Did the Buddha Ever Mention the Brahman?
Did the Buddha Ever Mention the Brahman?
From one Sutra that contains linked discourses between deities and meditating Gautama Shiva, he recited verses to him saying that if you associate and are close to the virtuous and if you understand the true teachings of goodness, then
- Things get better, not worsen
- Wisdom is gained, not from anyone else
- You do not grieve among those who do not grieve
- You shine amongst your relatives
- Sentient beings live happily and go to good places.
Buddha added that you also will be released from all suffering.
Opposition to Vedic Practices
Yes, he started a movement against the yagya and killing of animals, which were significant Vedic practices. He explained that a real way to achieve Moksha (liberation) is through meditation, not external rituals. In the Bhagvad Gita, meditation is explained, but it is kundalini meditation. Buddha taught people Vipassana meditation, which has less distraction of the mind. You can consider this the latest model of meditation.
Buddhism and Hinduism
Indeed, since Siddhartha was born into a Hindu family, Buddhism is considered to have originated in part from the Hindu religious tradition. And some Hindus revere Buddha as an incarnation of a Hindu deity.
Buddha’s Context and Training
Buddha was a 'Hindu' prince, trained under different Vedic teachers. In his discourses, Buddha does not use the word 'Hindu' but keeps referring to Brahmins, who were his teachers. Buddha refuted the philosophy of the Vedas. Nothing much about that can be seen in the early Buddhist scriptures, but Buddha definitely discouraged Vedic rituals and caste discrimination. He also discouraged people from getting into idle debates about the soul, etc.
Mention of Divine Beings and Rebirth
Buddha spoke about many of the divine beings, like Indra and Varuna, worshipped in the Vedas. The Buddhist scripture Tipitaka mentions several incidents when these divine beings used to come to meet Buddha. Buddha also spoke about heaven and hell, Karma, etc., just like his Brahman contemporaries. Buddha gave a lot of emphasis to a moral way of living, just like the Vedic scriptures. He talked about the cycle of births and rebirths, which is at the heart of Buddhism.
Post-Buddha Instructions
While giving his instructions on how his body has to be taken care of when he is dead, Buddha asked his disciples to hand it over to Brahmins who will dispose of it in the manner suitable for a king.
Keywords: Buddha, Brahman, Hinduism, Meditation, Rebirth