Difference Between Buddhism and Jainism

Last Updated : 08 Mar, 2024

Buddhism and Jainism are the two most popular religions in the world. These religions are a result of other religion’s dominancy, their bad teaching, and sins. These become more popular and have followers from all around the world. Buddhism and Jainism were contemporary. While Buddhism spread all around the world at a high rate, Jainism was accepted by few because of its very strict rules and laws and hard language (language of teaching). Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the rituals, Vedas, and priestly class. In this article, we are going to see the key differences between the teachings of Gautama Buddha who is the founder of Buddhism, and the teachings of Mahavira who is the founder of Jainism.

Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by Gautam Buddha at around 500 B.C. Many of the beliefs and practices of Buddhism revolve around the concept of suffering and its causes. Buddhism has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence is growing throughout the West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other faiths. Believers of Buddhism are called Buddhists. Buddhist ethics are based on the principles of non-violence and self-control. There were total of six Buddhist councils were held for spreading the knowledge of Buddha through teaching and sermons. In the 3rd century B.C., Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Indian emperor, made Buddhism the state religion of India. Buddhist monasteries were built, and missionary work was encouraged.

History of Buddhism

Buddhism arose in northeast part of India between late 6th century and early 4th century B.C. Buddhism was founded by Gautam Buddha. Buddhism was founded in Nepal and is based on teaching of King Siddharatha Gautam well known as Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in lumbini(present day Nepal) in a royal family. At the age of 29 he left his kingdom leaving his wife and son behind, in search of peace. After six years of study and meditation he discovered ‘The Middle Path’ and achieved enlightenment.

Principle of Buddhism

Gautam Buddha explains that desires are reason of all sufferings. Life is all about finding inner peace and controlling self-desires. Gautam Buddha laid down an eightfold path, which are basic principle of Buddhism. These eightfold path are mentioned below :

Right action
Right speech
Right Meditation
Right means of livelihood
Right exertion
Right mindedness
Right resolution
Right point of view

Jainism

Mahavira was considered as real founder of Jainism. Mahavira also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism. A Jain Tirthankar is the teaching god or ‘Ford Maker’ in Jainism. 24 Tirthankaras were produced from each cosmic age in Jainism according to religious faith. One will be punished and rewarded according to his karma. Mahavira who is considered as real founder of Jainism rejected Vedic principles. Initially women were not allowed to follow Jain religion. The meaning of word Jaina is the follower of ‘Jina,’ which means ‘Victor’ (Someone who has attained infinite knowledge and who teaches others how to attain moksha).

History of Jainism

Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar, was the creator of Jainism. There are total 24 Tirthankars in the Jain religion. Jainism was originated in Northern India in around 6th century B.C. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankarars (last Tirthankar of Jain faith) was considered as real founder of Jainism. Jainism is based on the belief that every living being has a soul and the ultimate goal of life is to achieve liberation , from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. They believed that this is possible only when we follow a path of non-violence.

Principle of Jainism

Some basic principle on which Jainism relies are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya. Jainism mainly focus on Ahimsa, not to hurt any living beings especially animals for our greed. Jainism does not believe in existence of god. The main principle of Jainism are mentioned below :

Ahimsa :

Ahimsa means non-violence. According to principle of Jainism all living beings whether human, animal , plants, insects and even rocks have life. We should never hurt them or kill them. Ahimsa is main principle of Jainism according to Jainism founders.

Satya :

Satya means truthfulness. In Jainism Satya does not limit only to speaking truth but it has broader meaning. It also guides its follower to never follow wrong path, always choose the right path.

Aparigraha :

Aparigraha means non-possessiveness, non-greediness or non-attachments. This term define non-attachment with things and people. One should cut his requirements to bare minimum, only to support his life. That’s why all Tirthankaras went naked for their whole life.

Asteya :

Asteya means non-stealing. The principle of asteya, or non-stealing, goes beyond the simple act of taking physical possessions without permission. In Jainism, it encompasses a broader perspective, emphasizing refraining from taking anything that does not belong to oneself, whether it be material possessions, credit for someone else’s work, or any form of dishonesty or appropriation.

Brahmacharya :

Brahmacharya specifically refers to the vow of celibacy or sexual restraint. Those who take up the life of a Jain monk or nun commit to abstaining from sexual activity.