Buddhism and Jainism are two significant religions that originated in India around the same time (6th century BC) and in the same region (Eastern India). While Jainism remained mostly confined to India, Buddhism spread to other parts of the world, with China, Japan, and Korea being particularly influenced by the religion. Despite many similarities between the two faiths, there are also notable differences.
Key Takeaways
- Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha, while Jainism has ten godly figures called Tirthankars, with Mahavira being the last one.
- Buddhism does not believe in the soul being present in non-living things, but Jainism believes it is present even in inanimate objects.
- Jainism preaches stricter nonviolence (ahimsa) than Buddhism and has a tradition of Tirthankars and other prophets, whereas Buddhism has only one godly figure, Lord Buddha.
Both religions emerged due to friction between different sections of society in the post-Vedic period. During the Vedic age, the Hindu society was divided among castes, with the Shudras at the lowest rung. These people were exploited and deprived of fundamental rights by the Kshatriyas, Brahmins, and Vaishyas, who considered themselves superior to the Shudras. Continued oppression by the upper castes led to uprisings and eventually the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism.
Buddhism is a religion that rejects the authorities of the Vedas and rituals and practices recommended by the Vedas. It is based on the principles of nonviolence and suffering. Buddhists believe that existence is nothing but suffering and the root cause of all suffering is our desires. Once we stop desiring, we are liberated from the cycle of rebirths and attain Nirvana or salvation. In later periods, there was a schism in Buddhism that led to sects called Mahayana and Hinayana.
Jainism, which arose around 550 BC, shares many similarities with Buddhism. The religion does not believe in God but believes in Tirthankars, with Mahavira being the last one. Mahavira was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha, and many believe that the two great leaders had a great respect for each other. Jainism also preaches nonviolence as the method to achieve salvation. Attainment of salvation or Nirvana is the aim of life according to Jainism, and it can be achieved with the Tri-Ratnas: right intention, right knowledge, and right behavior or code. In later periods, Jainism also got divided into Digambar and Shewtambar sects.
There are several key differences between Buddhism and Jainism, such as the founders of the religions, the presence of the soul in non-living things, and the concept of nonviolence. Jainism remained confined to India but took strong roots, whereas Buddhism all but disappeared from India but spread to other nearby countries. Buddhism attracted royal patronage from emperors like Asoka and Kanishka, but Jainism failed to get royal patronage.
