| Jainism and Buddhism |
Philosophies of Jainism and Buddhism, ancient spiritual traditions that emerged during the later Vedic period [around 5 circa B.C] in India. understand their unique beliefs on karma, liberation, and the nature of the self.
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, seeks Nirvana through the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, while Jainism, established by Mahavira, pursues Moksha through non-violence and asceticism.
Difference between Jainism and Buddhism and their approaches to salvation, concepts of the soul, and ethical principles. shared values of non-violence (ahimsa) and rejection of the caste system. Journey through their rich textual heritage written in Sanskrit, Pali, and Ardhamagadhi.
| Difference Between Jainism and Buddhism? |
- Expensive & complicated Vedic rituals, Superstitious beliefs, mantras confused the people.
- The teachings of the Upanishads were highly philosophical, therefore not understood by all.
- The rigid caste system prevalent in India generated tensions in society.
- Desire of Vaishya to improve their social position due to the increase in trade and economic prosperity.
- Unrest in society due to supremacy Brahmina.
- The practice of killing cows became a hindrance to the new agri economy.
| Overview of BUDDHISM |
- The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE.
- Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and asceticism.
- He ascribed instead the ‘Madhyam Marg’ or the middle path which was to be followed.
| GAUTAMA BUDDHA (563 BC-483 BC)
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| LITERARY SOURCES: |
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| 3 JEWELS OF BUDDHISM (TRIRATNA) |
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- Roots of Buddism in the past- Vedanta, Sankhya philosophy & Upansihada.
| GREAT EVENTS OF BUDDHA’S LIFE | SYMBOLS |
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White Elephant |
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Lotus and Bull |
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Horse |
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Bodhi tree |
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Wheel |
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Stupa |
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5 TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA [PANCHSHILA] |
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| 4 NOBLE TRUTHS:
‘ARYA SATYAS’ |
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EIGHT-FOLD PATHS (ASTANGIKA MARGA) |
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FIVE PRECEPTS OR PANCHASHIL
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| THREE PITAKAS |
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| BUDDHIST SANGHA AND ITS FEATURES: |
- The oldest prayer place in history where slaves, Insolvents, and diseased were not allowed.
- There were 64 types of crimes called Pathimokshas, which were prohibited
- Women were also allowed to join.
| IMPORTANT BUDDHIST SCHOLARS |
- MOGGALIPUTTA TISSA – launched ASHOKA’S dhamma campaign
- ASVAGOSHA– wrote BUDDHACHARITA and Sanskrit drama SARIPUTRA PRAKRAN [sariputra the disciple of Buddha]
- NAGARJUNA – Founded madhyamik school of mahayanbuddism, gave theory of SUNYAVAD’ EMPTINESS’ and important work include ‘MULAMADHYAMAKAKARIKA’
- BUDDHAGOSH – most important commentator of Theravada, important work is VISUDDIMAGGA.
- DHARMAKIRTI – Teacher at Nalanda, called as ‘kant of india’.
| BODDHISATTVAS |
- In Mahayana, Buddhism Bodhisattva is a person who can reach nirvana but delays doing so through compassion for suffering beings
- It is similar to the concept of Incarnations in Hindu Mythology.
- Bodhisattvas are common figures in Buddhist literature and art.
| BODHISATTVA | TRAITS OF INDIVIDUAL BODHISATTVA |
| MAITREYA |
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SAMANTABHADRA |
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VAJRAPANI
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| AVLOKITESVARA |
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| KSHITIGARBHA |
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| AMITABHA |
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| SADAPARIBHUTA |
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| MANJUSHRI |
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| AKASAGARBHA |
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| BUDDHIST COUNCILS |
| COUNCIL | VENUE | CHAIRMAN | PATRON KING | OUTCOME |
| First
483 BC |
Sattapani cave at Rajgriha. | Mahakasyapa | Ajatasatru |
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| Second 383BC | Vaishali | Sabbakami | Kalashoka |
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| Third
250 BC |
Pataliputra | MogaliputtaTissa | Ashoka |
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| Fourth
98AD |
Kashmir | Vasumitra & Ashvaghosa | Kanishka |
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| SCHOOLS OF BUDDHISM |
- MAJOR SCHOOLS à Mahayana & Hinayana
- OTHER SCHOOLS à Theravada, Vajrayana & Zen.
| MAHAYANA BUDDHISM |
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| HINAYANA BUDDHISM: |
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| THERAVADA AND SARVASTIVADA: |
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| VAJRAYANA: |
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| ZEN: |
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| CONTRIBUTION OF BUDDHISM: |
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RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL SPHERE
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ART AND CULTURE SPHERE
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| IMPORTANT TERMS & MEANINGS RELATED TO BUDDHISM: |
| TERM | MEANING |
| ARHATS | Liberated beings |
| NIRVANA | State of Supreme Bliss |
| SHEEL | Refers to when a layperson leaves home to live the life of a Buddhist renunciate among a community of bhikkhus |
| ŚRAMAṆA | One who labors, toils, or exerts themselves (for some higher or religious purpose) or “seeker, one who performs acts of austerity, ascetic. |
| UPASAMPADĀ | Refers to the rite and ritual of ascetic vetting (ordination) by which a candidate, if deemed acceptable, enters the community as Upasampadā (ordained) and authorised to undertake ascetic life. |
| VASSA | Three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada practitioners. Taking place during the wet season, Vassa lasts for three lunar months, usually from July to October. |
| UPOSTHA | It is a Buddhist day of observance. The Buddha taught that the Uposatha day is for “the cleansing of the defiled mind,” resulting in inner calm and joy. |
| PAVARANA | Assembly at the end of Vassa |
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POSADHA |
Restoration of vows |
| CAUSES FOR DECLINE OF BUDDHISM: |
- Decline of Buddhist Sanghas due to violation of Buddist principles & discipline.
- The Buddhists began to adopt Sanskrit, the language of the elite. So the masses moved away.
- The attack of Huns in the 5th & 6th centuries and Turkish invaders in the 12th century destroyed the monasteries.
- Buddhism was mainly an urban religion with rural India always Hindu. When Islam came to India, it impacted the urban regions & thus Buddhism.
- Revival of Brahmanism and Division among Buddhists
- Rajput rulers were warlike and could not follow the policy of Ahimsa.
- Loss of Royal Patronage.
| UNESCO’S HERITAGE SITES RELATED TO BUDDHISM: |
- Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, MP
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Ajanta Caves Aurangabad, Maharashtra
NOTE: Heritage City Development Scheme (HRIDAY) and identification of 3 Buddhist circuits are some of the few initiatives by the central government to harness the Buddhist pilgrims to both augment the Tourism and employment opportunities.
| JAINISM: History, Teachings, and Impact on Indian Culture |
- Jainism came into prominence in 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion.
- The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.
- There were 24 Tirthankaras (teachers) & the first Tirthankara was Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev.
- The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi.
- The last – 24th Tirthkara was Vardhaman Mahavira.
- The doctrine of Jaina is older than the Buddhist doctrine.
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VARDHAMAN MAHAVIRA (539-467 BC)
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TEACHINGS OF MAHAVIRA
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| TENETS OF JAINISM |
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ANEKANTAVADA
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SYADVADA
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| FIVE DOCTRINES OF JAINISM |
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| THREE JEWELS/
TRIRATNA |
1. Right Faith (Samyakdarshana) 2. Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana) 3. Right Action (Samyakcharita) |
| SPREAD OF JAINISM |
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| SECTS/ SCHOOL OF JAINISM |
- Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The division occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled a group led by Bhadrabahu to move South India.
- During the 12 years famine, the group in South India stuck to the strict practices while the group in Magadha adopted a more lax attitude and started wearing white clothes.
- After the end of famine, when the Southern group came back to Magadha, the changed practices led to the division of Jainism into two sects.
| DIGAMBARA |
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| SHVETAMBARA
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| JAIN COUNCILS |
| COUNCIL | VENUE | CHAIRPERSON | OUTPUT |
| First 300BC | Patliputra | Sthulabahu, Patron – Chandragupta Maurya | Compilation of 12 Angas |
| Second 512 AD | Vallabhi | Devardhigani | Final compilation of 12 Angas &12 upanga |
| IMPORTANT TERMS RELATED TO JAINISM |
- ASRAV- Inflow of karmas to the soul that occurs at every second in life.
- SAMVARA– Stoppage of the influx of the material karmas into the soul consciousness.
- NIRJARA – Shedding or removal of accumulated karmas from the atma (soul), essential for breaking free from samsara, the cycle of birth-death and rebirth, by achieving moksha, liberation. It is one of the seven fundamental principles, or Tattva in Jain philosophy.
- SALLEKHANA– It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids. Also Called Santhara.
- KAIVALYA, also known as Kevala Jnana, means omniscience in Jainism and is roughly translated as complete understanding or supreme wisdom.
| IMPORTANT JAIN LITERATURE AND ITS SCHOLARS |
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- AGAM OR CANONICAL LITERATURE (AGAM SUTRAS): Agam literature consists of many texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain religion + They are written in the Ardha-magadhi, a form of Prakrit language.
- NON‑AGAM LITERATURE: Non-agam literature consists of commentary and explanation of Agam literature, and independent works, compiled by ascetics and scholars + They are written in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and English.
| JAIN ARCHITECTURE |
- MANASTAMBHA: It is found in the front side of the temple, having religious importance with an ornamental pillar structure carrying the image of Tirthankar on top and on all four cardinal directions.
- BASADIS: Jain monastic establishment or temples in Karnataka.
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LAYANA/GUMPHAS (CAVES)
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| STATUES
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JAINALAYA (TEMPLE)
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| CONTRIBUTION OF JAINISM |
- Preached Non-violence toward all living beings.
- Growth of Prakrit & kannada language. Vardhaman Mahavir preached in ‘Ardha-Magadhi’ language, the language of the common man.
- Introduced new philosophy – syatvad.
- Art & architecture – statue of Gomateshwara (Shramanbdlogola), temples of Khajuraho and Abu. Tiger cave of Udayagiri and Indra Sabha of Ellora.
- Jainism contributed to the growth of the trading community.
| Jainism and Buddhism |
Jainism and Buddhism are two ancient religious traditions that originated in India around the same time (6th century BCE) and share some common philosophical roots, yet they have distinct doctrines, practices, and beliefs. Here are some of the key differences and similarities between Jainism and Buddhism:
Difference between Jainism and Buddhism
- Founders:
- Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.”
- Jainism: Founded by Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, who is considered the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) in Jain tradition.
- Beliefs about the Soul (Atman) and Non-Self (Anatta):
- Buddhism: Rejects the concept of an eternal, unchanging soul (anatta). Instead, it teaches the doctrine of anatta, emphasizing the impermanence of all things, including the self.
- Jainism: Believes in the existence of a soul (atman) that is eternal and unchanging. Jainism emphasizes the liberation (moksha) of the soul from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
- Approach to Salvation (Moksha or Nirvana):
- Buddhism: Aims for the attainment of Nirvana, which is a state of liberation from suffering, ignorance, and the cycle of rebirth.
- Jainism: Seeks to attain Moksha, which is a state of complete spiritual liberation, freedom from samsara, and union with the ultimate reality (Jina).
- Concept of God:
- Buddhism: Generally agnostic or non-theistic. While some Buddhist traditions incorporate devotional practices and deities, they are not central to the core teachings.
- Jainism: Non-theistic. Jainism does not posit a creator god. Instead, it focuses on spiritual practices, ethics, and self-realization.
- Ethical Principles:
- Buddhism: Emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as the foundational ethical and moral guidelines for leading a virtuous life.
- Jainism: Emphasizes the Five Great Vows (Mahavrata) which include non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism
- Non-violence (Ahimsa): Both Jainism and Buddhism place a strong emphasis on non-violence, considering it a fundamental principle for ethical conduct and spiritual progress.
- Karma: Both traditions believe in the concept of karma, which is the law of cause and effect. Actions (karma) have consequences, which influence future experiences.
- Rejection of Caste System: Both reject the rigid caste system prevalent in ancient Indian society. They advocate for the spiritual equality of all beings.
- Renunciation and Asceticism: Both traditions have a history of ascetic practices, including monks and nuns who renounce worldly possessions and lead a life focused on spiritual development.
- Rejection of Rituals and Sacrifices: Both Jainism and Buddhism reject the ritualistic practices and sacrificial rites that were prevalent in Vedic religion and early Hinduism.
- Sanskrit Literature: Both traditions have their own rich corpus of philosophical and religious texts, written in various Indian languages including Sanskrit, Pali, and Ardhamagadhi.
While Jainism and Buddhism share common cultural and philosophical influences from ancient India, they have distinct interpretations of these ideas and different paths to spiritual realization. These differences have led to the development of unique practices, beliefs, and communities within each tradition.
- Jainism recognized the existence of god while Buddhism did not.
- Jainism does not condemn the varna system while Buddhism does.
- Jainism believed in the transmigration of soul i.e. reincarnation while Buddhism does not.
- Buddhism prescribes a middle path Jainism advocates for its followers to live the life of complete austerity.
Also Read: Post-Mauryan Period (200 BC – 300 AD) – Clashes, Cultures, and Kingdoms in Ancient India
