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Course: AP®︎ World History > Unit 2
Lesson 11: Early BuddhismLesson summary: Early Buddhism
Key terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Siddhartha Gautama | known as the Buddha, “the Enlightened One," he lived around 500 BCE and was an ancient Indian ascetic whose teachings formed the basis of the Buddhist religion. |
| Buddhism | religion that originated in ancient India from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and is focused on attaining enlightenment |
| monasticism | religious way of life which involves leaving behind worldly pursuits and devoting oneself to spiritual activity; a strong Buddhist monastic tradition developed, which included roles for both men and women |
| Ashoka | Mauryan emperor who ruled most of India from c.268 BCE—232 BCE; Ashoka converted to Buddhism and promoted the spread of the religion through his pillars and edicts. |
| sutra | in the Buddhist tradition, a sutra is a scripture which records the teachings of the Buddha. |
| Dhamma | also known as "Dharma," is behavior that is in accordance with the eternal law of the universe. In Buddhism, it can also mean the teachings of the Buddha or the doctrine of Buddhism. |
| Theravada Buddhism | meaning the "teachings of the elders," Theravada Buddhism relies heavily on the original teachings of the Buddha and emphasizes individual attainment of enlightenment |
| Mahayana Buddhism | meaning "the Great Vehicle," Mahayana Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism which emphasizes a communal path toward achieving enlightenment and reveres enlightened men and women called bodhisattvas |
Key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 500 BCE | life of Siddhartha Gautama |
| c. 268—232 BCE | reign of Emperor Ashoka |
| c. 100 CE | rise of Mahayana Buddhism |
Key themes
Culture: Buddhist core beliefs had some continuities with Hinduism, including the emphasis on Dharma (Dhamma) and samsara. Buddhism split into many schools and transformed over time as it spread throughout Asia, through trade, merchants, and missionaries. Mahayana Buddhism developed in the second century CE.
Social structures: Religions and belief systems often affect social developments over time. The core beliefs preached by the Buddha and recorded in sutras and other scriptures were partly a response to the Vedic beliefs and rituals dominant in South Asia. Buddhist teachings challenged the religious authority of the Hindu Brahmins and the social inequalities of the Hindu caste system. Buddhists did not consider caste or gender to be an obstacle to enlightenment. Buddhist monasticism created roles for both men and women.
State building: Religions and ideologies have often grown as a result of state support and promotion. Hinduism and Buddhism grew during the classical period of Indian history, partly due to state support. The support of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka helped to spread Buddhism. Through his edicts and pillars, he promoted Buddhist teachings and helped to spread the religion beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Review questions
- What are some similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism? What are some differences?
- How did Buddhism change after the death of Siddhartha Gautama?
- What are two things that contributed to the spread of Buddhism?