Buddhas Standpoint on

the Brahmanical
Supremacy

Presented By
Bhikkhu Dhammarama
SIBA-BABL 14-13
 Content
Introduction
An introduction to Brahmanism
Brahmanical Concepts which used to dominate the
Society
Five forms of Argument of the Buddha
Conclusion
Bibliography
Introduction
Brahmanism and Buddhism arose in India not just as religions but, as the
magnificent and coherent religious, ethical, philosophical, and social
systems.

The conceptions of evolution of the world, of society, of the man, and the
destiny of the man

They had luxurious, blissful and privileged lives being as the highest caste of
the society.

The way how the Buddha rejected and condemned the Brahmanical
supremacy by using the five forms of argument
An Introduction To Brahmanism
Brahmanism is the continuation of Vedism.

It was the supreme and highest class.

Brahmanism accepts the concepts such as the

Creation
Mah Brahman
tman etc.
Brahmanical Concepts
Issara
nimmna
vda
Swadharm Mah
a Brahman

Brahmanic
Concepts
Caste
Shruti
system

thma
Five forms of Argument of the Buddha

Sociological

Biological Ethical

Five
Historical Arguments Religious
 Conclusion

Brahmanism had a great authority in the society contemporary the

Buddha. They were the highest, noble, and supreme caste at that time.

They had boundless power on the people.

With the advent of Buddhism, the unlimited power of the Brahmins,

started to decline.

The Buddha highly criticized the social hierarchy of Brahmins in various

occasions by using the five kinds of arguments.
 Bibliography
Primary Sources
Smaaphala Sutta in DN
Ambhaha Sutta in DN
Sonadaa Sutta in DN
Aggaa Sutta in DN
Vseha Sutta in MN
Assalyana Sutta in MN
Vasala Sutta in SN

Secondary Sources
Lamotte E. (1958). History of Indian Buddhism. Peeters Press, Louvain, Paris.
Nakamura, H (1955) A History of Early Vednta Philosophy: Part One. Reprint by
Motilal Banarsidass. India.