Similarities and Differences Between Buddhism and Jainism

In this article, we will learn the history of Buddhism and Jainism, by highlighting both similarities and differences between the two religions, rooted in their principles. Jainism and Buddhism are ancient religions that originated in the 6th century in Magadha (Bihar).

Both Jainism and Buddhism emerged as religious reform movements during the later Vedic period and rejected traditional Hindu ideas and the caste system. It believed in the principle of non-violence (ahimsa), karma, and the cycle of rebirth. However, they differ in their approach to these shared principles. Jainism, advocated a life of austerity and non-violence while Buddhism followed the Middle Path.

Difference Between Jainism and Buddhism

Jainism and Buddhism are two important ancient Indian religions that emerged as a reform movement in the 6th century Bc. Both religions believed in non-violence, karma and the cycle of rebirth. But, they differ in their approaches to liberation, with Buddhism emphasizing the Middle Path and Jainism advocating asceticism and non-possession. The differences Between Jainism and Buddhism are as follows:

Features	Jainism	Buddhism
Founder	Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)	Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha
Central Concept	Liberation (moksha) through self-discipline	Nirvana (liberation from suffering) through the Eightfold Path
Language of Scriptures	Ardhamagadhi for scriptures	Pali for early scriptures (Tripitaka)
Religious Text	Scriptures include Tripitaka	Jain religious texts are called Agamas
Fourfold Path	Right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, asceticism	The Noble Eightfold Path (right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration)
Existence of Soul	Jains believe in the existence of an eternal Jiva (soul).	Buddhism denies the concept of self (jiva) or soul (atman). It believes in the idea of no-self (anatta).
Approach to Truth	Anekantavada: The truth is multifaceted	Middle Way: Avoid extremes, seek balance
Role of Monks/Nuns	Follow strict codes of conduct, celibacy	Follow a disciplined monastic life
Worship Practices	Idol worship of Trithankaras	No idol worship: followed meditation.
Division into sects	Buddhism is divided into two major sects: the Mahayana and the Theravada.	Jainism is divided into two major sects: Svetambara and Digambara
Spread of Religion	Limited mainly to India and some diaspora	Spread across Asia and beyond through missionary activities Asia and beyond through missionary activities.

Similarities Between Jainism and Buddhism

The similarities between Jainism and Buddhism are as follows:

• Both the religion originated in 6th century BC in Magdha(Bihar).
• Both religions were founded by the Kshatriyas of Northern India and both founders of their respective religion renounced their luxurious lifestyle to attain enlightenment.
• Both Jainism and Buddhism rejected the rigid caste system prevalent in ancient Indian society.
• Both rejected the existence of God.
• Both emphasize the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).
• Both the religions rejected the supremacy of Vedas.
• Both believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and seek liberation from this cycle.
• Both Jainsim and Buddhism belived in the faith and karma.
• Both religions believe in the purification of the soul. 

Introduction To Jainism

The word ‘Jain’ originated from jina or jaina meaning ‘Conqueror’. Jainism was founded by Lord Mahavira in the 6th century in the north India. He was the 24th Jain Tirthankara. There were 24 Tirthankaras & the first Tirthankara was Rishabhanath. These Tirthankara were spiritual teachers who attained moksha (liberation) and guided others on the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Teachings of Jainism

• Jainism believed in ahimsa (Non-violence) and advocated a life of austerity.
• It believed in a simple life and minimized attachment to possessions which is Aparigraha.
• Believed in Karma & Transmission of Soul.
• It did not believe in the existence of God.
• Followed the path of Satya which is to uphold truthfulness in speech and actions.
• Jainism believes that truth and reality are complex and have multiple aspects known as Anekantavada.
• It rejected the authority of the Vedas.
• It promoted equality but did not condemn the Varna system.

Five Doctrines of Jainism

1. Ahimsa: Non-injury to a living being
2. Satya: Do not speak a lie
3. Asteya: Do not steal
4. Aparigraha: Do not acquire property.
5. Brahmacharya: Observe continence

Introduction To Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who later came to be known as the Buddha (meaning “the Enlightened One”). It originated around the 5th century BCE. The Buddha’s teaching emphasizes the aim of attaining liberation from suffering caused by desires or attachment.

The Four Noble Truth of Buddhism

1. Dukkha (Suffering): Life is suffering
2. Samudaya (Cause of Suffering): Cause of suffering is desire.
3. Nirodha (End of Suffering): Suffering can be ended by ending the desire.
4. Magga (Path to the End of Suffering): The Eightfold Path is the way to end suffering.

The Eightfold Path of Buddhism

1. Right Understanding
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

Cause for the Emergence of Jainism and Buddhism

The various causes for the emergence of Jainism and Buddhism are:

• Dissatisfaction with the rigid caste system and social inequality prevalent in ancient Indian society.
• Both religions rejected the authority of Vedas, Vedic rituals and sacrificial practices. It provided a simple and direct path to spiritual liberation through meditation.
• It appeal to the masses as it rejected the caste system and promoted inclusivity by attracting followers from various social backgrounds.
• Both religions emphasized ethical principles such as non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion. Both advocated for a simple and peaceful way of life.

Summary – Jainism and Buddhism

Jainism and Buddhism, ancient religions that began around the 6th century in Magadha (Bihar), emerged as reform movements during the later Vedic period, challenging traditional Hindu ideas and the caste system. Both religions shared principles like non-violence, karma, and the cycle of rebirth, yet they differed in their approaches. Jainism promoted a life of austerity and non-violence, while Buddhism followed the Middle Path. Jainism, founded by Lord Mahavira, emphasized principles like truthfulness and rejected the Vedas. Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), focused on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Differences include their views on the soul, truth, and the role of monks. Both rejected the caste system, Vedas, and believed in liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

FAQs on Similarities & Differences Between Buddhism and Jainism

What are the two major schools of Buddhism?

The two major school of Buddhism are – Mahayana Buddhism (the Great Vehicle) believed in the divinity of the Buddha and believed in idol worship and Hinayana (the Lesser Vehicle) did not believe in the divinity of the Buddha and emphasized on individual salvation through self-discipline and mediation.

What are the major sects in Jainism?

The major sects of jainism are: the Digambara sect whose monks practice nudity and believe in non-possession and the Svetambara sect whose monks wear white robes and allow limited possession of certain items.

What is the Time Period of Buddhism and Jainism?

Both Jainsim and Buddhism were founded in the 6th century B.C. ( Late Vedic Period) in Magadha (Bihar). Both emerged as the religious reform movement and rejected the Hindu rituals and caste system.

Which Religion is older, Jainism or Buddhism?

Jainsim is older than Buddhism. Jainism originated in the sixth century BCE while Buddhism originated in the fifth century BCE.

Who is Founder of Jainism?

Jainism was founded by Rishabh deva. There were 24 Tirthankaras & the first Tirthankara was Rishabh deva also known as Rishabh Nath.