4/5/2018 Buddhism vs Jainism - Difference and Comparison | Diffen

Buddhism vs. Jainism

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Buddhism is centered upon the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha,

whereas Jainism is centered on the life and teachings of Mahavira. Buddhism
is a polytheistic religion and it's main goal is to gain enlightenment. Jainism is
also a polytheistic religion and it's goals are based on non-violence and
liberation the soul.

Comparison chart

Buddhism Jainism

Place of worship Buddhist monasteries, temples, Temple

shrines.

Practices Meditation, the Eightfold Path; Five vows of Truth, Non-violence,

right view, right aspiration, right
speech, right action, right
livelihood, right effort, right
mindfulness, right concentration
Non-stealing, Non-attachment,
control over desires and senses.
Greater emphasis on non-
violence and truth. Also follow 3
jewels of Right Perception, Right
Knowledge and Right Conduct

Place of origin Indian subcontinent India.

Goal of religion To attain enlightenment and be To gain liberation and be

released from the cycle of rebirth released from cycle of rebirths,
and death, thus attaining Nirvana. adopt a path of non-violence
towards all living beings.

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Buddhism
Founder The Buddha (born as Prince
Siddhartha)
Use of statues Common. Statues are used as
and pictures meditation objects, and revered
as they reflect the qualities of the
Buddha.
Literal Meaning Buddhists are those who follow
the teachings of the Buddha.
Clergy The Buddhist Sangha, composed
of bhikkhus (male monks) and
bhikkhunis (female nuns). The
sangha is supported by lay
Buddhists.
Belief of God The idea of an omniscient,
omnipotent, omnipresent creator
is rejected by Buddhists. The
Buddha himself refuted the
theistic argument that the
universe was created by a self-
conscious, personal God.
Means of Reaching Enlightenment or
salvation Nirvana, following the Noble
Eightfold Path.
Human Nature Ignorance, as all sentient beings.
In the Buddhist texts, it is seen
that when Gautama, after his
awakening, was asked whether
he was a normal human being,
he replied, "No".
Life after death Rebirth is one of the central
beliefs of Buddhism. We are in an
endless cycle of birth, death and
re-birth, which can only be
broken by attaining nirvana.
Attaining nirvana is the only way
to escape suffering permanently.
View of the The highest teacher and the
Buddha founder of Buddhism, the all-
transcending sage.
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Jainism
Rishabhdev- 1st Tirthankar in this
era, Further revived by
Vardhaman Mahavir- 24th and
final Tirthankar of this era
Common.
To become a Jina (liberated soul)
by following the teachings of 24
Tirthankars (ford-
makers/teachers)
Monks, nuns.
Jainism does not believe in a
Creator God.
Goal is to unshackle the soul
from bondages of karma which
results in misery due to many
rebirths and deaths. Once soul is
freed from these bondages, it
achieves Nirvana and becomes
perfect soul free from all
attachments, in an eternal blissful
state
Human suffering is due to
negative effects of bad karma
and excessive attachment to
material aspects of world.
Until liberation is achieved, circle
of rebirths and deaths continue
due to Karma via incarnations in
any life form on earth, as also
heavenly and hellish life forms.
Buddha is considered as
contemporary of Mahavir
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Buddhism
Marriage It is not a religious duty to marry.
Monks and nuns do not marry
and are celibate. Advice in the
Discourses on how to maintain a
happy and harmonious marriage.
Followers Buddhists
Religion which Yes.
atheists may still
be adherents of
Original Pali(Theravada tradition) and
Language(s) Sanskrit(Mahayana and
Vajrayana tradition)
View of other Since the word Dharma means
Dharmic doctrine, law, way, teaching, or
religions discipline, other Dharmas are
rejected.
Holy days/Official Vesak day in which the birth, the
Holidays awakening, and the parinirvana
of the Buddha is celebrated.
Authority of Dalai Dalai Lamas are tulkus of the
Lama Gelug school of Tibetan
Buddhism. They are cultural
figures and are independent of
the doctrinal basis of Buddhism.
Population 500-600 million
Status of women No distinctions between men and
women. Women are equal to
men, and men are equal to
women in the Sangha. The
Buddha gave Men and Women
equal rights and a major part in
the Sangha.
Symbols The conch, endless knot, fish,
lotus, parasol, vase,
dharmachakra (Wheel of
Dharma), and victory banner.
Concept of Deity n/a. According to some
interpretations, there are beings
in heaven realms but they are
also bound by "samsara". They
may have less suffering but have
not yet achieved salvation
(nibbana)
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Jainism
Marriage is a social convention
and not linked to religion. But
followers must strictly follow
monogamy. Monks, though have
renounced material world, hence
strictly follow celibacy.
Jains.
Yes. Jains do not believe in the
idea of a Creator God. The laws
revolve around Karma. Good
Karma lead to spiritual elevation
and bad Karma and bad deeds to
decline.
Ancient texts were written in
various languages, predominantly
in Magadhi, language prevalent
at time of Mahavir and Buddha.
Comradeship with other Dharmic
religions.
Paryushan festival
N/A.
50-60 million
Women can become nuns.
Swastika(used it long before it
became a symbol for
antisemitism).
Numerous deities known as
Tirthenkaras. But Jains do not
worship them in literal sense of
idol worship to ask favors.
Rather, these Tirthankars are
venerated as ideal Men and
teachers whose teachings should
be followed.
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Buddhism
Principle This life is suffering, and the only
way to escape from this suffering
is to dispel one's cravings and
ignorance by realizing the Four
Noble Truths and practicing the
Eightfold Path.
Scriptures Tripitaka - a vast canon
composed of 3 sections: the
Discourses, the Discipline and
the Commentaries, and some
early scriptures, such as the
Gandhara texts.
Time of origin 2,500 years ago, circa 563 B.C.E.
(Before Common Era)
Can atheists Yes.
partake in this
religion's
practices?
Goal of To eliminate mental suffering.
Philosophy
Views on Other Being a practical philosophy,
Religions Buddhism is neutral against other
religions.
Place and Time The origin of Buddhism points to
of origin one man, Siddhartha Gautama,
the historical Buddha, who was
born in Lumbini (in present-day
Nepal). He became enlightened
at Bodhgaya, India and delivered
his first set of teachings at a deer
park in Sarnath, India.
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Jainism
Respect all living things. Attain
liberation by avoiding and
shedding of bad karma which is
the cause of rebirths and all
sufferings. Five vows and three
jewels.
Religious scriptures called
Agamas. Many other canonical
texts.
Very ancient. One of the oldest
religions as origin of 1st
Tirthankar is too ancient and
obscure. Mahavir (24th
Tirthankar) born in 599 B.C.E.
Yes
Jainism is a way of life, adhere to
teachings of Tirthankars, respect
all life forms and end goal is to
achieve Nirvana.
Belief in pluralism and respect
other religious view points and try
to accomodate them.
Very ancient, origin obscure
dating many millenia
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