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Buddhism & Jainism When Buddhism and Jainism were developing, no rivalry seemed to have existed between them because both religions believed in a similar philosophy of life. However, they differed on some views such as salvation and soul and this led to their separate ways. Similarities Between Buddhism And Jainism On God ???Buddhism : The original Buddhist doctrine does not have any godly figures, though the later Buddhist sects introduced some Godly figures. The Buddhists believe that these Godlike figures or Bodhisattvas are interested in the welfare of the world and work for its liberation. Jainism : Jainism also denies the existence of God, though they recognise the presence of the Jinas or Kevalins, who are higher than human beings in status. However, unlike the Bodhisattvas, the Kevalins are indifferent to the welfare of the world and remain unaffected. On Nirvana ???Buddhism : In Buddhism, nirvana is freedom from the cycle of rebirth, when a being turns into a state of non-being, or Sunya, loses its identity and becomes nothing. ???Jainism : In Jainism, nirvana is a state of moksha, where a being loses its identity and is free from the cycle of birth and death.
On Liberation ???Buddhism : The path of liberation in Buddhism goes through good conduct and good deeds, as mentioned in Eightfold path, Four Noble Truths, Five Preceptions and other moral conducts. ???Jainism : Similarly, the path of liberation in Jainism is to follow right perception, right knowledge, and right conduct. One has to overcome the worldly desires and feelings to attain liberation or to become a perfect soul. On Yogic Practices ???Buddhism : Buddhism emphasises the practice of meditation and other forms of Yoga to concentrate on inner self. Jainism : In Jainism as well, meditation and other yogic practices are essential for self purification and liberation. On Non-Violence ???Buddhism : Buddhism is a peaceful religion with non-violence at the heart of its thoughts and behaviour. ???Jainism : Non-violence is of extreme importance in Jainism and is followed in action, thought, and speech is the highest morale in Jainism. Difference Between Buddhism And Jainism On Karma ???Buddhism : Buddhism believes in the universality of karma, which is a result of one’s action. ???Jainism : Jainism also believes in the universality of karma.
But, unlike Buddhism, karma in Jainism is not a mere effect of one’s actions, but a real substance that flows into each individual body or jiva. This karmic substance remains with a being until good conduct and self purification eliminates them. On Soul ???Buddhism : According to Buddhism, the soul exists in plants and animals, but not in non-living or inanimate things. ???Jainism : According to Jainism, the soul is present in every animate and inanimate object of the universe including its elements – earth, water, wind, fire and air. On The Status And Evolution of Individual Beings Buddhism : After Nirvana, there is no soul, but the individuality of an individual that passes into nothingness, which is beyond any description and speculation. ???Jainism : After Nirvana, the soul continues to remain as an individual soul, but in the highest state of purity and enlightenment. Survival And Disappearence : Though both, Buddhism and Jainism, originated and developed in India, the difference lies in their spread. Buddhism crossed the boundaries of India and went to other parts of the world, Jainism, on the other hand, remained confined to the land of its origin.