Introduction
Undeniably, the Vedic philosophy had a tremendous impact on the development of Buddhism. According to the Vedic Hymns, the latter brings enlightenment to challenging life aspects by informing believers of the unknown. For instance, it explains what the purpose of life is, or people’s nature (Vedic Hymns 2). The ideologies promoted by this philosophy seek to bring illumination to the hearts of humanity by tackling ambiguous and challenging life aspects. As such, the principles provisioned by this belief were essential to the Buddhism development. However, the Vedic philosophy influence had some detrimental impacts on the effectiveness of the establishment Buddhist beliefs. This paper evaluates the effects of this philosophy on the development of the teachings of Buddha. Additionally, it highlights the challenges posed by the former on the stability of the Buddhism religion.
How was Buddhism a development of Vedic Philosophy?
Buddhism had its origins from the Vedic Philosophy. Precisely, most of its nourishments, traditions and beliefs are from the Vedic religious practices (Ashvaghosha 380). Buddha's previous knowledge of this ideology shaped this religion. For instance, the reincarnation belief in Buddhism developed due to some borrowed aspects from the Vedic philosophy, which he explained through understanding the ultimate perception of life (Diamond Sutra 403). The Upanishad’s context advocates indulgence in meditation as a worship practice. Similarly, Buddhism upholds this value. Additionally, this religion shares comparable views with the Vedic philosophy on death. They both describe this phenomenon as a devourer of life (Ashvagosha 398). Moreover, the rejection of the rejection of birth caste systems upheld in Buddhism originated from the foundations of Mantras of Vedas. In spite of the slight differences in the methods used to present the beliefs of the two philosophies, it is essential to note that they both have a similar foundation. Precisely, Buddha borrowed multiple aspects of beliefs from the Vedic philosophy as they were already established before his birth.
How was Buddhism a challenge to Vedic Philosophy?
It is assumed that Buddhism had contrasting ideologies to the Vedic philosophy. However, it is essential to note that Buddha did not reject the values upheld through Veda. Rather, he built on what was essential for what he believed in while castigating what was not relevant in his teachings. For instance, Buddha did not believe in the existence of a supreme being or a God. As such, he emphasized the importance of moral values and self-control (Diamond Sutra 404). On the other hand, the Upishads and Vedic Hymns explain the existence of a Supreme Being in the religious context (Upishads 358). These differences were a challenge to the development of Buddhism. Buddha disapproved of people using Veda in performing ritual ceremonies for material enjoyment instead of divine beliefs. In fact, he opposed the idea of priests misusing their positions and utilizing the Veda doctrines to mislead believers. Buddha was against sacrileges such as consumption of flesh during the offering of sacrifices. As a result, he taught that people should follow his teachings instead of abusing the beliefs upheld by Vedic philosophy (Diamond Sutra 404). The abovementioned differences were a challenge in the development of Buddhism.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the popularity of the Buddha’s teaching and the development of Buddhism religion is attributed to the foundation created by the Veda philosophies and the Upishads. Primarily, Buddha borrowed multiple practices that were already established before his birth. For instance, meditation, reincarnation, beliefs on the rejection of the birth castes, and the overall perception of death. Buddha utilized these practices and beliefs to enhance his teachings on moral values and self-control. Nonetheless, some of the already established practices acknowledged in the Veda philosophies were a challenge to the development of his teachings. For instance, the idea of the existence of a Supreme Being or eating flesh while offering sacrifices. Buddah adopted what he thought was essential to his teaching and disapproved what he thought was inappropriate. Consequently, the Veda teachings had productive and detrimental impacts on the development of Buddhism.
Works Cited
"Buddhist sources: Ashvagosha." The Life of Buddha. N.p., n.d. 380-398. Print.
"Upanishads." N.p., 357-379. Print.
“Vedic Hymns” N.p., 1-7.Print
Buddhist Sources." The Diamond Sutra.” N.p., n.d. 399-497. Print.
