Final answer:
The core belief of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, challenged the Vedic traditions that were deeply rooted in ritualistic practices and the authority of Brahmins. Buddhism's Eightfold Path offered a more personal ethical conduct, prioritizing spiritual development over rituals, and was more inclusive, allowing all castes and genders the opportunity for enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core belief of Buddhism is centered on the Four Noble Truths, which are fundamental to understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. These truths include the recognition of suffering, understanding the cause of suffering, realizing that suffering can be ceased, and following the Eightfold Path as a means to end suffering. This formed the basis of the challenge to Vedic beliefs, where authority resided in the Brahmins and their complex rituals and where the rigid caste system was integral to society's functioning.
According to Buddhism, leading a moral life involves following the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. This approach emphasized personal ethical conduct and mental development over ritualistic practices. In contrast, Vedic beliefs, as documented in the Vedas, placed significant emphasis on rituals and sacrifices conducted by the priestly class for divine favor and societal order.
Thus, Buddhism's challenge to Vedic beliefs was a profound shift towards personal spiritual accountability and a rejection of the idea that proximity to the gods was achievable only through priestly intercession. The inclusive nature of Buddhist doctrine also questioned the societal structure, offering a pathway to enlightenment accessible to all, regardless of caste or gender, directly undermining the hierarchical system established by Vedic traditions.