how did Buddhism and jainism
become popular
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First, we need to understand that Buddhism is not a different religion from Jainism. These both are off-shoots of Shraman Theology. So in true sense of terms, they are both one religion. Two peaks of the same theology.
Buddhism spread its wings world wide, because in this branch of Shraman Theology a unique concept of Bodhicitta emerged. Its the process of attaining enlightenment, not for once own emancipation, but for the sake of other sentient beings. This is a beautiful thought, the greatest height of a compassionate heart, and it gave wings and a missionary zeal to Buddhism which took it far & wide.
However, in truce sense of Shraman Theology, the concept of Bodhicitta is an aberration.
This is because, central Shraman belief is that each being is a creator of his or her own destiny and is responsible for his or her own actions. Each one of us enjoys "free will" and are at liberty to do what so ever we want, and both enjoy and suffer its after effects. And thus, each one of us, has to take care of oneself on our own. There is no spoon feeding in this theology. There are no god-fathers. There is no need of it.
Jain branch of Shraman theology remained more close to it's roots. They did not bother to preach their philosophy to anyone, because for the seekers of this branch of theology, their own emancipation was primary. If they take care of their own actions, the good of the rest of the world will automatically happen as they would stop all actions that caused suffering for others.
In Shraman Theology, there is a beautiful concept called "Pragya". It means inspiring others by changing oneself. It's one of the characteristics of a person who has achieved "Samyag Darshan - The Right Vision".
Jain philosophy remained more close to this and similar other traits of Shraman religion. Thus the concept of helping others never emerged in it. Their concept of helping others was to stop creating troubles for them. Thus, the entire focus of this philosophy and its seekers always remained - inwards. Towards themselves. And thus no missionary work was ever carried.
Thus, this philosophy remained confined only to those few blessed soul's, who had a chance in coming in contact with the seers of this branch of Shraman Theology and thus get inspired and start mending their own actions and paving the way for their own liberation. Since theses seers were limited, and the people who got in their contact small, Jains remained confined only to limited parts of India. However, they still carry the torch of Shraman Theology in true letter and spirit.
Buddhism spread its wings world wide, because in this branch of Shraman Theology a unique concept of Bodhicitta emerged. Its the process of attaining enlightenment, not for once own emancipation, but for the sake of other sentient beings. This is a beautiful thought, the greatest height of a compassionate heart, and it gave wings and a missionary zeal to Buddhism which took it far & wide.
However, in truce sense of Shraman Theology, the concept of Bodhicitta is an aberration.
This is because, central Shraman belief is that each being is a creator of his or her own destiny and is responsible for his or her own actions. Each one of us enjoys "free will" and are at liberty to do what so ever we want, and both enjoy and suffer its after effects. And thus, each one of us, has to take care of oneself on our own. There is no spoon feeding in this theology. There are no god-fathers. There is no need of it.
Jain branch of Shraman theology remained more close to it's roots. They did not bother to preach their philosophy to anyone, because for the seekers of this branch of theology, their own emancipation was primary. If they take care of their own actions, the good of the rest of the world will automatically happen as they would stop all actions that caused suffering for others.
In Shraman Theology, there is a beautiful concept called "Pragya". It means inspiring others by changing oneself. It's one of the characteristics of a person who has achieved "Samyag Darshan - The Right Vision".
Jain philosophy remained more close to this and similar other traits of Shraman religion. Thus the concept of helping others never emerged in it. Their concept of helping others was to stop creating troubles for them. Thus, the entire focus of this philosophy and its seekers always remained - inwards. Towards themselves. And thus no missionary work was ever carried.
Thus, this philosophy remained confined only to those few blessed soul's, who had a chance in coming in contact with the seers of this branch of Shraman Theology and thus get inspired and start mending their own actions and paving the way for their own liberation. Since theses seers were limited, and the people who got in their contact small, Jains remained confined only to limited parts of India. However, they still carry the torch of Shraman Theology in true letter and spirit.
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