Northern Buddhism
Summary
The article discusses Northern Buddhism through the lens of Sanskrit manuscripts from Nepal, primarily the *Maha-vastu*, the disciplinary text of the Mahasanghikas schism. These manuscripts, distributed across major institutions like the Asiatic Society of Bengal and the Royal Asiatic Society of London, reveal key doctrinal and philosophical differences between Northern and Southern Buddhism. The *Maha-vastu*, dated to the second century BCE or fourth century CE, emphasizes the supermundane nature of Buddha, a central tenet of the Mahasanghikas, who viewed Buddha as transcending human limitations. This contrasts with Southern Buddhism’s focus on Sakyamuni as a historical figure. Northern Buddhism expanded the concept of Buddhas, eventually positing hundreds or even infinite Buddhas, diverging from the Southern tradition’s three or eight Buddhas. It also prioritized *Avadanas* (exemplary deeds) over *Jatakas*, reflecting a shift in narrative focus. Doctrinally, Northern Buddhism emphasized universal salvation (*"tarayeyam, mukto mocayeyam"*) and infinite time/space, contrasting with the Southern aim of *arahatship* (liberation through self-effort). The schism’s origins, though rooted in minor disciplinary disputes (e.g., rules on salt storage or water consumption), masked deeper ideological divides. The article also examines the *Maha-vastu*’s chronology and language, arguing it reflects a spoken vernacular of North India rather than an artificial or Sanskritized form. Overall, Northern Buddhism’s unique traits—supermundane Buddhas, expansive cosmology, and doctrinal innovations—highlight its departure from earlier traditions.
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Conclusion
This analysis of Northern Buddhism through key Sanskrit manuscripts reveals its distinct theological evolution, emphasizing the supermundane veneration of Buddha and the proliferation of cosmological concepts. The schismatic Mahasanghika perspective, highlighting Buddha's transcendent nature, fundamentally reshaped Buddhist doctrine and practice, contrasting sharply with Southern Buddhism's focus on human achievement and arahatship. The Northern tradition's expansion of Buddha's role into a salvific, omniscient figure and its substitution of Jatakas with Avadanas underscore its unique narrative and doctrinal trajectory. These findings, rooted in early textual evidence, illuminate Northern Buddhism's departure from early Buddhist norms and its development of complex metaphysical and soteriological frameworks, marking a significant divergence within Buddhist thought.