How the Buddha Religion Popular in India

Buddhism in India 

The Buddhist monks considered varna based on action, unlike the Brahmanas who, conferred on it a divine sanction, dividing people based on birth. In Anguttara Nikaya, it is mentioned that when a person joins the Sangha, he becomes vevanniyanti (without varna). The Sangha had members from from all castes, such as Mahakassapa, Sariputta, Mahamoggallana (prominent Brahmana monks), the Buddha, Ananda, Aniruddha (prominent Kshatriya monks), Upali(a barber), Chunda (blacksmith who fed the Buddha his last meal). The Pail canon also reverses the order of rank and places the Kshatriyas varna higher than the Brahmana. 

Even though Buddhism was certainly more inclusive than the Brahmanical tradition, yet it supported social order based on classes and did not aim at abolishing social difference. Certain Buddhist tradition rules tried to maintain the status quo. For instance, there were a number of conditions for entry, such as the ban on the entry of debtors, slaves and soldiers without permission from their respective masters. This was naturally biased against these social dropouts. Similarly, both Brahmanism and Buddhism emphasized on the virtues of carrying out familial obligations, protecting private property and respecting political authority. Both also did not participate directly in production and lived on alms given by society. 

Reasons for Popularity of Buddhism 

Buddhism left an abiding mark on the history of India and it gradually became popular in Magadha and other parts of the country. With the support of Emperor Ashoka, it further spread its wings to Central Asia, West Asia and Sri Lanka, gradually transforming into a world religion. Various reasons are attributed to its spread:  

1. Buddhism appealed to the common man as, unlike Brahmanism, it was far more liberal and democratic. Since it attacked the verna system, it particularly won the support of the lower classes. It was open to people of all castes, and even women were admitted to the Sangha. This section of the society was neither given sacred threads nor was allowed to read Vedas, so conversion to Buddhism freed them from marks of inferiority. Buddhism also found a virgin soil for conversion in terms of the non-Vedic people. The people of Magadha readily accepted Buddhism as they were earlier looked down upon by the orthodox Brahmanas, who considered Magadha to be out of the holy Aryavarta. 

2. The Buddha's personality and his rationale doctrine helped immensely in the popularity of Buddhism. He tried to win over opponents by his wit and presence of mind, and by maintaining poise and clam under difficult situations. 

3. Unlike Brahmanism, whose texts were in Sanskrit and hence accessible only to a few Brahmanas, the Buddha's teachings were in Pali, which further aided in the spread of Buddhism. 

4. The patronization by monarchies of Magadha , Kosala, Kaushambhi, and several other Gana-Sanghas and their people contributed to its further popularity. 

5. Buddhism tried to mitigate the evils resulting from the new material life of the sixth century BCE. Since the Buddhists had a keen awareness of the problems (social and economic disparities), they presented innovative solutions to these concerns . Buddhism asked people not to accumulate wealth , indulge in cruelty or violence-ideas that were welcomed by the people. 

Reasons for the Decline of Buddhism 

It is rather ironical that from early 12th century, Buddhism began to disappear from the land of its birth. Various reasons are responsible for this: 

1. Buddhism succumbed to the same rituals and dogmas which it had originally denounced. In the beginning, it was inspired by the spirit of reform. But gradually it became victim to the same evils of Brahmanism which it had earlier fought. It changed for worse over period of time. The Buddhist monks gave up Pali, the language of the people, and took to Sanskrit, the language of a few intellectuals. 

2. Later, from first century CE they also practiced  large scale idol worship and received numerous offerings from the devotees. This resulted in corruption of the ascetic life of Buddhist monks. The principles prescribed by Buddha were conveniently forgotten, and thus started the degradation of the Buddhist monks and their preaching. 

3. Some Brahmana rulers, such as Pushyamitra Shunga, the Huna King Mihirakula (worshiper of Shiva) and Shaivite Shashank of Gauda persecuted the Buddhist on a large scale. The liberal donations to the monasteries gradually declined. Also, some rich monasteries were specially targeted by the Turkish and other invaders.