Shramanas

Shramana is a term used in ancient India to refer to ascetics, renunciates, or wandering religious mendicants who followed a path of austerity and self-discipline. These individuals, often outside the Vedic Brahmanical tradition, sought spiritual liberation through various ascetic practices. The Shramana movement, which predates and coexisted with Buddhism and Jainism, emphasized self-reliance, meditation, and ethical conduct.

Key aspects of Shramana philosophy included a rejection of ritualistic sacrifices and a focus on personal effort to achieve moksha (liberation) or nirvana. They often lived simple lives, subsisting on alms and dedicating themselves to philosophical inquiry and spiritual development. While many Shramana traditions have faded into history, their influence is evident in the foundational principles of major Indian religions.

Buddhism and Jainism are considered prominent offspring of the broader Shramana movement. Both traditions inherited and adapted Shramana ideals, such as non-violence (ahimsa), asceticism, and the pursuit of enlightenment. The Shramanas contributed significantly to the intellectual and spiritual landscape of ancient India, offering alternative paths to salvation and fostering a culture of critical thinking and introspection. Their emphasis on karma and rebirth also became integral to later Indian religious thought.