Buddhism: Core Ideas

UPSC Notes

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, founded Buddhism in the 6th century BCE.

He was born at Lumbini and attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath and attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagara.

Four Noble Truths

Dukkha – life involves suffering/dissatisfaction.
Samudaya – craving is the cause of suffering.
Nirodha – cessation of craving can end suffering.
Magga – the path leading to cessation of suffering.

Noble Eightfold Path

Right View
Right Intention
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

Middle Path

Buddha rejected:

Excessive sensual pleasure
Extreme asceticism

He advocated the Middle Path.

Other Concepts

Karma: Actions influence future existence.

Nirvana: Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Anitya/Anicca: Impermanence.

Anatman/Anatta: Absence of a permanent, unchanging self.

Pratityasamutpada: Dependent origination.

Key Pointers

Birth → Lumbini
Enlightenment → Bodh Gaya
First Sermon → Sarnath
Mahaparinirvana → Kushinagara
Four Noble Truths → foundation of Buddhist teaching
Eightfold Path → practical path to liberation
Middle Path → avoidance of extremes
Nirvana → liberation from suffering

MCQs

Q5. Where did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon?

(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushinagara
(d) Lumbini

Answer: (b) Sarnath

Explanation: Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, traditionally known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana.

Category: Ancient History – Buddhism

Q6. Which Buddhist concept refers to the absence of a permanent self?

(a) Karma
(b) Anatman
(c) Nirvana
(d) Dharma

Answer: (b) Anatman

Explanation: Anatman or Anatta teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging self.

Category: Ancient History – Buddhism