Question

discuss the contribution of buddhist political thinker to the indian political thought

Answer 1

Buddhism is a popular tradition worldwide and basically developed in India. Since ancient time, Buddhism was dominant in India. It is a major world religion, founded in north-eastern India and based on the lessons of Siddhartha Gautama, who is called the Buddha, or Enlightened One (Matthew J. Moore, 2016). Buddhist holiness is observed as something from within, an innate goodness in all humans that has been lost can now be found through practice and meditation. Buddhists must inspire themselves, and rely on their own efforts, not those of a magnetic leader. If followers of the Buddha began to respect the man, they would become distracted from their task impeding spiritual progress. According to Mark W. Muesse, a professor of religious studies, "Buddhist spirituality promotes a form of life that provides an antidote to the stresses of modern living. As a counterpoint to the haste and hurry, the noise and confusion of this world, Buddhism prescribes a life of quietness and tranquillity, a life of contemplation and gentle awareness" (Muesse, 2002).

Buddhism is not a single monolithic religion. Many of its supporters have combined the teachings of the Buddha with local religious rites, beliefs and customs. In this tradition, some conflict occurs, because Buddhism is a philosophical system to which such additions can be easily implanted. Buddhism includes a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to help in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. While some activities are exclusive to certain expressions of Buddhism, there are others that are found in most of the popular forms of the belief system.