The Decline of Buddhism in India

 

The decline of Buddhism in India is a complex historical issue with multiple factors contributing to its gradual reduction in prominence over the centuries. Here's a broad overview of some key factors:

1. Brahmanical Revival and the Rise of Bhakti Movement: The resurgence of Hinduism, especially through the Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion to gods and goddesses, played a significant role in the decline of Buddhism in India. The Bhakti movement was appealing because it did not discriminate against individuals based on caste and offered a more personal and emotional form of spirituality compared to the philosophical and monastic traditions of Buddhism.

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3. Patronage and Political Support: Buddhism historically thrived in India under the patronage of powerful emperors like Ashoka and the Kushans. However, as these dynasties fell and new empires arose, patronage often shifted towards Hinduism and Jainism. The Gupta Empire (4th to 6th centuries CE), for instance, is known for its Hindu revivalism, which overshadowed Buddhism. Without significant patronage, Buddhist monasteries and educational institutions faced decline.

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5. Muslim Invasions and the Destruction of Monastic Centers: Starting in the 12th century, parts of India were invaded by Muslim armies. Many Buddhist monasteries, including the famous Nalanda University, were destroyed during these invasions. The loss of these educational centers greatly impacted the transmission of Buddhist teachings and practices.

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7. Assimilation into Hinduism: Over time, many Buddhist practices and deities were absorbed into Hinduism. For example, the Buddha was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon as an avatar of Vishnu, which blurred the lines between the two traditions for many people.

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9. Decline in Monastic Tradition and Scholasticism: Buddhism in India was largely sustained by a complex monastic system and a strong tradition of scholasticism. As patronage dwindled and educational institutions fell, the monastic system that underpinned Buddhist philosophical and spiritual life began to decline as well.

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11. Economic Factors: The land grant system, which was an economic foundation for religious institutions, began to favor Brahmins and Hindu monasteries. Buddhist monasteries gradually lost economic support and thus could not sustain their communities.

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13. Lack of Reform and Adaptation: While other religions underwent significant reforms or adaptations over time, Buddhism in India remained relatively rigid. Its monastic focus may have made it less accessible or less appealing to the broader population, especially compared to the more flexible and adaptive practices in Hinduism and the emotionally appealing Bhakti tradition.

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15. Internal Issues within Buddhism: Buddhism in India had split into several schools and sects, some of which had divergent practices and philosophies. This internal fragmentation might have weakened its ability to present a united and appealing front to potential followers.

It's important to note that Buddhism did not entirely vanish from India. There have always been pockets of Buddhist presence throughout history, and in modern times, there has been a revival of interest in Buddhism, partly due to the efforts of figures like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who converted to Buddhism and encouraged others, particularly those from the Dalit community, to do the same as a means of social liberation.

Understanding the decline of Buddhism in India requires a nuanced consideration of these and other factors, as well as an understanding of the broader socio-political context of Indian history over the centuries.

Strategies for Fighting Fascist Regimes in Today's World - Machiavelli's synthesized advice

 

Niccolò Machiavelli would advise dissidents against a regime that has entrenched itself in the full spectrum of state powers with a combination of caution, strategy, and cunning. Herein is a collection of counsel, drawn from his observations and writings such as "The Prince" and "Discourses on Livy," adapted to your context of battling a fascist regime today as follow:

Understand the Terrain: Know the social, economic, and political landscape as well as the regime knows it. Understand where their power comes from and who their allies are, both domestic and foreign. Remember that knowledge is power, and having a thorough understanding of your adversary’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial.

Cultivate Popular Support: A prince—or in your case, a dissident—must maintain the favor of the people. Work to awaken the common populace to the regime’s oppression. However, do this subtly, for open agitation will lead to suppression. Create a narrative that resonates with the masses and exposes the failings of the regime without putting them in harm's way.

Establish a Credible Alternative: People will not risk the security of the known for the uncertainty of the unknown. Show them a credible alternative to the current regime. This vision must be tangible and realistic, promising better governance, preservation of rights, and improvement in their daily lives.

Build Alliances: Seek allies both within the regime’s power structure (those who are secretly dissatisfied) and outside of it. Foreign powers may have an interest in seeing the regime fall. However, be cautious in your alliances; do not become a pawn in another’s game for power.

Use Caution in Communication: Subvert the regime’s surveillance by using coded language, secure means of communication, and trusted couriers. Remember that your strength is in being underestimated and unseen until it is too late for the regime to react effectively.

Employ Indirect Action: Direct confrontation with a powerful regime is folly. Use indirect methods. Sabotage, non-violent resistance, and propaganda can all be used to destabilize the regime’s control. Remember that a regime is not just leaders but also the systems that support them. Attack the pillars that hold up the regime, not just the regime itself.

Adapt to Circumstances: Be flexible and ready to adapt your strategies as situations change. The regime will be rigid in its authority; your ability to change will be an advantage. This does not mean to be fickle but to be as water, which shapes itself to the container it fills.

Cultivate Virtù and Fortuna: Virtù, the ability to shape the world around you, is essential. Be bold, decisive, and cunning in your actions. However, also be aware of Fortuna, the tide of fortune. Sometimes, it is necessary to ride the wave of opportunity when it presents itself.

Be Patient: Change may not come quickly. Be prepared for a long struggle. A regime does not fall in a day unless its foundation has already been eroded. Work diligently and patiently to undermine the regime’s power.

Maintain Moral High Ground: Lastly, while deceit and manipulation are tools in your arsenal, do not become the monster you seek to destroy. Keep the well-being of the people as your ultimate goal, or else your new rule will be as despised as the old.

These pieces of advice are not to be taken lightly, nor are they to be used to harm innocents. They are for those who seek to restore freedom to people under the yoke of tyranny. Remember, the arc of history is long, and while it bends towards justice, it requires strong hands to help with the bending.