4. India: Birthplace of Buddhism
- Kerry Paul
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
I recently visited India to explore how this vast and dynamic country evolved and what drives it today. While in Varanasi—the spiritual centre of Hinduism—I discovered its connection to the birth of Buddhism, a faith that developed as a response to the Hindu caste system and the dominant role of Brahmin priests. My journey through this sacred history led me to Sarnath, just outside Varanasi, where Buddhism first took root. Religion is another category of how India shaped the world.
Buddha Was a Real Person:
One of my most profound realizations was that the Buddha was not a god, but an ordinary man named Siddhartha Gautama. He lived over 2,600 years ago and later became known as Lord Buddha. His teachings on enlightenment and the end of suffering formed the foundation of Buddhism.
After his enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching others how to attain it for themselves. His first sermon was delivered to five disciples in Sarnath, near Varanasi, a place that holds immense historical and spiritual significance. It was here that he introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. From that point, the Buddha travelled from village to village in northern India, attracting disciples and sharing his path to enlightenment.
The Role of Emperor Ashoka:
About 300 years after the Buddha’s death, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, a devout Buddhist, visited Sarnath. His deep commitment to spreading Buddhism led him to erect the iconic Ashoka Pillar, which still stands as a symbol of India’s rich heritage. The pillar bears inscriptions that reflect Ashoka’s dedication to Buddha’s teachings and his efforts to share them beyond India’s borders.
Ashoka sent disciples far and wide, leading to the establishment of Buddhism in China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. His influence transformed Buddhism into a global religion.
The Rediscovery of Sarnath:
For centuries, Sarnath remained forgotten until British archaeologists rediscovered it in the late 19th century. Excavations revealed incredible structures and artifacts, such as the Dhamek Stupa and remnants of the Ashoka Pillar, offering a glimpse into the early days of Buddhism.
Exploring the Sarnath Buddha Temple Complex:
Walking through Sarnath, I experienced a sense of awe at its ancient structures, which have withstood the test of time. Key highlights of the site include:
Dhamek Stupa: (image 1)
This towering structure marks the spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Standing before it, I imagined the gathering of his first disciples as they heard his teachings for the first time.
Ashoka Pillar: (image 2)
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, which once crowned the pillar, is now the emblem of India. It features four life-sized lions standing back-to-back atop a drum-shaped abacus. While the remains of the pillar are still on-site, the iconic lion head is preserved in the adjacent museum.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: (image 3)
Built in 1931, this Sri Lankan masterpiece is adorned with exquisite art and houses a magnificent golden statue of Buddha. Stepping inside, I was captivated by the intricate beauty of its architecture and the serene atmosphere.
Buddhism: A Minority Religion in India:
Despite being the birthplace of Buddhism, India today has less than 1 percent of its population identifying as Buddhists. By comparison, Christians account for about 3 percent of the population. Hindu’s comprise 70 percent, Muslims 20 percent with Sikh’s and Jainists making up most of the remainder.
Modern Sarnath:
Today, Sarnath thrives as a pilgrimage destination and a centre for the study of Buddhism. The site attracts pilgrims from all over Asia, particularly from Burma, China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tibet. It’s fascinating to see how this sacred place continues to resonate so strongly with those seeking to connect with Buddha’s teachings. What a striking example of how India shaped the world.
Your next read in the series: 5. India: The Rich-Poor Divide (part 1)
