Theravada Buddhism Chapter 1 Summary

These selections can serve to both illustrate and to contradict the descriptions of Indian civilization found in textbook Chapters 3 through 5 in several ways. The selections support much of what the textbook asserts concerning Buddhism in India, the ways it was practiced, and how it developed into an organized faith and belief system. As Chapter 4 references, Buddhist teachings gradually found an audience in India. The most dedicated followers joined monasteries, devoting their lives to religious practice and spreading the message among nearby people. Xuanzang references that, “There are some who give themselves to quiet contemplation, and devote themselves, whether walking or standing still or sitting down, to the acquirement of wisdom and

The textbook delineates and sheds light upon the different forms and teachings of Buddhism, an element which is also reflected in Xuanzang’s account of his trip to India. By the early centuries of the Common Era, India featured both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism, also known as the “teachings of the elderly,” portrayed the Buddha as an immensely wise teacher and model, but not divine, upholding the edict that each person had to endeavor the journey to enlightenment

As Chapter 5 references, India’s social system was centered around four castes, or varna; the Caste system was a form of social hierarchy made up of these four castes. Everyone was born into and remained within one of these classes for life. At the top of this hierarchical system were the Brahmins, or priests. They were followed by the Kshatriya class, warriors and rulers charged with protecting and governing society. Next was the Vaisya class, comprised of merchants, artisans, and craftsmen. Far below these three groups were the Sudras, who occupied jobs involving labor and servitude. Finally, a whole new category, ranking even lower than the Sudras, emerged in the Untouchables, men and women who did the work considered most unclean and polluting - considered to be out of caste. Within each caste developed occupationally based groups, known as jatis - which determined the job and role a person would have within their individual