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Similarities Between Jainism and Buddhism

Similarities & Differences between Jainism and Buddhism | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

  • Both Jainism and Buddhism trace their origins to the Upanishads and share a common cultural background rooted in Aryan tradition.
  • They emerged as responses to the prevailing pessimistic outlook of their time.
  • Both religions arose as critiques of orthodox Brahmanical Hinduism.
  • Buddhism and Jainism originated in Eastern India, where Aryan culture had a limited impact. Despite some infiltration of Aryanism in Eastern India, elements of pre-Aryan culture persisted, contributing to the rise of these revolutionary anti-Brahmanical creeds.
  • In terms of core philosophical concepts, Buddhism and Jainism drew inspiration from Sankhya philosophy.
  • Both Buddhists and Jains share the belief that the world is filled with suffering, and the goal of religion is to free the soul from worldly miseries by eliminating rebirth. This idea of suffering and the impact of Karma was derived from the Upanishads and Sankhya philosophy.
  • Mahavira and Buddha both rejected the authority of the Vedas and the effectiveness of Vedic rituals.
  • They denied the existence of a supreme God and advocated for asceticism, moral, and ethical principles.
  • Non-violence as a means of salvation was emphasized by both teachers.
  • Both religions dismissed the caste system.
  • Jainism and Buddhism had a significant following among the mercantile class.
  • Mahavira and Buddha delivered their teachings in the language of the common people.

Differences Between Jainism and Buddhism

Origins and Founders

  • Jainism is an ancient belief system that predates Mahavira, with at least 23 Tirthankaras before him. Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, did not establish a new religion but introduced reforms within Jainism.
  • Buddhism, on the other hand, was entirely new and did not exist before Buddha.

Concept of Soul

  • The Jaina concept of the soul (Jiva) and matter (Ajiva) differs significantly from the Buddhist understanding of the soul.
  • Jainas believe in ascribing life to plants, stones, and water, a notion rejected by Buddhists.

Question for Similarities & Differences between Jainism and Buddhism
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Which of the following is a key difference between Jainism and Buddhism?
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Practices and Asceticism

  • Jainas practice rigorous asceticism and self-mortification, with Mahavira himself undergoing extreme physical hardships to attain Truth and advising his followers to do the same.
  • Buddha, in contrast, opposed extreme penance and advocated for the "Middle Path." He also denounced the practice of discarding garments, which Mahavira encouraged.

Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

  • Jainism practices an extreme form of Ahimsa, not tolerating the killing of even the smallest insects or germs and ascribing life to inanimate objects like stones and wood.
  • Buddhists believe in Ahimsa but do not observe it to the same extreme degree.

Karma and Nirvana

  • Jainism seeks to eliminate the negative effects of Karma through rigorous penance, self-mortification, and non-violence, rejecting the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.
  • Buddhists believe that the negative effects of Karma cannot be extinguished in this life and focus on eliminating the harmful impulses that create Karma.

Relationship with Hinduism

  • Jainism is more accommodating to Hinduism, not entirely rejecting the caste system and employing Brahmanical priests for worship.
  • Buddhism, however, completely severed ties with Hinduism and rejected the caste system altogether.

Rivalry and Development

  • Buddhist literature often criticizes Jaina doctrines, indicating a historical rivalry between the two creeds.
  • In later developments, Buddhism became a global religion while Jainism had limited progress beyond India.
  • Buddhists were more active in missionary efforts, whereas Jainas did not seek large-scale conversions either in India or abroad.

Current Status

  • While Buddhism has largely disappeared from India, Jainism remains a vibrant faith influencing millions of Indians.
  • Jainism had significant centers in Mathura and Ujjaini, with numerous inscriptions found in these areas.

Question for Similarities & Differences between Jainism and Buddhism
Try yourself:
Which of the following religions practices extreme forms of Ahimsa, not tolerating the killing of even the smallest insects or germs?
View Solution

The document Similarities & Differences between Jainism and Buddhism | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
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FAQs on Similarities & Differences between Jainism and Buddhism - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What are the main similarities between Jainism and Buddhism?
Ans.Both Jainism and Buddhism originated in ancient India and share common philosophical concepts such as the belief in karma, the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), and the pursuit of enlightenment. They both emphasize non-violence (ahimsa) and the importance of ethical conduct in achieving spiritual liberation.
2. How do Jainism and Buddhism differ in their beliefs about the soul?
Ans.Jainism teaches that every living being has an eternal soul (jiva) that is capable of attaining liberation through its own efforts. In contrast, Buddhism does not believe in a permanent soul or self (anatta); instead, it focuses on the concept of no-self and the impermanence of all things.
3. What are the ascetic practices common to both Jainism and Buddhism?
Ans.Both religions advocate for asceticism as a means to attain spiritual goals. Jainism emphasizes extreme ascetic practices, including fasting and renunciation of worldly possessions, while Buddhism also encourages ascetic practices but promotes a "Middle Way," which avoids extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.
4. What is the current status of Jainism and Buddhism in contemporary society?
Ans.Jainism remains a minority religion primarily practiced in India, with a strong emphasis on non-violence and environmentalism. Buddhism has spread globally, with significant populations in countries like Japan, Thailand, and Tibet, and has adapted various forms and practices within different cultural contexts.
5. How do the ethical teachings of Jainism and Buddhism compare?
Ans.Both Jainism and Buddhism emphasize ethical behavior as essential for spiritual development. Jainism focuses on the strict observance of non-violence, truthfulness, and non-possessiveness, while Buddhism promotes the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right speech, right action, and right livelihood as part of its ethical framework.
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