Jainism and Buddhism

Which of the following means "Three Baskets" of Buddhist cannon?

1. Jataka
2. Tripitikas
3. Angas
4. Dwadashangi

Answer

Tripitikas

Besides the ............... vows and other general doctrines of Jainism, Jains are expected to have knowledge of the ............... truths.

1. seven
2. five
3. ten
4. nine

Answer

five, nine

Jataka tales gives information about

1. Buddha's life
2. Socio-economic conditions
3. Climatic conditions
4. None of the above

Answer

Buddha's life

Vardhamana Mahavira was the

1. Twenty fourth tirthankara
2. Sixth tirthankara
3. First tirthankara
4. Tenth tirthankara

Answer

Twenty fourth tirthankara

Tirthankaras are

1. saints preaching doctrines of Hinduism
2. saints preaching doctrines of Buddhism
3. saints preaching doctrines of Jainism
4. None of the above

Answer

saints preaching doctrines of Jainism

Jain texts were composed in

1. Local languages
2. Prakrit
3. Sanskrit
4. Both 1 and 2

Answer

Prakrit

Buddha's Great Renunciation was a result of

1. The four great sights
2. His marriage to a princess
3. His turning into an ascetic
4. All of the above

Answer

The four great sights

Which of the following is incorrect?

1. Mahabhiskramana : The Great Renunciation
2. Dharmachakrapravartana : Turning of the wheel of sacred law
3. Chaudharma : Four Noble Truths
4. Ashtangika Marg : Eightfold Path

Answer

Chaudharma : Four Noble Truths

The members of the monastic orders of Buddhism are called ............... and ............... .

1. Bhikshus; Bhikshunis
2. Bikhu; Bikani
3. Sangha; Sanghi
4. Vinaya; Vinayaka

Answer

Bhikshus; Bhikshunis

Buddhist texts were mainly composed in

1. Sanskrit
2. Pali
3. Parakrit
4. All of the above

Answer

Pali

Semi-circular solid domes are called ...............; monasteries are called ............... and ............... are large rectangular prayer halls.

1. Stupas, viharas, chaityas
2. Viharas, Chaityas, stupas
3. Chaityas, viharas, stupas
4. Stupas, chaityas, viharas

Answer

Stupas, viharas, chaityas

Which of the following vows means "practising chastity"?

1. Asteya
2. Ahimsa
3. Aparigraha
4. Brahmacharya

Answer

Brahmacharya

(A) In the sixth century BC, orthodox religious beliefs and practices were challenged by the new sects.

(B) During this period, Jainism and Buddhism emerged as important religious reform movements.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Explanation — Jainism and Buddhism emerged as important religious reform movements against the orthodox religious beliefs.

(A) Angas and Upangas are Jain texts which were orally passed on by religious leaders to their pupils.

(B) Tripitikas are the most important literary works of Jains.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) is true but (B) is false.

Explanation — Tripitikas are the most important literary works of Buddhists.

(A) Jainism and Buddhism grew and spread as a reaction against ritualism prevalent in the existing religious practises.

(B) Most of the Vedic literature was composed in Sanskrit and difficult to be understood by the common people.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Explanation — Most of the Vedic literature was composed in Sanskrit and difficult to be understood by the common people. This led to need of a religion that was easy to understand and follow. Jainism and Buddhism used languages like Prakrit and Pali, which was easily understood by common people.

(A) Mahavira attained salvation at Pavapuri in Bihar.

(B) Mahavira gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) is true but (B) is false.

Explanation — It was Gautama Buddha, not Mahavira, who gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi.

(A) According to Jainism, good deeds alone liberate a man from the cycle of life and death.

(B) Jains believe in Moksha or freedom from the cycle of births and rebirths.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Explanation — Moksha or freedom from the cycle of births and rebirths is the ultimate goal of Jainism. Good deeds or ethical conduct, which includes non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment, are believed to help in the liberation of a soul from the cycle of life and death.

(A) Mahavira adopted the language of the common people, i.e., Prakrit to preach his doctrines.

(B) Buddhists adopted Pali language in their literature.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Explanation — Use of Prakrit and Pali was the reason behind the popularity of Buddhism and Jainism.

(A) Jains believed in Nine Truths and Tri-ratnas.

(B) Buddhists believed in Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Explanation — In Jainism, nine truths are followed and the Tri-ratnas or Three Jewels are Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. In Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths explain the nature of suffering and the Eightfold Path provides a way to achieve freedom from suffering and enlightenment.

(A) Hinayana does not believe that Buddha was God.

(B) Mahayana believes that Buddha was an incarnation of God.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) and (B) are independent of each other

Explanation — Hinayana considered Buddha as a human being who attained enlightenment. The Mahayana tradition, on the other hand, viewed the Buddha as a divine being or an incarnation of God.

(A) Both Jainism and Buddhism did not accept the Vedas.

(B) Buddhism believes in the middle path whereas Jainas believed in hard penance.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Explanation — Both Jainism and Buddhism did not accept the authority of the Vedas. Buddhism believes in the Middle Way, which avoids the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.

What are angas? What is the subject matter of these angas?

Answer

The teachings of Lord Mahavira after gaining omniscience, was compiled by his disciples in 12 parts called Angas.

The Angas discuss religious rites, stages of householder's life, the vows of chastity, rules of conduct and other features of Jain philosophy.

What are Tripitikas? Name the three Tripitikas.

Answer

Tripitikas are most important literary works of Buddhists which were written on long and narrow leaves in Pali language and were stored in baskets. The word Tripitikas means "The Three Baskets".

The three Tripitikas are:

1. The Vinaya Pitaka
2. The Sutta Pitaka
3. The Abhidhamma Pitaka

State two important causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.

Answer

The two important causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism are:

1. Corruption in religion — Priests were extracting money from common people in the name of rituals. Brahmins had become stronger and their hold on society needed to be weakened.
2. Rigid caste system — The rigid caste system had resulted in so many restrictions and did not allow social mobility. People were in need of a liberal religion.

Who was Vardhamana Mahavira? Give the significance of both parts of his name.

Answer

Vardhamana Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and the last tirthankara. He is considered as the founder of Jainism.

He was called Mahavira because he was very brave and had also saved his colleagues. At the time of his birth, his father's kingdom was very prosperous and so he was called Vardhamana (meaning prosperity).

List any four vows prescribed for the Jains.

Answer

The four vows prescribed for the Jains are:

1. Ahimsa: Non-violence
2. Achaurya or Asteya: Not stealing
3. Satya: Not telling a lie
4. Aparigraha: Not possessing property

What are known as the Triratnas?

Answer

The Triratnas or the Three Jewels are the principles to be followed to attain the ultimate goal of salvation. The Triratnas are:

1. Right faith
2. Right knowledge
3. Right conduct or action

Give two causes for the spread of Jainism.

Answer

The two causes for the spread of Jainism are:

1. Local Dialect — Mahavira adopted the language of common people, i.e, Prakrit instead of Sanskrit to preach his doctrines.
2. Royal Patronage — Jainism received royal patronage of Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. Chandragupta Maurya is also said to have converted to Jainism. Kharvela helped in spread of Jainism in eastern India.

Name the two sects into which Jainism got divided. Why were they so called?

Answer

The two sects into which Jainism got divided were:

1. Shvetambaras or White clad.
2. Digambaras or sky-clad.

Digambara sect is called so as the sanskrit word Digambar means sky-clad, referring to their traditional monastic practice of neither possessing nor wearing any clothes. Shvetambara means white clad as it refers to its ascetics' practice of wearing white clothes.

List any two reasons for Jainism having few followers.

Answer

Two reasons for Jainism having few followers are:

1. Jainism preached rigid austerity. The theory of ahimsa was extended even to wearing of clothes.
2. It did not get royal patronage from contemporary rulers.

Who was Gautam Buddha? Where was he born?

Answer

Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. He was born at Lumbini near Kapilavastu, in Nepal.

What are known as Four Great Sights?

Answer

The sights that led to Great Renunciation of Gautama Buddha are called Four Great Sights. They are:

1. An Old Man
2. A Sick Man
3. A Dead Man
4. An Ascetic

How did Buddha attain enlightenment?

Answer

After leaving home, Gautam Buddha studied under renowned teachers of Rajgriha and then went to Gaya. He practised severe penance and led a life of extreme austerity and at the age of thirty-five he attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Give four Noble Truths of Buddhism.

Answer

The four Noble Truths of Buddhism are:

1. The world is full of suffering.
2. The suffering has a cause.
3. Desire is the cause of suffering.
4. If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.

Give any four points of the Eightfold Path of Buddha.

Answer

The way to Nirvana or the path that leads to removal of suffering is known as the eightfold path. The four points of the Eightfold Path of Buddha are:

1. Right action — To remain away from theft, luxuries and violence
2. Right thought — To remain away from empty rituals and worldly evils.
3. Right belief — To give up desire.
4. Right speech — Speak the truth and do not think ill of others.

Give the meaning of Buddha and Tathagat.

Answer

The meaning of Buddha is the Enlightened One.
The meaning of Tathagat is the founder of Truth.

Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. What is this event called? What the literal meaning of the name of the event.

Answer

Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer park in Sarnath near Varanasi in the presence of five ascetics.This event was known as Dharmachakraparivartan. The literal meaning of the name of the event is 'the turning of the wheel of sacred law'.

Name any two principles that governed the Sangha.

Answer

The two principles that governed the Sangha are:

1. Membership — The members were required to renounce the world and take oath before joining sangha.
2. Ten Commandments — They had to lead a disciplined life and follow the Ten Commandments.

State any two features of Buddhism that attracted people towards it.

Answer

The two features of Buddhism that attracted people towards it are:

1. The importance given to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on birth.
2. Compassion for the young and the weak .

Give two differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.

Answer

The two differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism are:

1. Hinayana denied the existence of God while Mahayana was a combination of Buddhism and Hinduism with faith in God.
2. Hinayana believed that Buddha was a human being who attained enlightenment and Nirvana through his own efforts but Mahayana regarded Buddha as an incarnation of God who could ensure salvation.

Give two causes for decline of Buddhism.

Answer

The two causes for decline of Buddhism are:

1. Split in Buddhism — The popularity and prestige of Buddhism suffered due to its division into Hinayana, Mahayana and sixteen other sects. Each sect had its own followers.
2. Corruption in Sangha —Buddhist sangha received patronage of royalty and had become very rich. The monks and nuns started leading a luxurious life instead of simple spiritual life.

With reference to the sources of information about Jainism and Buddhism, state the significance of the following:

(a) Angas

(b) Tripitikas

(c) Jatakas

Answer

(a) The Angas are regarded as the most important part of Jain doctrines. They are the compilation of whatever Lord Mahavira taught after gaining omniscience. The Angas were compiled in Twelve parts and are collectively known as Dwadashangi. The two well known and most important Angas are the Aacharang Sutra that deals with the code of conduct for Jain monks and the Vyakhya Pragnapti or Bhagavati Sutra that gives comprehensive description of Jain doctrines. The Angas discuss religious rites, stages of a householder's life, the vows of chastity, rules of conduct and all the philosophies of Jainism. Based on these angas, the seers also compiled 12 auxiliary works that came to be known as Upangas. The Angas and Upangas provide detailed knowledge about Jainism.

(b) The Tripitikas are considered as the most important literary works of Buddhists. The three tripitikas are following:

1. The Vinaya Pitaka — It deals with rules and regulations for monks and nuns. It gives an account of life and teachings of Buddha as well as aspects of ancient history, customs and arts of the period.
2. The Sutta Pitaka — It comprises the discourses of Buddha and some of his disciples such as Sariputta, Ananda and others. The Dhammapada (way of truth) is an important component of this Pitaka.
3. The Abhidhamma Pitaka — It describes Buddhist philosophy, working of human mind and state of matter.

Besides being the most reliable source of information about Buddhism, the Tripitakas also provide a glimpse of the social, economic and political life of people of that period.

(c) Jatakas refer to tales which describe the previous births of Buddha in animal and human forms. According to Jatakas the future Buddha may appear as a king, an outcast, a God, an elephant; but in whatever form, he exhibits some virtue that the tale thereby highlights. The Jatakas provide very little biographical material about Gautama Buddha's own life but throw a significant light on the political, economical and social conditions of people from the fifth to the second century BC. They also reflect Buddhist morals, ethics and principles.

With reference to Jainism and Buddhism, answer the following questions:

(a) Give briefly the background of socio-economic conditions in 6th century BC.

(b) State any three causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.

(c) What caused the division of Jainism into two sects?

Answer

(a) In 6th century BC, with expansion of Aryan settlements to the east, there were rapid changes in the socio-economic conditions. Society at some places had traits of Tribal political organisation while at other places kingdoms were on the rise. Materialism and spiritualism both existed side by side. People started to lead a settled life due to surplus production, expanding trade and market. There were wars among tribes for territory expansion. The expansion of territory created large kingdoms called Janapadas. A number of Janapadas joined together to form bigger and powerful independent kingdoms called Mahajanapadas. During this period orthodox religious beliefs and practices were challenged and even rejected by the new sects like Jainism and Buddhism.

(b) The three causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism were:

1. Reaction against Ritualism — Religious ceremonies had become very expensive and were beyond the means of ordinary people. This gave rise to faiths that were simple and inexpensive.
2. Corruption in Religion — The Priests used to extract money from people on the name of yajnas, rites and rituals. Kshatriya rulers protested against such practices. Both Jainism and Buddhism were founded by Kshatriya princes.
3. Rigid Caste System — The caste system had become so rigid that it was not allowing any social mobility. Interchange of caste was impossible. Jainism and Buddhism gave a simple and liberal society to the people of that period.

(c) The division of Jainism into two sects was the result of differences between Bhadrabahu and Sthulabhadra. Bhadrabahu took Jainism to Karnataka and Sthulbhadra was based in Magadha. Their was clash of ideas between the two and subsequently the Jainism divided into Shvetambharas and Digambaras led by Sthulabhadra and Bhadrabahu respectively. Shvetambharas wore white clothes and covered their faces with small white cloth to avoid killing the tiniest of insects or germs that might enter the nose while breathing while Digambaras did not believe in covering their bodies. According to them, living without clothes signified detachment from worldly pleasures and it avoided killing of life forms.

With reference to Jainism answer the following questions:

(a) Who was Mahavira? Why was he called Jina?

(b) State the five vows which a Jain householder has to take.

(c) State the Jains view on Karma and salvation.

Answer

(a) Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last of the tirthankaras. He is considered as the founder of Jainism because he made Jainism popular and systematic.
Mahavira was called Jina because after obtaining the supreme knowledge, he subdued his desires and became the conqueror. The term jina was used for those who have conquered their desires.

(b) The five vows which a Jain householder has to take are:

1. Ahimsa: non violence.
2. Achaurya or Asteya: not stealing.
3. Satya: not telling a lie.
4. Aparigraha: not possessing property.
5. Brahmacharya: practising chastity.

(c) Jains view on Karma and salvation are:

1. Karma — The Jains believed that one should be responsible for one's own Karma or actions and good deeds alone liberate a man from the cycle of life and death.
2. Salvation — Jains believed in salvation or Moksha. According to them it was necessary to practice the tri-ratnas of right faith, right knowledge and right action to attain salvation.

With reference to Buddhism, answer the following questions:

(a) Who was Gautama Buddha? How did he achieve enlightenment?

(b) What is known as 'Dharamachakrapravartana'?

(c) How did Buddha have a large following?

Answer

(a) Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. He was a Kshatriya prince who left his home to find solution for pain and sufferings of men.
After leaving home, Gautama studied under renowned teachers of Rajgriha and then went to Gaya. He practised severe penance and led a life of extreme austerity and at the age of thirty-five he attained enlightenment.

(b) After enlightenment, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi in presence of five ascetics. This event in the history of Buddhism is known as 'Dharamachakrapravartana' meaning the turning of the wheel of sacred law.

(c) Buddha gave importance to conduct and values rather than claims of superiority based on births. Buddha insisted on feeling of compassion for the young and weak. He preached universal brotherhood of mankind. He wanted people to live in peace, setting aside all their difference. He gave people a simple and inexpensive way to salvation. These are a few ways by which Lord Buddha got a large following.

With reference to Buddhism, answer the following questions:

(a) What is the eight fold path?

(b) What was impact of Buddhism on the socio-religious life of the people?

(c) What role did Sangha played in the spread of Buddhism?

Answer

(a) The way to Nirvana, in Buddhism, or the path that leads to removal of suffering, is known as the Eightfold path. It is also known as Ashtangika Marg or the Middle Path. The Eightfold Path includes:

1. Right action — To remain away from theft, luxuries and violence.
2. Right thought — To remain away from empty rituals and worldly evils.
3. Right belief — To give up desire.
4. Right living — Not to have dishonest dealing with others.
5. Right speech — Speak the truth and do not think ill of others.
6. Right effort — Work for deliverance from sins and for the welfare of others.
7. Right recollection — Think about pious things.
8. Right meditation — Concentrate on only what is right.

(b) Buddhism led to improvement in social and religious life of people. The hindus started a reform movement within hinduism. The costly yajnas and sacrifice and rigidity of caste system were done with. Buddhism fostered intellectual tradition and exposed the weakness in our society. The weaker section of the society who had been subjected to many atrocities got an opportunity to have their say in matters of political and social life.

(c) Sangha played an important role in the spread of Buddhism as it was established to spread Buddhism and it's teachings. Members of Sangha had to take an oath before joining it. Sangha became very powerful and helped to spread Buddhism far and wide. The members had to follow the ten commandments or Paramita to lead a disciplined life. The Bhikshus and Bhikshunis had to roam around for eight months in a year spreading Buddhism. Many Viharas were made for them to sleep and take rest. In the Viharas, the members led a life of chastity, austerity, devotion and purity.

With reference to the given pictures, answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the two preachers, whose images are given. Name the religions founded by them.

(b) Mention three main teachings of each of the two religions founded by these preachers.

(c) Mention any two similarities and two dissimilarities between the two religions founded by them.

Answer

(a) The given images and religion founded by them are:

• A → Gautama Buddha. He founded Buddhism.
• B → Mahavira. He founded Jainism.

(b) Three main teachings of Buddhism are:

1. Karma — Buddhism believed in the theory of Karma. It said that man is the maker of his own destiny and it believed in rebirth.
2. Nirvana — The ultimate goal of life is to attain Nirvana or Salvation which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
3. Ahimsa — Buddhism insisted on the path of non-violence.

Three main teachings of Jainism are:

1. The Five Vows — A Jain householder has to take the following five vows:
   1. Ahimsa: Non-violence
   2. Achaurya or Asteya: Not stealing
   3. Satya: Not telling a lie
   4. Aparigraha: Not possessing property
   5. Brahmacharya: practising chastity
2. Nine truths — According to Jainism ,the knowledge of Nine Truths is essential and only renunciation is the shortest way to salvation. These nine truths are:
   1. Jiva (Living Things)
   2. Ajiva (non-living things)
   3. Punya (results of good deeds)
   4. Pap (sin)
   5. Ashrav (good deeds)
   6. Sanvar (hindrances in the way of karma)
   7. Bandha (bondage)
   8. Nirjara (destruction of karmas)
   9. Moksha (salvation)
3. Karma — Jainism believed in the theory of Karma. It preached that one should be responsible for one's own Karma or actions. Good deeds alone liberate a man from the cycle of life and death.

(c) Similarities:

1. The founders of both the religions belonged to Kshatriya clan and followed the similar path of renunciation.
2. Both of them did not accept the Vedas.

Dissimilarities:

1. Buddhism was completely new religion in 6th century BC while Jainism was founded long before Mahavira.
2. Buddhism followed a middle path but Jainism believed in hard penance.

The most important precept of Jainism is ahimsa or non-violence. It was popularised by Mahatma Gandhi during India's freedom struggle. Do you think the philosophy of ahimsa is as relevant today as it was in the era of Mahavira?

Answer

Philosophy of Ahimsa or non-violence is as relevant today as it was in the era of Mahavira. It is so because the world today is experiencing violence in form of terrorism, war, domestic violence etc. In todays world of pain and suffering there is dire need of the philosophy of non-violence which literally means 'non-injury' and 'non-killing'.

What were the reasons due to which Buddhism could spread beyond the Indian borders in other countries of the world?

Answer

Following were the reasons due to which Buddhism could spread beyond the Indian borders in other countries of the world:

1. Foreign monks who travelled along the silk route helped to spread Buddhism.
2. Ashoka promoted Buddhist expansion by sending monks to surrounding territories.
3. Travelling due to trade relations led to spread of Buddhism.

List the similarities and differences of the religions — Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Answer

Similarities

1. All the three — Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism originated in ancient India and have influenced each other.
2. They believe in reincarnation or rebirth after death.
3. Their ultimate goal is to attain Moksha.
4. Karma is an important concept in all three religions.

Differences

Buddhism which emerged in ancient India against the Brahmanic social order, has gained importance in contemporary India. State your views giving examples.

Answer

Buddhism, which emerged in ancient India as a response to the Brahmanic social order, has indeed gained importance in contemporary India. There are several reasons for this, some of which are:

1. Emphasis on non-violence — Buddhism has always emphasized non-violence and compassion towards all living beings, which has become increasingly relevant in contemporary India. With the rise of communal and sectarian violence, many people have turned to Buddhism as a way of promoting peace and harmony.
2. Influence on modern Indian leaders — Several modern Indian leaders, such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were deeply influenced by Buddhism. Ambedkar, in particular, converted to Buddhism in 1956, and his followers have continued to promote the religion as a means of empowerment for Dalits, who have historically faced discrimination in India.
3. Interest in meditation and mindfulness — Buddhism has also gained popularity in India due to its emphasis on meditation and mindfulness practices. Many people in contemporary India are turning to these practices as a means of coping with stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

Write the script of a play on the life and times of Gautam Buddha.

Answer

Title: The Enlightened One

Characters:

Gautama Buddha
Queen Maya (Buddha's mother)
King Suddhodana (Buddha's father)
Ananda (Buddha's disciple and cousin)
Mara (the demon of illusion)

Act 1:
Scene 1: The birth of Gautama Buddha
The play opens with Queen Maya giving birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama. The king and queen celebrate his birth, with the king envisioning a bright future for his son. However, a prophecy is revealed that the prince will either become a great king or a great sage, causing King Suddhodana to worry about his son's future.

Scene 2: The young prince
The play fast-forwards to Prince Siddhartha's teenage years, where he is depicted as a curious and introspective youth. He becomes increasingly interested in the nature of suffering and the meaning of life, much to the confusion of his father and the courtiers.

Act 2:
Scene 1: The Great Renunciation
Prince Siddhartha, now a young man, is married and has a child. One day as his charioteer is driving him through the town, he sees an old man bent with age. Then he sees a sick man groaning in pain. After that he witnesses a dead body of a man being carried for cremation. He is consoled when he sees an ascetic in search of salvation. He becomes disillusioned with his life of luxury and decides to renounce his material possessions and seek the truth. This decision causes great distress to his family, particularly his father, who wants him to become a great king.

Scene 2: The search for enlightenment
The prince embarks on a journey to find enlightenment, seeking the advice of several spiritual teachers along the way. However, he remains dissatisfied with their teachings and continues his search.

Act 3:
Scene 1: Enlightenment
After several years of meditation and self-reflection, Prince Siddhartha attains enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. He becomes known as the Buddha, or the enlightened one. Ananda, his cousin and disciple, witnesses the event.

Scene 2: The first sermon
The Buddha travels to the Deer Park in Sarnath and delivers his first sermon, known as the Four Noble Truths. Ananda and other disciples listen intently as the Buddha explains the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.

Act 4:
Scene 1: The spread of Buddhism
The Buddha continues to travel and teach, gathering a large following of monks and laypeople. He performs several miracles and attracts the attention of Mara, the demon of illusion, who tries to distract him from his mission.

Scene 2: The Mahaparinirvana
The play ends with the Buddha's death, known as the Mahaparinirvana. Ananda and the other disciples mourn his passing, but the Buddha reminds them that his teachings will live on through the Dharma. The play concludes with Ananda reciting one of the Buddha's famous quotes, "All conditioned things are impermanent. Strive on with diligence."