Origin of Buddhism and Jainism- Difference and Principles

Jainism and Buddhism are two old religions from India that have a lot in common. They started because people wanted different ways to live and see the world. This article will talk about where they came from, what they believe, what they do, and how they are alike. It will also point out the main ways they are different. By looking at their histories and ideas, we can understand more about these important religions and how they’ve influenced Indian culture and beyond. This topic is important to know about, especially for Static GK, as there might be questions about it. Let’s explore more about these two big religions.

Buddhism and Jainism

Jainism and Buddhism are both old religions from India, starting around the same time in the 5th and 6th centuries BCE. They have a lot in common, like believing in non-violence, good behaviour, and spiritual cleanliness. However, they also have some differences. Let’s take a closer look at each one separately.

What is Buddhism?

Buddhism began in ancient India around the 5th century BCE. It was started by Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha, meaning “the enlightened one.” Buddhism is built upon the Four Noble Truths, which explain that suffering is a natural part of life but can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path. This path includes things like having the right understanding, intentions, speech, actions, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

What is Jainism?

Jainism, like Buddhism, started in ancient India around the 6th century BCE. It was founded by Mahavira, who is seen as the last and most important of the 24 Tirthankaras, or spiritual leaders, in Jainism.

In Jainism, the core belief is that every living being has a soul, called jiva, and the main aim of life is to attain liberation, known as moksha, from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Jains believe this liberation is possible by following a path of non-violence, called ahimsa, and living a life filled with compassion, honesty, and self-discipline.

Origin of Buddhism and Jainism

• Jainism and Buddhism arose in India during the 6th century BCE in response to the changing social, political, and religious landscape. Both religions opposed the Brahmanical caste system and proposed different ways to break free from the cycle of birth and death, known as samsara.
• Mahavira established Jainism, born around 599 BCE in Bihar to a royal family. At age 30, he abandoned his wealth and dedicated his life to spiritual enlightenment. Jainism advocates liberation through strict adherence to principles like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha).
• Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BCE in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal) to royalty, founded Buddhism. He relinquished his wealth and status to seek enlightenment. Buddhism teaches liberation through the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
• Both Jainism and Buddhism challenged Brahmanism’s dominance, rejecting the authority of the Vedas, and its sacred texts, and offering alternative paths to spiritual freedom. They emphasized ethics and morality, leaving a profound impact on Indian society and culture.

Teaching of Buddhism and Jainism

Below are the fundamental teachings of both religions. Candidates can take a look at each to learn more about them.

Teachings of Buddhism:

• Four Noble Truths: Buddhism teaches that all life involves suffering (dukkha) and offers the Four Noble Truths as a path to overcome it. These truths include recognizing suffering, understanding its cause, realizing it can end, and following the path to end it.
• Eightfold Path: Buddhism presents the Eightfold Path as a way to achieve freedom from suffering. This path comprises the right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
• Karma: Buddhism acknowledges karma, the idea that actions have consequences affecting present and future lives.
• Non-Self (Anatta): Buddhism teaches that there’s no permanent self or soul; rather, the self is ever-changing and composed of different elements.
• Impermanence (Anicca): Buddhism emphasizes impermanence, stating that everything is in constant flux. Recognizing this impermanence helps alleviate suffering.

Teachings of Jainism:

• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): All living things, including plants and animals, are subject to non-violence in Jainism. It is regarded as the greatest virtue and is essential to emancipation and spiritual purity.
• Self-Control (Sanyam): Jainism advocates self-control in thoughts, words, and actions. The aim is spiritual purity and breaking free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Non-Attachment (Aparigraha): Jainism stresses the need to detach from material possessions and desires, as attachment leads to greed and negative karma.
• Karma: Jains believe in karma, where actions, thoughts, and intentions accumulate consequences. Good deeds bring positive karma, while bad ones lead to negative karma.
• Liberation (Moksha): Jainism’s ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Achieving this requires practising non-violence, self-control, and non-attachment.

Principles of Buddhism and Jainism

To help you understand the Origin of  Buddhism and Jainism principles, the core ideas of each are listed here. Study these to learn more about these faiths.

Difference between Buddhism and Jainism

Their numerous differences between Buddhism and Jainism, however, some of them are too similar. Through the below table, you will find out those differences easily.

Similarities of Buddhism and Jainism

Listed below are the similarities between Jainism and Buddhism, notably their focus on non-violence and the significance of ethical conduct. Moreover, both religions are rooted in a shared cultural and historical heritage originating in India.

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