ABSTRACT

The research is of three objectives namely :- 1) to study of the role of Indra in Brahmanism – Hinduism, 2) to study of the role of Indra in Theravada Buddhism, and 3) to comparatively study of role of Indra in Brahmanism – Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism. The result of study is found that :-

Indra in Brahmanism – Hinduism begins from the faith of changing of nature is, all things in this universe were created by creator. In the former time the belief is, Indra was a God who as creator of all things in the world, one who was clever warrior, one who had thunderbolt as weapon, one who eradicated of all dangers for human beings. Indra was as a king in the human world who helps or protects his people happiness. In the Brahmana age, Indra was abased as gods because non-suitability of conduct for highest God such as drinking Sauma (moon), wanting in sensual desires, stealer, etc. Even so, Indra has still influence as gods of war who also received worship from the king. 

In belief of Theravada Buddhism, Indra is from his merit making when he was a man. The position of Indra is expired because Indra can be changed. Besides, Indra appearing as protector of Buddhism in the past time which he did the good thing, after passed away, he will be Indra. This shows the exposition terms of persons of Intra, which is in the concept of doing good deed in wholesome and charity. Although, being Indras still develop their good deed continuously.

Indra in both religions is the same point, that is the position as great gods but the position can change. Others can also be Indra. There is Sakka Deva in Buddhism after Indra in Brahmanism because Intra as be known by Arayan people and be respected from people in the former time. So, when Buddhism had arisen in India, it is still talking about this Indra, it just is mistake from beginning. It is to say in the positive in belief of Buddhism; Sakka Deva is from the performance of good thing, it is to promote the principle of Buddhism. It is different from Indra in Brahmanism, who is from performance of unwholesome; there is ceremony of horse sacrifice for getting the position of Indra. The studying of history of Sakka Deva is the motivation for people do good thing what as Sakka Deva done, at least, heavenly prosperity is the goal which is not wrong from the principle of Buddhism.

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