Jainism and Buddhism: Teachings, Differences and More!

In Ancient India, humans searched for spirituality and needed clarity in the values and doctrines they should follow. They wanted to know how to lead their lives and what the do’s and don’ts were. This search for spirituality gave birth to two impactful religions: Jainism and Buddhism. Both these religions protested against the stringent rituals of the Vedic religion and offered practical paths to enlightenment while materially reshaping one’s spiritual and ethical thought.

Lord Mahavira founded Jainism, which is based on principles of rigorous self-discipline and compassion for all living beings. Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism, which preached a balanced path to conquer suffering. Although both have fundamental beliefs, the two philosophies differ in many ways and provide varied views on life, the soul, and liberation.

This blog will discuss Jainism and Buddhism, their origins, teachings, and present relevance. Knowing the difference between Jainism and Buddhism will help you appreciate their contributions to spiritual insight and ethical living.

Origins of Jainism and Buddhism: Historical Perspectives

The roots of Jainism and Buddhism lie in ancient India when spiritual exploration flourished, and new philosophies emerged to challenge Vedic orthodoxy. Here’s how the two religions came into being:

Jainism’s Historical Roots

Jainism traces its beginnings to the 6th century BCE with Lord Mahavira. He was the 24th Tirthankara, whose lineage dates back to centuries of enlightened teachers guiding humankind towards liberation. Nonetheless, his teachings systematised Jainism as we know it today.

Lord Mahavira preached asceticism, shunning possessions and worldly pleasures. He believed in Ahimsa, or nonviolence, not only towards human beings but also towards all living entities, however small. This accounts for vegetarianism among Jains and their utmost care to avoid harming even insects.

The emphasis on self-discipline and ethical purity aimed to help individuals break free from karmic cycles and achieve Moksha, or liberation. These principles have remained the cornerstones of Jain philosophy, influencing millions of followers to lead lives of simplicity and compassion.

Buddhism’s Emergence

Buddhism, founded in the 5th–4th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, began as a personal quest to understand the nature of suffering. Born a prince, Siddhartha abandoned his life of luxury to seek deeper meaning through meditation and self-reflection.

After years of ascetic practices, he realised that extreme deprivation was as unfulfilling as indulgence. This realisation led to the Middle Way, a path balanced between the two extremes. His enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree marked the starting point of Buddhism. The Buddha provided practical steps for overcoming suffering, attracting followers from all walks of life.

Core Teachings of Jainism and Buddhism

Jainism and Buddhism both preach right living and spiritual liberation. Though they share similar principles, their methods reveal some interesting differences. The following are the key teachings of each:

Teachings of Jainism

The central teaching of Jainism is non-violence or Ahimsa. This does not only refer to physical violence but also extends to thoughts and speech. Even unintentional harm caused to the most diminutive creature holds karmic significance for Jains. Hence, Jain monks and devout followers are incredibly cautious in their daily activities; some even sweep the ground as they walk to avoid stepping on insects.

The founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, advocated self-discipline as the path to liberation. The concept of karma is central to this philosophy. However, unlike other religions, Jainism views karma as a physical substance that attaches itself to the soul due to one’s actions. Each decision made adds to or subtracts from this karmic burden.

According to Jainism, the ultimate goal of life is Moksha (liberation). Jains pursue rigorous asceticism, fasting, renunciation, and self-control to achieve this.

Teachings of Buddha

The teachings of Buddha revolve around understanding and overcoming suffering. Buddhism preaches the Four Noble Truths, which explain that suffering is a part of life, but there is a way to end it. The Eightfold Path provides a practical guide to achieving this, with steps like right mindfulness, action, and effort.

Mindfulness is central to Buddhism. It involves being fully present in the moment, whether meditating, working, or even eating. Buddhists cultivate inner peace and wisdom through mindfulness and meditation, leading to enlightenment.

Compassion is another pillar of Buddhism. The Buddha believed that by letting go of desires and attachments, we can free ourselves from suffering and help others do the same. 

Key Differences Between Jainism and Buddhism

While Jainism and Buddhism share ethical foundations, their philosophies and practices differ slightly, offering distinct paths to spiritual enlightenment. Here are some of the significant differences between Jainism and Buddhism:

Philosophical Differences

Jainism and Buddhism have different views on the soul. Jainism’s founder, Mahavira, taught that every living being has a permanent, individual soul (Atman). This soul is bound by karma, and liberation (Moksha) is achieved by purifying it. In contrast, Buddhism adopts an entirely different approach with Anatta, or non-self. Gautama Buddha taught that there is no eternal soul; existence is a collection of changing phenomena.

Their approaches to the spiritual path also differ significantly. Jainism leans heavily into asceticism—fasting, renouncing possessions, and enduring hardships to purify the soul. This path requires immense discipline. Conversely, Buddhism promotes “The Middle Way,” a more practical, balanced approach for ordinary people.

Shared Ethical Values

Despite their differences, Jainism and Buddhism share some common ground. Non-violence (Ahimsa) is a foundational principle for both traditions. For Jains, this principle is all-encompassing, guiding every action. Buddhists also practice compassion and kindness (Metta), focusing on reducing the burden of suffering for any living being.

Both traditions stress detachment from material desires. While Jainism often pursues this through ascetic extremes, Buddhism encourages letting go of attachments through mindfulness and meditation.

Why Jainism and Buddhism Matter Today

The teachings of Jainism and Buddhism offer practical guidance in today’s conflict-ridden world. Their emphasis on nonviolence (Ahimsa) resonates deeply with movements for social justice, animal rights, and environmental sustainability.

Buddhism’s mindfulness practices, rooted in the teachings of Buddha, have gained global recognition. According to research, around 506 million people follow Buddhism worldwide. From mental health therapies to corporate wellness programmes, these practices help individuals manage stress and cultivate inner peace.

Jainism’s principles of ethical living and minimalism are equally relevant. In an age of overconsumption, its call for simplicity and compassion inspires sustainable living. Both traditions encourage introspection and moral action, providing timeless solutions to modern challenges.

Jainism and Buddhism: Different Values But Same Ethical Foundation

Even though Jainism and Buddhism differ in their core values and teachings, they are committed to ethical living and spiritual liberation. Their teachings, rooted in ancient India, remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago. Understanding the differences between Jainism and Buddhism helps us appreciate their unique contributions and grasp the principles of non-violence, mindfulness, and compassion.

Jainism and Buddhism remind us that the path to peace begins within ourselves. Whether through Jainism’s rigorous asceticism or Buddhism’s balanced Middle Way, both traditions offer profound wisdom for addressing life’s challenges and problems.

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