Buddhism and Jainism are two Indian religions that developed in Magadha (Bihar) and continue to thrive in the modern age. Jains believe that their religion is made up of people who have conquered and controlled their desires. Jainism does not have a single founder; rather, the truth is brought to the world in difficult and varied times by a teacher who shows the way, known as a Tirthankara. Buddhism is one of the world's major religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread to large parts of Southeast Asia. The story of Siddhartha, who became known as Buddha, is linked to the origins of Buddhism. Buddhism's traditions, beliefs, and practices are all attributed to Buddha. In this article, we will learn about the similarities and differences between Buddhism and Jainism which will be helpful for the preparation for the UPSC exam.

Buddhism and Jainism - Cause of Origin

• People were perplexed by Vedic ceremonies, superstitious beliefs, and mantras.
• The Upanishads' teachings were profoundly intellectual, and hence not universally comprehended.
• The severe caste system that existed in India created social conflicts.
• Vaishyas' desire to elevate their social standing as a result of increased commerce and economic success.
• The tradition of slaughtering cows became a barrier to the development of a new agricultural economy.

Buddhism

• Buddhism began approximately 2,600 years ago in India as a way of life with the capacity to transform a person.
• It is one of the most important religions in the countries of South and Southeast Asia.
• The religion was founded on the teachings and life experiences of Siddhartha Gautam, who was born in 563 BCE.
• He was born into the Sakya clan's royal lineage, which ruled from Kapilvastu in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal border.
• Gautama left home at the age of 29, rejecting his life of wealth in favor of asceticism, or intense self-discipline.
• Gautama gained Bodhi (enlightenment) under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, a hamlet in Bihar, after 49 days of meditation.
• In the village of Sarnath, near the city of Benares in Uttar Pradesh, Buddha preached his first sermon. Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana is the name given to this occurrence (turning of the wheel of law).
• In 483 BCE, he died at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, a town in Uttar Pradesh. Mahaparinibbana is the name of the event.

Buddha

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Buddhism

Jainism

• ​Jainism is one of the religions whose origins can be traced back to the twenty-four teachers (Tirthankaras - those who establish a path) who are said to have passed down their faith.
• The term 'Jaina' is derived from the term 'Jina,' and the term 'Jina' is the common name for supreme souls who are completely free of all attachment, aversion, and so on.
• Conqueror is the etymological meaning of the word 'Jina.'
• It is the common name for the twenty-four teachers (Tirthankaras) who have conquered all passions (raga and dvesa) and attained liberation.
• In essence, Jainism is the religion of heroic souls known as jinas or self-conquerors.
• Jina devotees are known as 'Jaina,' and the religion founded by Jina is known as the 'Jaina Religion.'
• Jainism has made a significant contribution to Indian culture, spirituality, and philosophy. It is more of a praxis religion than a faith religion.
• Jainism is a sramanic faith. The term "Sramana" refers to an ascetic or a monk.
• Asceticism and mysticism, meditation and contemplation, silence and solitude, and the practice of virtues such as nonviolence, renunciation, celibacy, self-control, and so on are thus distinguishing features of this tradition.

Mahavira

Buddhism and Jainism - Similarities

Buddhism and Jainism - Differences

Conclusion

Jainism and Buddhism emerged as the most potent religious reform movements. The Jainas believed that Vardhamana Mahavira had twenty-three predecessors who were called Tirthankaras. Jainism taught us to not commit violence, not tell a lie, not steal, not hoard, and observe continence. Gautama Buddha was a contemporary of Mahavira. He undertook long journeys and carried his message far and wide. He recommended an eightfold path (ashtanga marga) for the elimination of human misery. The rules and teachings of Buddha took full account of the new changes in the material life of the time and strengthened them ideologically.