Buddhism and Jainism, two ancient Indian religions, share similarities and differences in their core beliefs and practices. Both emerged in the same historical and cultural context in India during the 6th century BCE and advocated nonviolence, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.
Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism include their rejection of caste discrimination and their emphasis on karma, reincarnation, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Both religions emphasize the importance of ethical behavior, meditation, and self-discipline in achieving spiritual goals.
However, there are also key differences. Jainism places more emphasis on extreme asceticism and non-violence, even to the extent of wearing masks to prevent accidental inhalation of insects. Buddhism, on the other hand, follows the Middle Way, a balanced approach between extreme austerity and indulgence. Another significant difference is in their beliefs about the nature of the soul (atman): Jainism believes in a permanent soul, while Buddhism rejects the concept of a permanent self.
In short, Buddhism and Jainism share common ethical and philosophical principles but differ in their approaches to achieving spiritual liberation and in their views of the self.
Differences and Similarities Between Buddhism and Jainism
| Historical Facts | Differences and Similarities Between Buddhism and Jainism |
| Buddhism | Gautam Buddha |
| Jainism | Mahavira |
| First Tirthankar | Rishabhdev |
| Mahayana | Buddhism |
| Svetambara | Jainism |
Introduction
Buddhism focuses largely on the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, while Jainism focuses on the life and teachings of Mahavira. Buddhism is a polytheistic religion with the primary goal of attaining enlightenment. Jainism is a polytheistic religion whose goals are focused on non-violence and the liberation of the soul.
Differences Between Buddhism and Jainism
1. Founder
Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha and founded Buddhism.
On the other hand, Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, was the founder of Jainism. Vardhaman Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankar of Jainism, was also instrumental in its revival.
2. Place of origin
Buddhism originated on the Indian subcontinent.
On the other hand, Jainism originated in India.
3. A place of worship
Buddhism is worshiped in Buddhist monasteries, temples, and shrines.
On the other hand, Jainism is worshiped in temples.
4. Belief in God
Buddhists reject the concept of an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent creator. Theistic arguments that the universe was created by a self-aware, personal God were rejected by the Buddha himself
On the other hand, Jainism rejects the concept of a Creator God.
5. The essence of religion
Buddhists are those who adhere to the Buddha’s teachings.
On the other hand, to become a Jina, one must follow the teachings of the 24 Tirthankaras to free one’s soul.
6. The goal of philosophy
The philosophy of Buddhism is to remove mental torment.
Jainism, on the other hand, is a way of life in which devotees follow the teachings of the Tirthankaras, respect all living things, and strive for Nirvana.
7. Modes of religious practices
In Buddhism, the right perspective, right desire, right speech, right action, right livelihood effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration are part of the Eightfold Path of Meditation.
On the other hand, in Jain truth, non-violence, non-stealing, non-attachment, and control over desires and senses are the five vows. Nonviolence and honesty are emphasized more. The three jewels of Jainism should also be followed: right perception, right knowledge, and right conduct.
8. Marriage
In Buddhism, monks and nuns do not marry and are celibate. The Discourses have advice on how to maintain a happy and peaceful marriage.
On the other hand, in Jainism, marriage is a social custom that has nothing to do with religion. Followers, on the other hand, must strictly observe monogamy. Monks who have left the secular world observe strict celibacy.
9. Clergy
In Buddhism, Bhikkhus (monks) and Bhikkhunis (monk women) make up the Buddhist Sangha (nuns). Lay Buddhists help maintain the sangha.
On the other hand, in Jainism, nuns and monks
10. Afterlife
One of the fundamental principles of Buddhism is rebirth. We are trapped in an endless loop of birth, death, and reincarnation that can only be ended by the attainment of nirvana The only way to permanently escape pain is to reach nirvana.
On the other hand, in Jainism, due to karma, the cycle of rebirth and death continues until liberation is achieved through incarnations in any form of life on earth as well as in the heavenly and hellish life forms.
11. Human nature
In Buddhism, as with all sentient beings’ ignorance, when Gautama was asked after his awakening whether he was an ordinary human being, he replied, “No,” according to Buddhist teachings.
On the other hand, in Jainism, the negative effects of bad karma and excessive devotion to the material things of the world cause human unhappiness.
12. Resources
In Buddhism, following the Noble Eightfold Path In Jainism, on the other hand, the goal is to free the soul from it.
13. salvation
In Buddhism, enlightenment, or Nirvana,
On the other hand, in Jainism, the bonds of karma When the soul is freed from these bonds, it attains nirvana and becomes flawless in an infinite state of bliss.
14. The language of literature
Pali was used by the Theravada tradition, while Sanskrit was used by the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions
On the other hand, ancient writings were written in various languages, the most common of which was Magadhi, the language used at the time of Mahavira and the Buddha.
15. A view of another dharma
In Buddhism, other dharmas are rejected because dharma implies a doctrine, law, method, instruction, or discipline.
On the other hand, Jainism is affiliated with other dharmic faiths.
16. The goal of religion
In Buddhism, to attain enlightenment and be freed from the cycle of rebirth and death, thus attaining nirvana,
On the other hand, Jainism embraces the path of non-violence towards all living beings to attain freedom and be freed from the cycle of rebirth.
17. Views of Sins
Buddhists do not believe in sin.
On the other hand, in Jainism, sin is defined as causing harm to another person.
18. Holy Writings
In Buddhism, the Tripitaka – a large canon divided into three parts: discourses, discipline, and commentaries, as well as some early writings such as the Gandhara writings.
On the other hand, in Jainism, agamas are religious texts. There are several other canonical writings.
19. Principles of religion
In Buddhism, this existence is filled with pain, and the only way to escape it is to eliminate one’s desires and ignorance by understanding the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and following the Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
On the other hand, in Jainism, all living creatures should be respected. Avoid and discard the negative karma that is the source of rebirth and all miseries to attain freedom. Three Gems and Five Promises
20. Geographic distribution and prevalence
Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal Bhutan, Tibet, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are the main destinations for Buddhism. Other nations have small ethnic minorities.
On the other hand, Jainism is specifically found in India, the South Asian subcontinent, and the Americas. There are small groups in almost every country.
21. Compatibility with science
Buddhism is believed to be consistent with numerous scientific findings, apart from the concepts of karma and reincarnation.
On the other hand, similar teachings are also followed in Jainism.
22. Animal rights
According to the Buddha, animals have the same rights as humans.
On the other hand, in Jainism, it is highly illegal to consume the flesh of another person, as it is considered harmful.
23. Homosexuality
Both gays and asexuals were welcomed into the Sangha by the Buddha. It is a natural phenomenon, similar to heterosexuality, according to Buddhist thought.
On the other hand, Jainism does not believe that sexual activity is required for purposes other than reproduction. As a result, it is unacceptable.
24. Sexual behavior
The Buddha taught that a lay follower should avoid sexual misconduct, which includes intentional cheating in marriage, intercourse with another person’s wife or husband, a minor, or an animal. Monks and nuns live in celibacy.
On the other hand, Mahavira is the source of Buddha’s thoughts. As a result, they are comparable.
25. Moral obligations
According to the Buddha, karma is the reason we exist. According to the doctrine, all our actions—body, voice, and thought—will have effects, either now or later.
On the other hand, the same teaching was followed in Jainism.
26. Division
Buddhism is divided into several sects of Buddhism. The two main Yanas are Mahayana Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism, while Theravada Buddhism is more traditional Buddhism.
On the other hand, there are many different types of sects of Jainism, such as Svetambara Jainism and Digambara Jainism.
27. Council
In Buddhism, the fourth Buddhist council was held at Rajgriha, Vaishali, Patliputra, and Kashmir.
On the other hand, two assemblies were held. 1st at Patliputra and 2nd at Vallabhi.
The first Jain council was in 300 BC in Pataliputra. It was under the presidency of Sthulibhadra. The compilation of the 12 Angas was done in the First Council.
A second Jain council was held simultaneously in Mathura and Vallabh. It referred to the writing down of the sacred Agama text, which had previously been transmitted orally. This was held under the leadership of Devarshi Kshama Semana. This took place in 512 AD.
Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism
- (i) Both Jainism and Buddhism promoted the idea of renouncing the world and living an austere life.
- (ii) These religions originated in Eastern India, which at that time managed to retain certain aspects of the pre-Vedic civilization. This helps explain why they have a common origin and are well known. Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the same region of India at roughly the same time.
- (iii) Both proposed answers to the same problem: how to stop what may be an infinite number of rebirths.
- (iv) Both seem to bury the bones of their founders in stupas. Both have similar stories to tell.
The most striking parallels between Buddhism and Jainism
- (i) Both Mahavira and the Buddha were Kshatriya princes who were able to garner support for their cause from the ruling elite of the time, including several Kshatriya rulers and wealthy Vaishvas.
- (ii) Both were founded by members of the Kshatriya caste and addressed the socially oppressed: the Vaishvas, who were not accorded a social status commensurate with their growing economic power, and the Shudras, who were undoubtedly oppressed.
- (iii) Both questioned the legitimacy of the Vedas as sources of knowledge. Both had an Aryan cultural base and were motivated by the austere ideals and philosophy of the Upanishads, especially Sankhya Yoga.
- (iv) Both emphasized the importance of a pure and moral life over ritualism or even devotion to the worship of God as a means of salvation.
- (v) Both were products of the intellectual, spiritual, and social forces of their times and therefore both acted as a counter-revolution against the dominant Brahmanical religion.
- (vi) Both criticized Brahmanical rituals and sacrifices as well as Brahmanical supremacy.
- (vii) Both thought that man’s redemption or Nirvana meant liberation from the eternal cycle of birth and death.
Conclusion
Mahavira and Buddha were contemporaries, and Jainism and Buddhism shared many similarities. Because of the striking similarities between the two, some academics believe that Jainism is a branch of Buddhism or that it is the genesis of Jainism. Mahavira was most likely an older contemporary of the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha.
(FAQ) Questions and Answers about Differences Between Buddhism and Jainism
1. Who started Jainism?
Jainism was started by Rishabhdev and founded by Vardaman Mahavir
2. What were the major similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
The similarity between the two is that both religions believe in faith and karma.
3. What are the three main beliefs of Buddhism?
The Three Universal Truths, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path are the three basic teachings of Buddhism.
4. What is the belief system of Jainism?
Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jains believe in reincarnation.
5. Is Jainism older than Buddhism?
Indeed, Jainism is a much more seasoned religion than Buddhism.