Buddhism - S Radhakrishnan

Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is one of the noblest figures in the history of the world. A mass of legends has naturally grown round his person and there are some who even maintain that his whole life from birth to death was a legend. But it may be accepted that Buddha was a prince born to luxury who in the prime of life withdrew into solitude and sought truth through meditation.

It was an age of intellectual ferment. A variety of conflicting theories accepted by some and denied by others, changing with men, reflecting the individual whims and wishes, filled the air (see Brahmajala sutta). Struck by the clashing enthusiasms and the discordant systems, Buddha inferred the futility of metaphysical speculation. In the world of morals, ceremonial observances displaced moral obligations. In the sphere of religion, primitive superstitions lifted up their heads and were being exploited by the interested. Buddha declared that each man could gain salvation for himself without the meditation of priests or reference to gods. Salvation did not depend on the acceptance of doubtful dogmas or doing deeds of darkness to appease angry deities, but on perfection of character and devotion to the good. An aversion to metaphysical speculation, and absence of theological tendency and an ethical earnestness mark Buddha’s teaching.

© "The Heart of Hindusthan" by S Radhakrishnan, published (2002) by Rupa & Company, 7/16, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110 002.

Click here to view the full content of the article.

<< Back