Sakya clan
Also called: Shakya · Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"
Meaning
The Śhākyas (Sakyas) were a clan living in the Himalayan foothills, with their capital at Kapilavastu. They were governed as a gaṇa or saṁgha, a group in which power was shared among many chiefs instead of one king. Siddhārtha was the son of a Śhākya chief. This is why the Buddha is also called Śhākyamuni, "the sage of the Śhākyas". The clan's way of reaching decisions by discussion helps explain how the Buddhist sangha later ran its affairs.
Example
The Buddhist sangha made decisions by agreement after discussion. If that failed, it took a vote. This followed the customs of gaṇas and saṁghas like the Śhākyas.
Don't confuse with
- Sangha (Buddhist order): the sangha was the community of monks and nuns that the Buddha founded. The Śhākya saṁgha was a political clan-assembly.
Related concepts
- Gautama Buddha
- Kapilavastu
- Lumbini
- Great Departure
- Bodh Gaya
- Bodhi tree
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Kushinagar
- Mahaparinibbana Sutta
- Piprahwa relics