known as the
Buddhism, and was spread widely and quickly accepted by the
society. Buddhism got popular in India for many centuries.
However, later on Buddhism was on decline and disappeared at
1

This paper was presented as a required paper for the subject Buddhist Philosophy
of M.A. in Buddhist Studies at Mahachulalongkorn University, BKK, Thailand 2004.

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
the end from its country of origin, which is going to brief and
main important points as the cause of the disappearances.
It is known from the records of some prominent scholars
that Buddhism began to decline in India from the seventh century
C.E., Which was basis on the testimony of the Chinese travelers
such as Fa-hien (C.E. 399-414), Song-yun (C.E. 518), Hiuentsang (C.E. 629-45) and I-tsing (C.E. 671-95). There is no doubt
that these records are important for a study of Buddhism in
different parts of India2. The all the Chinese travelers had noted
down many things about the situations of Buddhism in ancient
India. Especially, the records of Ven. Hiuen-tsang give a one of
the important information about the existences of monks and their
activities. He also emphasized about the influence of Hinduism to
Buddhism, which might the result of development of Mahayana
and Vajrayana Buddhism. Further, Ven. I-tsing who came to India

Kanai Lal Hazra, The Rise and Decline of Buddhism in India. (Munshiram
Manoharla Publishers, 1998). pp. 371 - 376

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
about 7 century C.E. it gives important facts about the
disappeared of Buddhism in India. He records that he found
Buddhism in a many states decline excepting Bihar, Bengal and
Orissa. There was a clergy numbered several thousands and its
learning held in esteem till 12 century3.
The last cause led to its disappearance and was the
wholesale destruction of the monasteries and the Buddhist monks
brought by the Muslim conquerors about 1193 CE. Charles Elliot 4
point out on his work that
Whereas Hinduism was spread over the country,
Buddhism was concentrated in the great monasteries, and
when these were destroyed, there remained nothing
outside them, capable of withstanding either the violence
of the Muslims or the assimilating influence of the
Brahmans. Hence Buddhism suffered far more from
3

Charles Elliot, Hinduism and Buddhism. Vol. 2, P.112


Bahadur Mal, The Religion of the Buddha and its Relation to Upanisadic
Thought. (Vishveshvaranand Institute publications, 1958). P. 283
4

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
these invasions than Hinduism
2. Two main Causes of Decline
There are several factors that were responsible for the
decay of Buddhism in ancient India. Some Buddhist scholars used
to say that there were over 100 causes which led to disappear of
Buddhism from India. However, there were a few main causes of
decay. Each of them were e.g. laxity in Monastic discipline and
improper conduct of Monks and Nuns, Development of Schism in
Buddhism after 2nd council, Buddhism developed as the Tantrism
and Hinduistic tendencies in rituals and worship, Brahmanical
hostility, Royal persecution, The Muslim persecution, Decline in
the patronage of the Ruling powers and nobility etc.. These all
causes can divide into two parts for better understanding the real
fact that are:
a. From Inside/ Buddhist itself

b.

From

Outside/

Non-

Buddhists
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
A. From Inside / Buddhist itself
After the 2nd Buddhist council, one hundred years after
the Buddhas passing away (Parinibbana) Buddhism was divided
into several groups. They were not respecting each other either,
which was one of the main causes of decline of Buddhism.
Buddhist monks are one important part of Buddhism in
order to propagate and spread of Buddhas teachings. Monks were
separated from each other and claiming themselves as following
correct and pure version of Buddhas teachings, which made
different sects up in Buddhism. Moreover, they forgot their real
duty and far away from any checking of their practices. They
became self- centered, practiced morality (Sila) was very low and
having no any qualified leadership for the Sangha Community.
Further, they went far away and having less relationship with the
society. One of the Chinese travelers recorded about the morality
of Buddhist monks and nuns were very negative and far from

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Vinaya rules as the Buddha lay down during his life time. The
account refers to Bhartrhari that: Though a devout Buddhist and
no mean scholar, Bhartrhari became seven times a monk and
returned a many times to the life of a householder5. Furthermore
says that there were many monks in his time they were morally
backward than Bhartrhari. In the same case, some monasteries
had divided into two parts; one for the monks who married and
another was for the non- married monks6.
Nevertheless, the monks were far from the society and
social activities. Buddhism became monastic religion and
monasteries became a Buddhist centers. It was totally only for the
celebrities instead of both to ordained ones and lay devotees. Lay
devotes had also less interests in dhamma. They turned their
interests into supernatural powers, blind faith and superstitions.
Hiuen Tsang recorded that when, Brahmanism got develop by the

5
6

Kanai Lal Hazra, 1998, op.cit. p. 378


L.M. Joshi, Studies in the Buddhistic Culture of India.Delhi, 1967, p. 305

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
leadership of Sankaracharya i.e. in the 7th and 8th centuries, these
centers couldnt turn out the Buddhist scholars. Hindu rituals and
goddess worship became famous. Further, caste (discuss in detail
later) system was strictly introduced and practiced7. So,
Buddhists were defeated by Hindu ideal and missionaries, which
is not only because of monks are far from the social activities but
lay devotes also had been far from supporting Buddhist activities,
monasteries and faith in supernatural powers. Bahadur Mal puts it
that in those days, defeats in controversies were serious events in
the life of the Indians, bringing about the rise and fall of a religion
or a sect or a teacher.8 It would be say that the Sankaracharya,
the leader of Hindu mission and his followers were solely
responsible for banishing Buddhism from its origin because of the
monastic situation and Buddhist monks far away from the social
services.

P.B. Bapat, Baoudha dharma ke 2500 Varsh (2500 years of Buddhism), New
Delhi, 1997, p. 172
8
Bahadur Mal, 1958, op.cit. p. 285

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Due devotes were wanting and had faith in supernatural
powers, Buddhist absorbed the Hindu rites and rituals, Such as
introduction of Tantric modes of worship, transformed into a
system of Magical spells, exorcisms spirit beliefs and worship of
endless demons and divinities, which was very close to Hinduism.
Many Hindu gods and goddess were given a place in the Buddhist
pantheon. Monks and lay people are creating Buddhist amulets,
using magic powers and strongly accept them into daily life.
There were very less and less dividing marked so later on,
Buddhist monks couldnt against the attacks of Brahmanist priest.
Therefore, decline of Buddhism from ancient India was depend
on monks were less interest in social activities and vinaya rules.
Further, lay devotes had turn to have faith in supernatural powers
are one of the main cause of disappearance of Buddhism from
India. Present day also Buddhism on decline in different
countries, such as in Thailand, where they put an effort and
emphasis too much on amulets and supernatural powers. These
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
are one of the main causes of declining of Buddhism in present
Thailand.
B. From Outside / non Buddhist
This point was another main and important cause of
disappeared of Buddhism in ancient India. The causes from Non
Buddhist were also from the different ways but mainly known as
two facts that are Hinduism or Brahmanical Hostility and Islamic
invasion other remain hundreds of causes were assimilate in these
two.
B.1. Hinduism Hostility towards the Buddhism
Brahmanism, presently known as Hinduism is the major
religion, which is based on casteism. It was popular before the
time of the Buddha in India but they lost the popularity during
Buddhas time till early Mahayana Buddhism and looking for the
chance to return back. The Buddhas over casteism, freedom of
choice and analytical teachings strongly effect to Hinduism.
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Hinduism was defeated by the Buddhas by theory and practical.
Since, during the Buddhas time till great King Ashoka, most of
the kings were the disciples of Buddhism and supported to the
sangha and patronize. So, people of India had have faith in
Buddhism and practiced Buddhist teachings. Brahmanism
couldnt have chance to gain a place in Indian society. By the
time of King Ashoka, who was patronized Buddhism and
supported every faith and religion in 2 BCE, Brahmanism or
Hinduism had been in the process of developing from a religion
of sacrificial rituals into cults and worshipful devotion (Bhakti) to
gods of various names, such as Hari, Narayana, Vishnu and Siva.
Brahmanism developed 3 Yogas that were Bhakti Yoga, Raja
Yoga and Karma Yoga for hostile towards Buddhism. Moreover,
Brahmins emphasis Buddha as one of the incarnation of Lord
Visnu (Avataras) but never showed their friendly attitude towards
the followers of the religion of the Buddha. Further, present
Hindu Mahasabha and Hindu conferences tried to dust Buddhist
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
existence by Hindu propaganda claming Buddhism as is a part of
Hinduism. They showed their bitter hostility towards Buddhism
and its disciples all the time. The great scholars of Brahmanism
such as Samkaracarya, as maintain above, of the south who
against Buddhism and his owing to anti Buddhist activities
Buddhism fell on its evil days. Buddhism was attacked by nonBuddhist, especially from the Hindu priests in several times
because of these facts during the period (500 to 528 CE) of Gupta
dynasty Buddhism was gradually weaken and finally broke up.
Buddhist devotes were didnt support and help to Buddhist monks
and day by day sangha community became weaker. Gradually,
Buddhist monks were lost co-operation from devotes and Hindus
were succeeded to persecute, punish and also killed Buddhist
monks. Mihirakula, the Huna King, was belief in Saivite who
destroyed almost all Buddhist monasteries and persecuted the
Buddhist mercilessly. It was not only centuries ago but after the
revival of Buddhism in modern India. Hindus are against
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Buddhism and Buddhist followers.
B.2. Muslim Invasion
In India, The Pala line was brought to an end by the anti
Buddhist from south. In eleventh century, when the Muslim Turks
and Afghans conquered India, they destroyed not only political
and military enemies but also all people and institutions of other
faiths of contemporary. Some historian and Religious scholars
say that wherever they went, they killed followers of other
religions and destroyed their establishments. Buddhist monks
were mistaken as idolaters and cruelly murdered. All the shrines,
monasteries, universities and schools were burnt and destroyed.9
The Muslims destroyed the Buddhist monasteries and institutions
were because the religious faith. Muslims belief in God and He is
the greatest one in the world. No one and things are similar with
Him but Buddhism denies about the belief in supreme God or

Phra Rajavaramuni, Thai Buddhism in the Buddhist world. (BKK:


Mahachulalonkornrajavidayalaya University, 1990). p. 44 - 47

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
permanency of somethings. Buddhism was the non-religion
according to religious perspective for Muslims and out of the
Order of the AlLaha or the Great God. Therefore, Muslim
conquered in India was not conquer but as they belief that
conquer with the non-Muslim is the real conquer especially, those
who not worship and accept the God and the Great One. Hindu
hostility, persecution and suppression from the ages were the
major cause for the decline and lack of support to Buddhist
activities in India. When Muslim Turk invaded to India brought
the end of Buddhism from India its country of Origin.
3. The Revival of Buddhism in India
Beginning of 19th century Anagarika Dharmapala, a Sri
Lankan gentle man had formed Maha Bodhi Society for the
Buddha gaya free and renovation of Buddhist places on India. His
campaign is known as the Buddhist modernism among the
scholars. Even though he was not able to see the resolution of free

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Buddha gaya but he was succeeded to brought Buddhist ideas to
modern India and published Mahabodhi Magazine. It was the bud
of Buddhist revival activities in India.
In 1926 under the objectives of Mahabodhi Society,
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya, a Nepalese student to India had
organized All India Buddhist Conference in Calcutta. It was the
first Buddhist conference in all India. This conference was held in
Dharmarajika Temple for 3 days from 27 to 29 Dec. with 24
different Buddhist organizations from Sri Lanka, Nepal and India
participated. It focused on the preservation of Buddhist places in
India; Akhil Bharata Baudha Congress was formed.10 In the
conference, one active committee was established for further
work as discussed in the Conference. Interventions of those things
some monks from Myanmar visited to India and have been living
one another continually.

10

Lacoul, Nepalaya Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha, (Kath: Hisi Press,


Nepal, B.S.2042/ 1985) p. 58-9

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Even though they were living and promoting Buddhas
teachings in India but they were still not able to reach the Indian
community. Buddhist activities mainly were in the country based
instead of social and communal of India. Buddhism is
significantly begun back to Indian community after in 1956 when
Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar converted into Buddhism with
millions of his followers at Nagapur, India. It was the remarkable
incident in the Buddhist history of India. If Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
did not born to India society, Buddhism hardly get the ground in
India and Indian low caste communities will not get chance to
develop themselves. The conversion into Buddhism of Baba
Sahibs with his followers was not only for revival of Buddhism
in country of its origin but also great revolution to the society of
India. Today, Buddhism is gradually growing in its country of
origin, India. It will be the Buddhist country as the Dr. B. R.
Ambedker desired. However, to reach the goal as he desired his
followers have to carry his cart of campaign very carefully. He
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
told once with his tears that his followers should not carry the cart
in wrong way. If they are not ready to carry his cart leave it where
he left. This massage should be consider and keep in practiced by
his followers for the fulfillment of his desired. If Ambedkar and
his conversion were not in the history of modern India, Indian
history will not be as we see today. It has great impact to the
Indian community and government of India. Amongst the
different causes Hindu hostility and domination was one of the
main cause. Today, the conversion of Ambedkar and his followers
have challenged to the Hindu community, who are trying to
impose casteism in the society. The Revival of Buddhism in India
under the leadership of Ambedkar, today Buddhism is flourishing
its country of origin. As far as the reports indicate that hundreds
of Buddhist temples been established, Buddhist monks and lay
people working hard for the upliftment of the society by
converting into Buddhism. Further, they are strictly following the
Buddhist ideas, which could be seen from the 22 vows that
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
Ambedkar gave to his followers on the day when he converted to
Buddhism. Even though, these days Buddhist India might not
understand the meanings of all the 22 vows completely but they
are trying their hard to imply and practice Buddhist ideas in their
daily life. Nevertheless, this 22 vows become the key teachings of
Ambedkarites around the world. Only observing this vow one
could become a Buddhist, which seems different from other
Buddhist countries, where they jointly practicing Hindu gods and
goddess.
Conclusion
Therefore, disappearance of Buddhism from its country
of origin has many different causes but briefly we can categorized
that the Buddhist were far away from practiced real Buddha
teachings and the persecution from Hinduism and Muslims. The
invasion from Islam was the end of Buddhism from its country of
origin. Further, Buddhist monks and lay Buddhist went far from

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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
the real Buddhist teachings, which made Buddhism weak and
unable to prevent from disaster. There are many countries, even,
that they are turning their faith into Hinduism. Among them Sri
Lanka and Thailand, especially Thai Buddhists are strongly
worshiping Hindu gods and rituals. However, beginning of 19th
Century Baba Sahib Ambedkar who born in untouchable
community and became one of the great scholars of India had
taken initiative campaign for the revival of Buddhism in India
after many hundred centuries. His desire and his followers
activities denote that Buddhism has reintroduced to modern India
and will be a Buddhist country once again as used to.
May they be success for the benefit of all

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2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37

Reference Books,
Bahadur Mal, The Religion of the Buddha and its Relation to
Upanisadic

Thought.

Vishveshvaranand

Institute

publications, 1958.
Bancha Samretkit, Bothbat Dr. Ambedkar Naikar Yok Thana
Chandal, A M.A. Thesis of Thammasart University,
BKK, 2534.
Bhadanta Ananda Kausalyayana, Hindu Samaja Kidhar ?, Pub.
By Bhikshu-Nivas Prakashan, Dikshabhumi, Nagpur,
Maharastra, India. 1979.
Gombrich, Richard F. Theravada Buddhism: A Social History
from

Ancient

Benares

to

Modern

Colombo,

Routledge and Kegan Paul, London and New York,


1998.
Hazra, Kanai Lal. The Rise and Decline of Buddhism in India.
Munshiram Manoharla Publishers, 1998.
Joshi, L.M. Studies in the Buddhistic Culture of India. Delhi,
1967
Lacoul, Nepalaya Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha, (Kath:
Hisi Press, Nepal, B.S.2042/ 1985)
P.B. Bapat, Baoudha Dharma ke 2500 Varsh (2500 years of
Buddhism), (New Delhi: Ministry of Communication,
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Published in Punjab Buddhist Society UK Souvenir 8th Oct


2006, Punjab, India. pp 34-37
India, 1997)
Rajavaramuni, Phra. Thai Buddhism in the Buddhist World.
Mahachulalonkornrajavidayalaya University, 1990.
Richard H. Robinson and Willard L. Johnson, The Buddhist
Religion: A Historical Introduction, Wadsworth
publishing company, 1997.
Thepvisuddhikavi, Phra. Why Buddhism was Disappeared
from India, (Thai version) Mahamakut University,
BKK, 2542.

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