Religion since ancient times has occupied a crucial place in human life and society. Buddhism is the oldest of the world religions. Buddhism originated in the 4th century BC. Christianity appeared only 5 centuries later, and Islam through 12 centuries. Buddhism has played and is playing a crucial role in the history of Asia.
The origin of Buddhism
Historically, the birthplace of Buddhism is the Ganges River Valley, one of the most developed parts of ancient India. In the 4th century BC. on the territory of ancient India there were many scattered warring states. The most influential religion was Brahmanism, where priests acted as the dominant force. Brahmanism did not contribute to the consolidation of secular power; on the contrary, it was in conflict with it. According to the cult practice of Brahmanism, society was divided into classes. Priests belonged to the upper class. The remaining estates (these included warriors, merchants, and sudras) were much lower in position than the priests.
To strengthen state power and increase the authority of kings and warriors, a new religion was chosen - Buddhism. This religion did not recognize the ritual sacrifices of the Brahmins, was in opposition to the faith of the priests. Buddhism was the first religion recognized man not as a member of a particular estate, but as a separate person. To achieve the highest spiritual perfection, only the merits of man are important. In the middle of the 1st millennium, amid the state crisis in ancient India, a lot of people who did not have property appeared. It was among these ascetics that a new religion was born, which promises to get rid of suffering by abandoning desires and achieving nirvana.
