Relgions - table-2

Aspect Jainism Buddhism Hinduism Sikhism Founders Lord Mahavira Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) No single founder; diverse traditions Guru Nanak and subsequent Sikh Gurus Time of Origin 6th century BCE 6th century BCE Varied, but ancient (around 1500 BCE) 15th century CE Central Figure Tirthankaras (Spiritual teachers) Buddha (Enlightened One) Various deities (Brahman, Vishnu, Shiva, etc.) One God (Ik Onkar) Belief in God No belief in a creator God No belief in a creator God Diverse beliefs, including monotheism, polytheism, and pantheism Monotheistic, belief in one God Soul (Atman) Belief in eternal soul (jiva) Denial of permanent soul (Anatta) Belief in eternal soul (Atman) Concept of soul (Jiva) Path to Liberation Right faith, right knowledge, right conduct (triratna) Eightfold Path (right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration) Paths vary, including Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), Jnana (knowledge) Naam Japna (meditating on God's name), Kirat Karni (honest living), Vand Chakna (sharing with others) Ahimsa (Non-violen ce) Emphasized as a fundamental principle Emphasized, especially in the first precept of the Eightfold Path Emphasized, especially in the concept of Ahimsa Emphasized, non-violence is a core principle Asceticism Strong emphasis on ascetic practices Ascetic practices, but not as central Varied, some sects emphasize asceticism Emphasis on leading a householder's life Concept of Karma Important, affecting one's rebirth Important, affecting one's future existence Important, influencing one's destiny Emphasized, affects the cycle of rebirth

Goal (Moksha/Nir vana) Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha) Liberation from the cycle of suffering (Nirvana) Liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death Liberation (Mukti) from the cycle of rebirth Scriptures Agamas Tripitaka (Pali Canon) Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas Guru Granth Sahib Monastic Community Monks (Sadhus) and nuns (Sadhvis) Monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkhunis) Monks (Sannyasis) and nuns (Sannyasinis), but not as central Khalsa (baptized Sikhs), no traditional monastic order Worship Practices Meditation, rituals, fasting, pilgrimages Meditation, mindfulness, rituals, ceremonies Varied, including rituals, puja (worship), yajnas (sacrifices) Gurdwara services, Kirtan (devotional singing), Naam Simran (meditation on God's name) Iconography Symbol of Swastika and hand gestures (mudras) Dharma Wheel, Bodhi tree, Buddha images Varied, deities and symbols based on traditions Sikh symbols: Khanda, Ik Onkar, etc.

Jainism: Aspect Description Founders Lord Mahavira Time of Origin 6th century BCE Central Figure Tirthankaras (Spiritual teachers) Belief in God No belief in a creator God Soul (Atman) Belief in eternal soul (jiva) Path to Liberation Right faith, right knowledge, right conduct (triratna) Ahimsa (Non-violence) Emphasized as a fundamental principle Asceticism Strong emphasis on ascetic practices Concept of Karma Important, affecting one's rebirth