06. New Questions and Ideas Class 6 NCERT Notes Chapter 6 History Social Science

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The Story of the Buddha

In this set of notes, we will delve into the intriguing history of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. We’ll explore the key ideas he propagated, his teachings, the Upanishads, the six schools of Indian philosophy, the grammarian Panini, Jainism, the concept of the sangha and monasteries, and the system of ashramas.

The Life and Teachings of the Buddha

1. Introduction to Siddhartha Gautama: Siddhartha, also known as Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, was born about 2500 years ago during a time of rapid societal change.
2. Birth and Background: The Buddha was born into the Sakya gana, a small clan, and was a kshatriya by caste. He left his comfortable life in search of knowledge.
3. Attaining Enlightenment: After years of seeking, he meditated under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya and achieved enlightenment. From then on, he was known as the Buddha.
4. Teaching and Travels: He shared his wisdom first in Sarnath, and then traveled extensively, imparting his teachings about suffering, craving, karma, and moderation.
5. Core Teachings: The Buddha emphasized that suffering stems from unfulfilled desires (thirst or tanha) and could be mitigated through moderation. He advocated kindness and respect for all life.
6. Language and Accessibility: The Buddha taught in Prakrit, the language of the common people, making his message accessible to all.

Upanishads: Exploring the Eternal

1. The Quest for the Eternal: Thinkers of this era sought to understand the permanent aspect of the universe that transcends death, which they identified as the atman (individual soul) and the brahman (universal soul).
2. Upanishads’ Nature: The Upanishads recorded these philosophical explorations, presented as dialogues between teachers and students, often employing simple conversations.
3. Inclusion of Women: While predominantly male-centric, women thinkers like Gargi participated in philosophical debates. Satyakama Jabala was an exceptional case from a poor background.

Diverse Schools of Indian Philosophy

1. The Six Schools: Vaishesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimansa, and Vedanta (Uttara Mimansa) were distinct philosophical schools, each founded by sages like Konada, Gotama, Kapila, Patanjali, Jaimini, and Vyasa, respectively.
2. Definition: The Six Schools of Indian Philosophy encompass various schools of thought that explore fundamental aspects of existence, knowledge, reality, and ethics. They were developed by individual thinkers and cover a wide range of philosophical inquiries.

The Contribution of Panini

1. Panini’s Grammar: Panini, a linguist, devised a grammar for Sanskrit. He organized vowels and consonants, using algebraic-like formulas to codify language rules.
2. Definition: Panini’s Grammar is a comprehensive linguistic framework for the Sanskrit language. It includes an organized arrangement of vowels and consonants and employs mathematical formulas to systematize language rules.

Jainism: Path of Non-Violence

1. Vardhamana Mahavira: Around 2500 years ago, Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara of Jainism, spread his teachings. He stressed non-violence, simple living, and following rules of ahimsa.
2. Jain Way of Life: Followers of Mahavira, known as Jainas, led ascetic lives, adhering to strict principles of honesty, non-stealing, celibacy, and more.
3. Impact and Spread: Jainism gained support among traders, spreading to various regions in North India, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
4. Definition: Jainism is a religious and philosophical system that emphasizes non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Followers, known as Jainas, practice strict ethical principles and seek spiritual enlightenment through renunciation.

The Sangha and Monasteries

1. Monastic Lifestyle: Both Buddha and Mahavira established sanghas, communities of renouncers. These sanghas lived simply, meditated, and begged for food.
2. Monasteries’ Evolution: Over time, temporary shelters gave way to more permanent monasteries (viharas), supported by donations from rich merchants, landowners, and kings.Definition: The Sangha refers to the community of monastics in Buddhism and Jainism. Monasteries, or viharas, served as centers for spiritual practice and learning, supported by charitable contributions.

The Ashrama System

1. Four Stages of Life: The brahmins developed the ashrama system, comprising four stages: brahmacharya (student life), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (forest dweller), and samnyasa (renunciant).
2. Gender Roles: Women generally followed the ashramas chosen by their husbands. Men underwent a progression through these stages to seek spiritual growth.Definition: The Ashrama System is a traditional Indian framework dividing life into four stages, each with distinct responsibilities and goals. It includes stages of education, family life, retirement, and spiritual renunciation.

Elsewhere: Zoroastrianism’s Influence

1. Zoroastrianism in Iran: Zoroaster, an Iranian prophet, introduced teachings similar to Vedic practices in the Avesta. Zoroastrianism thrived in Iran for over a millennium.
2. Migration and Legacy: Some Zoroastrians migrated to Indian coastal towns, contributing to cultural diversity in regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of Chapter 6: The Story of the Buddha, offering insights into the life, teachings, and impact of Siddhartha Gautama, alongside discussions on Jainism, the Upanishads, Indian philosophy schools, and more.

Keywords and Definitions:

• Siddhartha Gautama: Also known as the Buddha, he was the founder of Buddhism, born around 2500 years ago. His teachings and life story have had a profound impact on spiritual and philosophical thought.
• Buddhism: A major world religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizing the understanding of suffering, the cessation of desires, and the pursuit of enlightenment through meditation and ethical living.
• Upanishads: A collection of ancient Indian texts that explore philosophical concepts and the nature of reality, focusing on the relationship between the individual soul (atman) and the universal soul (brahman).
• Six Schools of Indian Philosophy: These are six distinct philosophical systems, including Vaishesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimansa, and Vedanta (Uttara Mimansa). They investigate various aspects of existence, knowledge, ethics, and metaphysics.
• Panini: An ancient Indian linguist who created a comprehensive grammar for Sanskrit, using algebraic-like formulas to codify language rules and structures.
• Jainism: A religious and philosophical tradition founded by Vardhamana Mahavira, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and ascetic practices. It promotes ethical conduct and spiritual growth through renunciation.
• Sangha: In Buddhism and Jainism, the term refers to a community of monks, nuns, and renouncers who live together, support each other in spiritual practice, and propagate teachings.
• Monasteries: These are places of residence and study for monks and nuns. Monasteries serve as centers for meditation, learning, and the dissemination of religious and philosophical knowledge.
• Ashrama System: An ancient Indian social framework dividing life into four stages: brahmacharya (student life), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (forest dweller), and samnyasa (renunciant). It outlines responsibilities and goals for each stage.
• Zoroastrianism: A monotheistic religion founded by the Iranian prophet Zoroaster. Its teachings include the worship of a single god and adherence to ethical principles for leading a righteous life.

FAQs

1. Who was Siddhartha Gautama?

Answer: Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism. He lived about 2500 years ago and sought enlightenment through meditation and teachings.

2. What did the Buddha teach?

Answer: The Buddha taught about the nature of suffering, the importance of moderation, and the removal of cravings. He advocated kindness, compassion, and respect for all life.

3. What are the Upanishads?

Answer: The Upanishads are ancient Indian philosophical texts that explore concepts like the individual soul (atman) and the universal soul (brahman), aiming to understand the nature of reality.

4. What are the Six Schools of Indian Philosophy?

Answer: The Six Schools include Vaishesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimansa, and Vedanta (Uttara Mimansa) which encompass various schools of thought that explore fundamental aspects of existence, knowledge, reality, and ethics.

5. What is the significance of the sangha in Buddhism and Jainism?

Answer: The sangha is a community of renouncers in Buddhism and Jainism. It provides a supportive environment for spiritual practice, meditation, and the propagation of teachings.

6. How did Jainism spread and what were its core principles?

Answer: Jainism spread through the teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira. Its core principles include non-violence (ahimsa), simple living, honesty, and celibacy.

7. What is the ashrama system in Indian society?

Answer: The ashrama system is a framework of life stages comprising brahmacharya (student life), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (forest dweller), and samnyasa (renunciant).

8. Who was Panini and what was his contribution?

Answer: Panini was a linguist who created a comprehensive grammar for Sanskrit. He organized vowels and consonants, using algebraic-like formulas to codify language rules.

9. What is Zoroastrianism and how did it influence India?

Answer: Zoroastrianism was a religion founded by Zoroaster. It influenced India through migration, and some Zoroastrians settled in coastal towns, contributing to cultural diversity.

10. What was the purpose of monasteries in ancient India?

Answer: Monasteries served as centers of learning, meditation, and propagation of religious teachings. They provided a space for monks and nuns to practice asceticism and share wisdom.

This was the end of ncert notes on New questions and ideas class 6 chapter 6 Social Science – History.

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