Shramana Movement

The Shramana movement was a Non-Vedic movement parallel to Vedic Hinduism in ancient India. The Shramana tradition gave rise to Jainism, Buddhism, and Yoga, and was responsible for the related concepts of saṃsāra (the cycle of birth and death) and moksha (liberation from that cycle).

Sramanism, emphasizing thought, hard work and discipline, was one of the three strands of Hindu philosophy. The other two included Brahmanism, which drew its philosophical essence from Mimamsa. The third and most popular strand of Indian philosophical thought revolves around the concept of Bhakti or Theism, based on the idea of God, as understood in most parts of the world.

Philosophy

Śramaṇas held a view of samsara as full of suffering (Dukka). They practiced Ahimsa and rigorous ascetism. They believed in Karma and Moksa and viewed rebirth as undesirable. Vedics, on the contrary believe in the efficacy of rituals and sacrifices, performed by a privileged group of people, who could improve their life by pleasing certain Gods. Beliefs and concepts of Śramaṇa philosophies:

• Denial of creator and omnipotent Gods
• Rejection of the Vedas as revealed texts
• Affirmation of Karma and rebirth, Samsara and transmigration of Soul.
• Affirmation of the attainment of moksa through Ahimsa, renunciation and austerities
• Denial of the efficacy of sacrifices and rituals for purification.
• Rejection of the caste system

Jainism and Buddhism are the two main schools philosophies that have continued in India since ancient times.