About Jainism and Buddhism
In the ancient period, when the society was divided into varnas based on birth, Brahmins considered themselves as the most superior and dominated the society. During this time many spiritual leaders stood against the dominance of the Brahmin priests and two such great leaders of Magadha were Gautam Buddha and Mahavira Jain. They founded the religions of Buddhism and Jainism respectively both based on the belief of faith and Karma. These religions were against the Brahmin belief of supremacy by birth. Both the founders belong to the Kshatriya family of northern India who decided to stand against the cruelty of the Brahmins.
Difference between Jainism and Buddhism
The difference between the two religions is tabulated as follows:
Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism
The similarities between the two are listed as follows:
Both religions believe in faith and Karma.
Both of them are non-theistic religions.
They both had a common background associated with the Aryan Culture.
Both religions are founded by the Kshatriyas of Northern India.
Both the religions were against Vedas and the Vedic culture as well as against Brahmanism.
Both opposed the sacrifice of animals.
Both the leaders in their religion preached Satya, Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, and detachment from the materialistic world.
Jainism History
The origins of the religion Jainism are uncertain. The Jains claim that their religion is eternal, and they consider Rishabhanatha as the founder in the present time cycle, he who lived for 8,400,000 Purva years. Rishabhanatha is the first Tirthankara among the other 24 Tirthankaras who are considered mythical figures by historians.
Three Principles of Jainism
Jainism is a religion that believes in self-help. In this religion, there are no gods or any spiritual beings who will help human beings.
The three guiding principles followed by Jainism are called the 'three jewels', which are –
Right Belief
Right Knowledge
Right Conduct
Also, the supreme principle of the Jain religion is following non-violence or ahimsa.
Mahavira and Buddha
Mahavira is often regarded as the founder of Jainism, but the Jains believe that the 23 previous Tirthankaras also embraced the religion. Parshvanatha was born 273 years before Mahavira was born. Parshvanatha is a Tirthankara whom the modern Western historians considered to be a historical figure, who lived in about the 8th century BCE.
Buddhism religion's founder is Gautam Buddha. The word Buddha means the “enlightened one”. He believed that the path to enlightenment is attained by utilizing morality, meditation, and gaining wisdom. Buddha's most important teachings are known as The Four Noble Truths, which are essential to understand this religion.
Teachings of Mahavira
One should always speak the truth.
Control over self is very important.
There is no logic in accumulating a lot of wealth that cannot be spent.
Be honest with everybody.
Following the path of non-violence.
Be compassionate towards all living beings.
Belief in the Soul and Karma
Non-Belief in the one God
Rejection of the Rituals
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FAQs on Jainism and Buddhism
1. What are the foundational teachings of Buddhism as taught by Gautama Buddha?
The foundational teachings of Buddhism are summarised in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Gautama Buddha taught that life is filled with suffering (Dukkha), which is caused by craving and attachment. The path to end this suffering is to eliminate desire, which can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path. This path includes:
- Right Understanding
- Right Thought
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
This practical guide to ethical and mental development is also known as the 'Middle Way', avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.
2. What are the core principles of Jainism as established by Mahavira?
The core principles of Jainism, as consolidated by Vardhamana Mahavira, revolve around liberating the soul from the cycle of rebirth. This is achieved by following the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas):
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): The most crucial principle, extending to all living beings, including plants and microscopic organisms.
- Satya (Truthfulness): To always speak the truth and avoid falsehood.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Not to take anything that is not willingly given.
- Brahmacharya (Chastity): To control the senses and abstain from sensual pleasures.
- Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): To detach from worldly possessions and limit one's belongings.
3. What is the main difference between Jainism and Buddhism regarding the concept of the soul and God?
The main difference lies in their concepts of the soul and a creator God. Jainism believes every living being has an eternal soul (Jiva) that is pure and conscious, and the goal is to free it from karmic particles. Buddhism, on the other hand, teaches the doctrine of Anatta (no-self), denying the existence of a permanent, unchanging soul. Regarding God, Buddhism is generally considered non-theistic as it does not posit a creator God. Jainism also rejects a creator God but acknowledges enlightened, liberated souls (Siddhas) who are revered as divine beings.
4. Who was born first, Mahavira or Buddha?
Most historians and scholars agree that Vardhamana Mahavira was a slightly older contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). Both lived and preached in eastern India during the 6th century BCE, a period of significant religious and intellectual upheaval. While exact dates vary, Mahavira's life is generally placed a few decades before the Buddha's.
5. How did the social conditions of 6th century BCE, like the Varna system, influence the rise of Jainism and Buddhism?
The rigid and hierarchical Varna system, dominated by Brahmin priests and complex rituals, created social tension in 6th century BCE India. Both Jainism and Buddhism emerged as powerful alternatives for several reasons:
- They challenged the authority of the Vedas and the supremacy of the Brahmins.
- They offered a path to salvation or liberation that was based on personal conduct (karma) and ethical living, not birth or caste.
- They used common languages like Prakrit (Jainism) and Pali (Buddhism) instead of Sanskrit, making their teachings accessible to the masses.
- Their emphasis on non-violence appealed to the growing agricultural and trading classes (Vaishyas) who were against the practice of large-scale animal sacrifices.
6. How does the practice of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence) differ in Jainism and Buddhism?
While both religions hold Ahimsa as a central tenet, its application differs in degree. In Jainism, Ahimsa is an absolute and extreme principle. It requires practitioners, especially monks, to avoid harming any life form, however small. This leads to practices like wearing mouth-cloths (muhpatti) to avoid inhaling insects and sweeping the ground before walking. In Buddhism, Ahimsa is a key part of the 'Right Action' on the Eightfold Path. The focus is more on intent; violence is avoided, but the rules are less rigid than in Jainism. This practical approach is part of the Buddhist 'Middle Way'.
7. What are the 'Three Jewels' (Triratnas) in Jainism and how do they compare to those in Buddhism?
Both religions have a concept of 'Three Jewels', but they refer to different aspects of the path.
The Three Jewels of Jainism describe the path to liberation for the soul:
- Samyak Darshana (Right Faith or Perception)
- Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge)
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct)
The Three Jewels of Buddhism are objects of refuge that a follower turns to:
- The Buddha (The Enlightened Teacher)
- The Dharma (The Teachings of the Buddha)
- The Sangha (The Community of Monks and Nuns)
8. Why did early Buddhism reject the extreme ascetic practices that were central to Jainism?
Buddhism's rejection of extreme asceticism stems directly from the personal experience of its founder, Siddhartha Gautama. Before attaining enlightenment, he practised severe self-mortification, including extreme fasting, believing it would lead to truth. However, he found that weakening the body only clouded the mind and did not lead to spiritual liberation. This realisation led him to formulate the core teaching of the 'Middle Path' (Majjhimā Paṭipadā). This path advocates for a balanced approach that avoids the extremes of both worldly indulgence and severe denial, which stood in contrast to the rigorous and often extreme austerities required in Jainism.
9. What were the main sects of Jainism and Buddhism that developed over time?
Over time, both religions saw major divisions based on differences in doctrine and practice.
Jainism split into two main sects:
- Digambara ('sky-clad'): The more orthodox sect, where monks do not wear clothes, believing it is essential for renouncing all possessions. They hold that women cannot achieve liberation directly.
- Svetambara ('white-clad'): Monks of this sect wear simple white clothes and believe that women can attain liberation. Their scriptural canon also differs from the Digambaras.
Buddhism primarily divided into:
- Hinayana (later known as Theravada): The 'School of the Elders', which adheres strictly to the original teachings of the Buddha. The ideal is the 'Arhat' who achieves personal liberation.
- Mahayana ('The Great Vehicle'): This school introduced new scriptures and the ideal of the 'Bodhisattva', an enlightened being who delays their own nirvana to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.
