Jainism and Buddhism

Jainism and Buddhism, two influential ancient Indian religions, share significant philosophical and ethical commonalities while differing in certain key beliefs and practices. Both were founded around the same time in the 6th century BCE, and both emerged as dissenting movements against the dominant Vedic traditions in ancient India.

Jainism, pioneered by Mahavira, emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and spiritual liberation through self-discipline, austerity, and faith in the manifold realms of existence.

Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, focuses on the Four Noble Truths, advocates the cessation of suffering through the Eightfold Path, and advocates the concept of non-attachment (nirvana).

Both religions reject the authority of the Vedas, promote ethical behavior, and challenge the caste system. Although they differ in cosmological views and practices, both left a profound impact on Indian culture, ethics, and spirituality and spread to different parts of Asia, influencing countless lives and societies throughout history.

Jainism and Buddhism

Introduction About Jainism and Buddhism

Jainism and Buddhism are two Indian religions that developed in Magadha (Bihar) and continue to flourish in modern times. Mahavira and Gautama Buddha are generally accepted as contemporaries. Jainism and Buddhism share many features, terminology, and ethical principles, but emphasize them differently. Both are śramanic ascetic traditions that believe it is possible to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death (samsara) through spiritual and ethical disciplines. They differ in some fundamental doctrines, such as those of austerity, the Middle Way versus Anekantavada, and Self versus non-self (jiva, atta, anatta).

History of Jainism and Buddhism

• (1) Jainism is an ancient religion whose own historiography centers on its 24 guides or Tirthankaras. Of the 24, the last two Tirthankara of Jainism are generally accepted as historical figures, with the 23rd Tirthankara predating the Buddha and Mahavira by probably some 250 years. Buddhists believe that Gautama Buddha, the historical Buddha, rediscovered the long-forgotten dharma around the 5th century BC and began teaching it again. There were also previous Buddhas in Buddhism, 24 in all, as described in the Buddhavamsa, the 14th book of the Khuddaka Nikaya. Buddhists also believe that Gautama Buddha had many previous rebirths as described in the Jataka Tales.
• (2) Buddhist scriptures record that during Prince Siddhartha’s ascetic life (before attaining enlightenment) he underwent many fasts, penances, and austerities, descriptions of which can only be found elsewhere in the Jain tradition. The Jain text Kalpasūtra confirms the asceticism of Mahavira, whose life is the source of guidance for many ascetic practices in Jainism. Such asceticism was the hallmark of mendicant life in Jainism. The Buddha tried but abandoned what he called “extreme ascetic methods” and instead taught the middle way.

Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

• (1) Jainism and Buddhism emerged in India during the 6th century BCE as a response to the social, political, and religious changes taking place in the country at that time. Both religions rejected the authority of the Brahminical caste system and sought to provide an alternative path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
• (2) Jainism was founded by Mahavira, who was born in the state of Bihar around 599 BC. Born into a royal family, he renounced his worldly possessions at the age of 30 and spent the rest of his life seeking spiritual enlightenment. Jainism teaches that liberation can be achieved through strict adherence to the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (Asteja), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
• (3) Buddhism, on the other hand, was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in the state of Lumbini, in present-day Nepal, around 563 BC. He was also born into a royal family but gave up his wealth and position in search of spiritual enlightenment. Buddhism teaches that liberation can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path of Buddhism, which includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
• (4) Both Jainism and Buddhism challenged the dominance of Brahmanism, which was the dominant religion in India at the time. They rejected the authority of the Vedas, which were the sacred texts of Brahmanism, and offered a new path to spiritual liberation. Jainism and Buddhism also emphasized the importance of ethics and morality in achieving liberation, and their teachings had a significant impact on Indian society and culture.

Teachings of Jainism

(1) Non-violence (Ahimsa)

Jainism places great emphasis on non-violence towards all living beings, including animals and plants. Jains believe that non-violence is the highest virtue and is necessary for spiritual purity and liberation.

(2) Self-Control (Sanyam)

Jainism encourages the practice of self-control and discipline in all aspects of life, including thoughts, words, and actions. The ultimate goal is to attain spiritual purity and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

(3) Non-attachment (Aparigraha)

Jainism emphasizes the importance of non-attachment to material possessions and desires. Jains believe that attachment leads to greed, which is the source of negative karma.

(4) Karma

Jains believe in the accumulation of karmic consequences based on one’s actions, thoughts, and intentions. Good deeds result in positive karma, while bad deeds result in negative karma.

(5) Liberation (Moksha)

The ultimate goal of Jainism is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth and attain spiritual purity. Jains believe that this can be achieved through the practice of non-violence, self-control, and non-attachment.

Teachings of Buddhism

(1) Three Jewels

There are three Buddhist central beliefs, or three jewels, because they are very valuable. Faith in Buddha,

Dharma – Buddha’s teaching, Sangha – Buddhist group of monks and nuns. Design is meant to help other people and thus move forward on the path to enlightenment.

The core of the Buddha’s teachings are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and the Eightfold Path, which guide the Buddhist on the path to enlightenment.

(2) The Four Noble Truths

Buddhism teaches that all life is marked by suffering (dukkha) and that the way to overcome suffering is to follow the Four Noble Truths. These truths are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering.

(3) The Eightfold Path

Buddhism teaches the Eightfold Path as a means of attaining liberation from suffering. These eight factors are right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

(4) Karma

Buddhism also believes in the concept of karma, but in Buddhism, karma refers to the idea that one’s actions have consequences that can affect one’s present and future life.

(5) No-Self (Anatta)

Buddhism teaches that there is no permanent self or soul. Rather, the self is constantly changing and composed of different parts and elements.

(6) Impermanence (Anicca)

Buddhism teaches that everything in life is impermanent and constantly changing. This impermanence is the root of suffering, and the way to overcome suffering is to cultivate a deep understanding and acceptance of impermanence.

Jainism in the Pali Canon

• (1) The Pali Canon does not record that Mahavira and Gautama Buddha ever met, although examples of Mahavira’s disciples questioning Gautama Buddha can be found in various sutras. For example, in the Majjhima Nikaya, Upali – one of Gautama Buddha’s leading disciples is said to have been a disciple of Mahavira, who became a disciple of the Buddha after losing a debate with him. Buddhists have always maintained that by the time Buddha and Mahavira were alive, Jainism was already an established faith and culture in the region. According to the Pali Canon, Gautama was aware of the existence of Mahavira as well as communities of Jain monks.
• (2) Buddhist texts refer to Mahavira as Nigantha Jnataputta. Nigantha means “without knot, tie or string” and Jnataputta (son of Natas), referred to his original Jnata or Naya (Prakrit) clan. The Five Vows (nonviolence, truth, non-attachment, non-theft, celibacy/chastity) proposed by the 23rd Jain Tirthankara Parsva (877–777 BCE) may have been the model for the Five Precepts of Buddhism. In addition, the Buddhist work Anguttara Nikaya quotes the independent philosopher Purana Kassapa, the founder of the now defunct order in the sixth century BCE, as listing “Nirgranthas” as one of the six main classifications of humanity.
• (3) Buddhist scriptures reflect that the Jains had followers during the Buddha’s lifetime. The Majjhima Nikaya suggests close correlations between Jain teachings and the Buddha’s and describes dialogues between the Buddha and several members of the “Nirgrantha community”. The Indian Buddhist tradition categorized all non-Buddhist schools of thought as pāsaṇḍa “heresies” (pasanda means to throw a noose or pasha – based on the doctrine that schools labeled as Pasanda promote views perceived as wrong because they tend to bind and ensnare rather than liberate the mind) . Differences between schools of thought are outlined.

Jainism in Divyavadana

The ancient text Divyavadana (Ashokavadana is one of its parts) mentions that in one instance a non-Buddhist in Pundravardhana drew a picture showing the Buddha bowing at the feet of Mahavira. On the complaint of the Buddhist devotee Ashoka, the Maurya emperor issued an order to arrest him, followed by another order to kill all the Ajivikas in Pundravardhana. Around 18,000 Ajiviks were executed as a result of this order. A little later another ascetic in Pataliputra drew a similar picture. Ashoka burned him and his entire family alive in their house. He also announced the award of one dinar (silver coin) to anyone who brought him the head of Jainism. According to the Ashokavadana, as a result of this order, his brother Vitashoka was mistaken for a heretic and killed by a cowherd. Their ministers advised that “this is an example of the suffering that is inflicted even on those who are free from desire” and that “it should guarantee the safety of all beings”. After that, Ashoka stopped issuing orders for executions. According to K. T. S. Sarao and Benimadhab Baruya, the stories of Ashoka’s persecution of rival sects appear to be a clear fabrication based on sectarian propaganda.

Buddhist texts in Jain libraries

According to Padmanabha Jaini, Vasudhar Dharani had a Buddhist work among the Jains of Gujarat in the 1660s, and a manuscript was copied in 1638. Dharani was recited by non-Jain Brahmin priests in private Jain homes.

Shared terminology

Shared terms include Sangha, Shramana (monk), Shravaka (householder in Jainism, Buddha’s disciple in Buddhism), Jina (Tirthankara in Jainism, Buddha in Buddhism), Chaitya, Stupa, Pudgala (matter in Jainism, soul in Buddhism), etc. Early Jainism used stupas, although this practice was mostly (but not entirely) abandoned later.

Sects of Jainism

Jains were divided into two major sects of Jainism: Digambara Jainism and Svetambara Jainism. The partition was largely due to a famine in Magadha. This restricted the assembly led by Bhadrabahu to move to South India. During the 12 years of famine, the assembly in South India adhered to strict practices. The gathering in Magadha gradually assumed a sloppy nature. They started wearing white clothes. After the famine, the southern assembly returned to Magadha. The changed practices prompted the split of Jainism into two factions.

(1) Digambara

Monks of this sect of Jainism believe in complete nudity. Male monks wear no clothes, while female nuns wear an unstitched plain white saree. Observe all five vows (Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya). Believe that women cannot achieve liberation. Bhadrabahu was the representative of this sect.

(2) Svetambara

Monks wear white robes. Follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya). Believe that women can achieve liberation. Sthulabhadra was the exponent of this sect.

Sects of Buddhism

Initially, there may have been a unified vision of what the Buddha taught, but over time disagreements over what constituted the “true teaching” resulted in fragmentation and the establishment of three main sects of Buddhism:

• (1) Theravada Buddhism (School of the Elders).
• (2) Mahayana Buddhism (The Great Vehicle).
• (3) Vajrayana Buddhism (Diamond Path).

Council of Jainism

There are two Jain councils. It is:

(1) First Jain Council

It was held at Patliputra in the 3rd century BC and was presided over by Sthulbhadra.

(2) Second Jain Council

Held at Vallabhi in 512 CE and presided over by Devardhi Kshmasramana. The final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas. caused the split of Jainism into two factions.

Buddhist councils

There are four Buddhist councils. It is:

(1) First Council

held at Rajgruha in 483 BC presided over by Mahakshayap, in the patronage of Ajatashatru. Buddha’s teachings divided into two parts: – vinaya pitaka and sutta pitaka

(2) Second Council

held at Vaishali in 322 BC, presided over by Sabakami, the patron saint of Kalashoka. The followers are divided into two sections Sthavirmadins and Mahasanghika.

(3) Third Council

held at Patliputra 250 BC, presided over by Mogliputta Tissa, patron of Asoka. Third Pitaka Abhidhamma Pitaka compiled.

(4) Fourth Council

held at Kundalvan (Kashmir), AD 72, presided over by Vasumitra, patron of Kanishka. Buddhism is divided into two parts Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism.

Jain Literature or Texts

Jain literature falls into two main categories-

(1) Agam or canonical literature (Agam Sutras)

The Agam literature consists of many texts which are the sacred books of the Jain religion. They are written in Ardha-magadhi, a form of the Prakrit language.

(2) Non-Agamic Literature

Non-Agamic literature consists of commentaries and explanations of Agamic literature and independent works compiled by ascetics and scholars. They are written in many languages ​​like Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, German and English.

Buddhist text

all were written in Pali or Ardhamagadhi.

(1) Vinaya Pitaka

deals mainly with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Buddha. It describes in detail the gradual development of the sangha. An account of the life and infusion of the Buddha is also given.

(2) Sutta Pitaka

It consists mainly of discourses delivered by the Buddha himself on various occasions. Several Discourses Delivered by Sariputta, Ananda. Moggalana and others are also included in it. It lays down the principles of Buddhism.

(3) Abhidhamma Pitaka

Contains the profound philosophy of Buddha’s teachings. It explores mind and matter to help understand things as they are.

Jain Art and Architecture

• (1) The craftsmanship and design of the Jains have the main objective of keeping up, protecting, and extolling the way of life. Jain’s design, especially its shrine engineering is unique in India. Jain shrines in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are widely recognized. The Jain shrines at Ranakpur and Mount Abu in Rajasthan are among the most fabulous. Incredible cut stone designs can also be found in the caves of Mathura, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa.
• (2) Various stone caves have been found at Udayagiri and Khandagiri, two hillsides in the Puri district of Odisha, and at Ellora in Maharashtra. Most Jain shrines in India consist of three parts of the central structure: Image Chamber, Garbhagriha, Hall Mandapa, and Veranda. A fourth component referred to as Antarala can also be seen lying between the image chamber and its hall. Antarala, a small vestibule is where admirers can stand and look at the symbol or observe the customs directed inside the sacred place.

Jain Temple

The four most famous Jain temples are –

(1) Dilwara Temple

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is famous for Dilwara temple dedicated to Jain Tirthankara. These were processed with the support of the Solanki rulers. It was worked from pure white marble and decorated with perfect models.

(2) Ranakpur Jain Temple

Dating back to the fifteenth century, Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the most magnificent Jain temples. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The sanctum is structured as a Chaturmukha with four consoles and all the sculptures facing each other.

(3) Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India. It is constantly visited by thousands of devotees. This is a dreamy place where two abnormally rugged piles of Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri meet on either side of the city. On top of Vindhyagiri is a 57 feet tall solid statue of Lord Gommateshwara, otherwise called Lord Bahubali, the child of the first Tirthankara, Adinatha in convention.

(4) Bawangaja

Bawangaja is a celebrated Jain pilgrimage site in the Barwani region of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for the world’s largest gigantic statue (carved out of a mountain) of Lord Adinath, the chief Jain Tirthankara. The statue is 84 feet tall. It was created in the twelfth century.

Buddhist Art and Architecture

(1) Barabar Caves

In India, caves have been considered sacred spaces for some time. In Buddhism, they were created by humans for use as shrines and religious communities by Buddhist priests and monks. Barabar in Bihar was built in the third century BC during the Mauryan empire. This is considered the most sophisticated example of Buddhist stone cut design. Attributed to Emperor Ashoka, these caves consist of two rock-cut rooms.

(2) Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves is in Maharashtra. It is a collection of 30 stone Buddhist shrines spanning six centuries. They are cut into the vertical side of the chasm situated on the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. The Ajanta Caves are considered landmarks of Buddhist design. They contain living and resting rooms, kitchens, ascetic spaces, places of worship and stupas. The houses of the priests, made of blocks or exposed stone, are called viharas. Cave places of worship used for worship are called chaitya grihas.

(3) Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves were built between the fifth and tenth centuries. These caves consist of twelve Buddhist, seventeen Hindu and five Jain stone shrines, exhumed from the slopes of Charanandri.

(4) Sanchi Stupa

The Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist structure famous for its Great Stupa, atop the city of Sanchi. This town is located in the Raisen district of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located 46 kilometers northeast of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the most established stone structures in India. It is a major landmark of Indian architecture. It was originally authorized by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC.

Buddhists who practice vegetarianism (animal products such as eggs, honey, dairy products, and root vegetables acceptable to eat) are not as extreme compared to the Jain diet.

Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism

Much has been made of the similarities between Buddha and Jesus in their lives and teachings, although there are some distinct differences. The similarities between Jainism and Buddhism and Mahavira and Buddha are much more pronounced.

(1) No creator god

There is no creator god in Jainism. There is no creator god in Buddhism.

(2) No creation myth

There is no creation myth in Jainism, the first beginning is unknowable. There is no creation myth in Buddhism, the first beginning is unknowable.

(3) Previous founders

Mahavira was not the founder but rather the rediscoverer of the truth according to Jainism. Buddha was not the founder but rather the rediscoverer of the truth according to Buddhism.

(4) 24 Previous Teachers

According to Jainism, there are known 24 Tirthankaras who discovered the truth after a time when the teaching was lost. According to Buddhism (Buddhavamsa), there were 24 previous Buddhas who discovered the truth (plus 3 in prehistoric times and Gotama-Buddha, totaling 28.

(5) Warrior caste

Mahavira was born into the Kshatriya caste (warrior caste). Buddha was born into the Kshatriya caste (warrior caste).

(6) Siddhartha

Mahavira was born to a Kshatriya chief named Siddhartha. The Buddha was the chief of the Kshatriyas and the Buddha’s birth name was Siddhatha.

(7) One child

Mahavira had one child (a daughter). Buddha had one child (son).

(8) Height 6 feet

Mahavira is said to have been 6 feet (1.83 m) tall. The Buddha is said to have been 1.83 m tall.

(9) Enlightenment under a tree

Mahavira renounced the world at the age of 20, attained enlightenment under a tree at the age of 28, and lived to be 72 years old. Buddha renounced the world at age 29, attained enlightenment under a tree at age 35, and lived to be 80 years old.

(10) Asceticism

Mahavira practiced asceticism towards enlightenment. Buddha practiced asceticism towards/before enlightenment.

(11) One meal a day

Jain monks and nuns eat their meals before noon, many of them only have one meal a day at lunch (no other meals during the day). Buddhist monks and nuns (especially Theravada) eat their meals before noon, many of them only have one meal a day for lunch (no other meals during the day).

(12) Dharma Shramana

Jainism belongs to the category of Dharma religions that practice Shramana, which includes forms of renunciation and mental purifications. Buddhism belongs to the category of Dharma religions that practice śramaṇa, which includes forms of renunciation and mental purification.

(13) Yellow

Yellow color is associated with Mahavira. The color yellow is associated with the Buddha (he wore yellow robes) and yellow is a common color in Buddhist temples.

(14) Rejection of caste

Jainism rejects caste distinctions based on birth. Buddhism rejects caste distinctions based on birth.

(15) 5 Commandments

There are 5 great vows or commandments in Jainism. There are 5 primary precepts in Buddhism. The first precept in Jainism is ahimsa (non-violence) which applies to all living beings. The first principle of Buddhism is non-killing, which applies to all living beings. The second precept in Jainism is Satya (truthfulness). The second principle of Buddhism is truthfulness. The third precept in Jainism is Asteja (not stealing). The third principle of Buddhism is not to steal. The fourth precept in Jainism is brahmacharya (celibacy for monks and nuns, no sexual misconduct for lay people). The fourth principle of Buddhism is to abstain from sexual misconduct (celibacy for monks and nuns). The fifth precept in Jainism is aparigraha non-materialism, non-attachment to material things. The fifth precept in Buddhism is to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs that lead to carelessness. (The only precept of the 5 that is somewhat different, but not completely different, since the Buddhist version also calls for no attachments.)

(16) Fourfold Assembly

Mahavira instituted a fourfold assembly of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. The Buddha instituted a fourfold assembly of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.

(17) Nirvana (Nibbana)

Jainism teaches that one must undergo pure conduct, practice meditation, and attain enlightenment, and freedom from rebirth. Buddhism teaches that one must undergo pure conduct, practice meditation, and attain enlightenment, and freedom from rebirth.

The Other Bank In Jainism, tirthankaras are known as waders who have crossed the river of samsara and rebirth. In Buddhism, the simile of crossing the ocean to the other shore is often used to describe enlightenment and Nibbana.

Difference between Jainism and Buddhism

Although Jainism and Buddhism were very similar to each other, there were and are differences between Buddhism and Jainism, as follows:

• (1) Jainism is a much more ancient religion compared to Buddhism. According to Jain traditions, he had twenty-four Tirthankaras and Mahavira was the last of them. This is why while Mahavira was considered a reformer of an already-existing religion, Buddha was considered the originator of a new religion.
• (2) The Jain conception of the soul differs from that of Buddhism. Jainism believes that everything in nature, even stone and water, has its soul. Buddhism does not believe this.
• (3) The concept of ahimsa (non-violence) is different in Buddhism from Jainism. While Jainism greatly emphasized this, Buddhism remained liberal in its interpretation in foreign countries and even allowed the eating of animal flesh where it was a necessity or traditional diet of the people. Still, the Buddhist concept of Ahimsa is more affirming compared to that of Jainism. Buddhism emphasized love for all beings, a more positive virtue compared to Jainism’s concept of non-harm to all beings.
• (4) Buddhism emphasized more on the elimination of caste distinctions as compared to Jainism.
• (5) Jainism recommended the practice of severe austerities to attain salvation, while Buddhism advised its Upasakas to follow the middle path or Tathagata marg.
• (6) According to Jainism women and men in the household cannot attain salvation, while according to Buddhism it is possible for both.
• (7) In the Digambara sect of Jainism, monks are required to walk naked, while Buddhism condemns it.
• (8) Buddhism emphasized the organization of sanghas more compared to Jainism.
• (9) According to Jainism, salvation is possible only after death, while according to Buddhism, it is possible during one’s own life if one can completely detach himself from worldly existence. Thus, while Jainism describes Nirvana as freedom from the body. Buddhism describes this as the destruction of one’s self or detachment from worldly existence.
• (10) Buddhism proved to be more adaptable to circumstances compared to Jainism. This is why, while Buddhism spread throughout Asia and adapted to the traditions of the local population, Jainism remained confined to India.
• (11) In practice, Jainism remained closer to Hinduism than to Buddhism. Therefore, the conflicts between Jainism and Hinduism were negligible, while Buddhism and Hinduism challenged each other and emerged as rivals.
• (12) Jainism never spread beyond the borders of India, while Buddhism spread to the distant lands of Asia. But while Jainism is still a living force in India, Buddhism has virtually disappeared from the land of its birth.

Conclusion

Jainism and Buddhism proved to be the most effective religious reform movements. Jains believed that Vardhamana Mahavira had twenty-three predecessors who were called Tirthankaras. Jainism has taught us not to commit violence, not to lie, not to steal, not to hoard, and to observe abstinence. Gautama Buddha was a contemporary of Mahavira. He undertook long journeys and carried his message far and wide. He recommended the eightfold path (ashtanga marga) for the removal of human misery. The rules and teachings of the Buddha fully took into account the new changes in material life at that time and ideologically strengthened them.

FAQ About Jainism and Buddhism