The Principle that Distinguishes Jainism from Buddhism: Attribution of a Soul to all Beings and Things

Jainism and Buddhism are two ancient religions that originated in India around the 6th century BCE. While they share some similarities, such as their emphasis on non-violence and the rejection of the caste system, there is a key principle that sets Jainism apart from Buddhism. This principle is the attribution of a soul, known as a jiva, to all beings and things.

Jainism and the Concept of Jiva

In Jainism, the concept of jiva is central to understanding the nature of existence. According to Jain philosophy, all living beings possess a soul or jiva, which is eternal and unchanging. This soul is believed to be distinct from the body and mind and is responsible for the individual's consciousness and experiences.

Belief in the Eternal Nature of the Soul

Jainism teaches that the soul is eternal and goes through a cycle of birth and death known as samsara. This belief in the transmigration of the soul is similar to the concept of rebirth in Buddhism. However, what sets Jainism apart is its assertion that not only humans and animals but also plants, rocks, and even inanimate objects possess a soul.

The Doctrine of Ahimsa

The concept of jiva is closely tied to the Jain principle of ahimsa, which means non-violence or non-harming. Jains believe that every living being, regardless of its form, possesses a soul and therefore deserves respect and compassion. This belief in the sanctity of all life forms has led Jains to adopt strict dietary and lifestyle practices, such as vegetarianism and avoiding harm to even the smallest organisms.

Buddhism and the Absence of a Permanent Soul

In contrast, Buddhism does not subscribe to the belief in a permanent, unchanging soul. According to Buddhist teachings, the self is an illusion or a construct of the mind, and there is no enduring entity that can be identified as a soul. Buddhism emphasizes the impermanence and interdependence of all phenomena, including sentient beings.

The Eightfold Path and the Rejection of the Vedas

Options a) and b) mentioned in the question, the practice of the eightfold path and the rejection of the infallibility of the Vedas, are not distinguishing principles of Jainism from Buddhism. The eightfold path is a fundamental practice in Buddhism that leads to the cessation of suffering, while the Vedas are ancient Hindu scriptures that both Jainism and Buddhism reject as authoritative texts.

In Conclusion

The key principle that distinguishes Jainism from Buddhism is the attribution of a soul to all beings and things. Jainism asserts that every living being, as well as non-living entities, possess an eternal and unchanging soul, known as jiva. This belief in the existence of a soul is central to Jain philosophy and shapes their understanding of the nature of existence and the practice of non-violence towards all forms of life. In contrast, Buddhism does not posit the existence of a permanent soul and instead focuses on the impermanence and interdependence of all phenomena.