The Religious and Philosophical Movements of Ancient Varanasi: From Hinduism to Buddhism

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and a major center of religion and culture in India. Located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi has been a hub of religious and philosophical movements for over 2,500 years. In this post, we will explore the religious and philosophical movements of ancient Varanasi, from Hinduism to Buddhism.

Hinduism in Ancient Varanasi

Hinduism has been a dominant religion in India for thousands of years, and Varanasi is no exception. The city is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus, and it is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in the city. The Varanasi of ancient times was a center of learning and a hub for the study of the Vedas and Upanishads, the ancient texts of Hinduism.

The city was home to many great Hindu sages and scholars, such as Patanjali, who is believed to have written the Yoga Sutras, and Adi Shankaracharya, who was a philosopher and theologian. The latter founded one of the most influential schools of Hinduism, the Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the unity of the individual self (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

The Bhakti Movement

In the medieval period, Varanasi witnessed the rise of the Bhakti movement, a devotional movement that sought to establish a personal relationship with God. This movement was characterized by the singing of devotional songs (bhajans) and the worship of God in the form of idols or images. The Bhakti movement played an important role in the democratization of Hinduism, as it challenged the authority of the Brahmin priesthood and the caste system.

The bhakti saints of Varanasi were known for their simplicity and devotion to God. The most famous of them was Kabir, a mystic poet who was born into a Muslim family but drew upon both Hindu and Islamic traditions in his poetry. Kabir’s poems, which are still sung today, emphasize the unity of God and the equality of all human beings.

The Arrival of Buddhism

Around the 6th century BCE, Varanasi witnessed the arrival of a new religious movement that would have a profound impact on India and the world: Buddhism. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in the neighboring kingdom of Kapilavastu (in present-day Nepal) and later became known as the Buddha, or the Enlightened One.

The Buddha’s teachings emphasized the Four Noble Truths: the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. The Buddha rejected the caste system and the authority of the Brahmin priesthood, and he taught that anyone, regardless of their social status, could attain enlightenment.

Varanasi played an important role in the early history of Buddhism, as it was the site of the Buddha’s first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, or the Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma. This sermon was delivered to five ascetics who had previously been the Buddha’s companions, and it laid out the basic teachings of Buddhism.

The Buddha spent much of his life traveling throughout India, preaching his message of liberation from suffering. He founded a monastic order of monks and nuns who followed a strict code of ethics and meditation practices. Buddhism quickly spread throughout India and the neighboring countries of Asia, and it became one of the major world religions.

The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism

Over time, Buddhism in Varanasi and other parts of India evolved and gave rise to new philosophical movements. One of the most important of these was Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged around the 1st century CE. Mahayana Buddhism placed greater emphasis on compassion and the role of the bodhisattva, a being who seeks to attain enlightenment not only for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Varanasi played an important role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism, as it was the site of several important Buddhist universities, including the famous Nalanda University. Nalanda was a center of learning for over 700 years, and it attracted scholars and students from all over India and the world. The university was home to some of the greatest Buddhist thinkers and philosophers, such as Nagarjuna, Asanga, and Vasubandhu.

These scholars developed new philosophical systems and texts, such as the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools of Buddhism. The Madhyamaka school, founded by Nagarjuna, emphasized the concept of sunyata, or emptiness, which asserts that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence. The Yogacara school, founded by Asanga and Vasubandhu, emphasized the importance of meditation and the practice of mindfulness.

The Decline of Buddhism in Varanasi

Despite the flourishing of Buddhism in Varanasi and other parts of India, the religion eventually began to decline. One of the main reasons for this was the resurgence of Hinduism, which was able to adapt to the changing times and incorporate some of the ideas of Buddhism. Hinduism began to absorb some of the Buddhist ideas of compassion and non-violence, and it also embraced some of the Buddhist practices, such as meditation.

Another factor that contributed to the decline of Buddhism in India was the invasions by Muslim armies in the 12th century. Many of the Buddhist monasteries and universities were destroyed, and the Buddhist communities were dispersed. Over time, Buddhism virtually disappeared from India, and it survived only in neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.

Today, Varanasi is primarily a Hindu city, but it still bears the imprint of its rich religious and philosophical history. The city is home to many ancient temples, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Durga Temple. It is also a hub for yoga and meditation, and it attracts thousands of tourists and spiritual seekers from all over the world.

Final remarks

The religious and philosophical movements of ancient Varanasi, from Hinduism to Buddhism, have had a profound impact on India and the world. These movements have shaped the way we think about spirituality, morality, and the nature of existence. They have inspired countless scholars, poets, and mystics, and they continue to inspire us today. Whether we are Hindus, Buddhists, or followers of other religions, we can learn from the rich history and culture of Varanasi, and we can draw upon its teachings to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.