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Introduction 

  • Buddhism and Jainism are two Indian religions that developed in Magadha (Bihar) and continue to thrive in the modern age. This comparative study of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha are generally accepted as contemporaries.Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE
  • Buddhism and Jainism are ancient religions that developed during the days of Ancient India. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, while Jainism is based on the teachings of Mahavira.
  • Apart from this, there are many similarities between Buddhism and Jainism on grounds of terminology and ethical principles, but the way they are applied is different.

Differences between Buddhism and Jainism
Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE
Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE
Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE

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Try yourself:Swetambra and Digambra are two major sects of _____
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After we have learnt about the key differences between Buddhism and Jainism, we will now examine the similarities between the two religions.

Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism

Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE
Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE

Question for Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism
Try yourself:Which religion believed in the concept of Karma?
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The document Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Differences & Similarities between Jainism & Buddhism - History for UPSC CSE

1. What are the main differences between Buddhism and Jainism?
Ans. Buddhism and Jainism differ in several aspects: - Beliefs: Buddhism teaches the Middle Way and the Four Noble Truths, while Jainism emphasizes non-violence and the concept of Ahimsa. - Deity worship: Buddhists do not worship any deities, whereas Jains believe in the existence of liberated souls who have attained a divine state. - Views on the soul: Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul, whereas Jainism believes in the existence of a soul that can be liberated through spiritual practices. - Attitude towards rituals: Jains emphasize strict adherence to rituals and ascetic practices, whereas Buddhism does not place much importance on rituals. - Views on karma: Jainism believes in the accumulation of karma as a barrier to spiritual liberation, while Buddhism sees karma as a causal force that affects one's future existence.
2. What are the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism?
Ans. Despite their differences, Buddhism and Jainism also share some similarities: - Philosophy of non-violence: Both Buddhism and Jainism promote the principle of Ahimsa, advocating non-violence towards all living beings. - Rejection of caste system: Both religions reject the Hindu caste system and believe in the equality of all individuals. - Focus on liberation: Both Buddhism and Jainism emphasize attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death, seeking to end suffering and achieve spiritual enlightenment. - Importance of meditation: Meditation is a significant practice in both Buddhism and Jainism, aiding in the development of mindfulness and inner peace. - Ethical principles: Both religions advocate for ethical conduct, emphasizing virtues such as truthfulness, compassion, and generosity.
3. How does Buddhism differ from Jainism in terms of deity worship?
Ans. Buddhism does not involve the worship of any deities. Instead, it focuses on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and the path to enlightenment. In Buddhism, the ultimate goal is to attain Nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering. On the other hand, Jainism believes in the existence of liberated souls, called Jinas or Tirthankaras, who have achieved divine states of consciousness. Jains worship and venerate these enlightened beings as objects of devotion and seek their guidance and blessings.
4. How do Buddhism and Jainism differ in their views on the soul?
Ans. Buddhism and Jainism have contrasting views on the concept of the soul. Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent, unchanging soul or self (Anatta). According to Buddhist teachings, the idea of an eternal soul is an illusion, and individuals are instead a composition of constantly changing physical and mental factors. In contrast, Jainism believes in the existence of a soul (Jiva) that is eternal and can be liberated through spiritual practices. Jains believe that the soul undergoes cycles of birth and death until it attains moksha (liberation) and becomes free from the cycle of reincarnation.
5. How do Jainism and Buddhism differ in their approaches towards karma?
Ans. Jainism and Buddhism have distinct perspectives on karma. In Jainism, karma is considered as a physical substance that accumulates on the soul due to one's actions. The accumulation of karma leads to bondage and prevents liberation. Jains strive to minimize the inflow of karma through ascetic practices and strict adherence to ethical conduct. In contrast, Buddhism views karma as a causal force that influences future existence. Buddhists believe that karma shapes one's circumstances and experiences but do not attribute it to a physical substance. The goal in Buddhism is to break the cycle of karma by attaining enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
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