Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism: A Comparative Analysis

Upon reading about the historical and religious background of Ancient India, one can clearly assume that the country was strongly influenced by three main religious teachings: Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These three sects in religious thinking have many similarities as all recognize the life-cycle and the need of liberation, they worship one central deity that used to be a human who gained enlightenment and they all recognize the existence of the eternal soul and after-death re-incarnation. However, they also share a lot of differences that mark the underlying principles of practicing them. I will identify the scope of differences and similarities in these ancient religions in an attempt to understand why each attracted followers, why

Jainism is another religion of India, it has very close relations with other main religions of India like Hinduism and Buddhism. It

1. Ahimsa- nonviolence belief means extremely gentle or harmless. This is the core belief in Jainism. It includes avoiding occupations that may harm other living animals including insects, using items made from animals such as leather and feathers.

     Jainism earliest descriptions were thought of being a self centered search for personal salvation without having a personal God. Jains do not believe in one creator or God. Heinrich Zimmer, an expert on Indian Philosophy, states, ?Jainism is Tran theistic- it does not deny existence of God but that it goes beyond them.? (A 352) Others see it?s as a search for personal growth and a sense of higher personal ethics. Jainism is founded on the goal of overcoming the temporary cycle of earthly life in addition to be released from an endless cycle of existence. Human destiny was the center of Jain teaching. They were to rely on themselves to seek that which will save them from the domination of matter, this being moral elevation. Above all, Jainism is a religion of love and compassion, with an eternal universe. They have made significant contributions in logic, art, and architecture, grammar, mathematics, literature, philosophy, astronomy, and astrology.

Religion is a very intellectual topic in the world. There are so many different types of religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Jainism, and many more. So many people in this world believe in numerous different religions. Some believe in one god, and others believe in hundreds. Hinduism and Buddhism are popular religions that are practiced around the world.

Jains view karma as a physical substance accrued through harm to other life. Sikhs believe karma from a previous life affect the circumstances of your life now, much same way Hindus view karma.

It entails a lifetime of practice and includes being as gentle and harmless as can be. It involves restraint from any act of violence and the Jains uphold this belief with the highest regard. They understand that it takes a great deal more than not harming other living beings but also from harming oneself. The concept of Jains is to achieve freedom of spirit. “Jains do accept ending one’s own life, but we must understand the practice form the Jain point of view and within the context. Jains see all life as a preparation for the liberation of the jiva (Spirit) from the body, and when a person is sufficiently evolved spiritually, that person can then make the final choice to no longer create more karma” Malloy(2013). The Jains believe in nonattachment to earthly possessions, and therefore one can find honor is ending one’s life. Sallekhana or holy death is “the most highly esteemed method, however, is self-starvation,” Malloy (2012.) There by withholding from food the Jains are becoming more selfless and freeing his or her spirit from the earthly plane and achieving a high level of

They see it as a true substance that binds to the jiva with each activity. They believe that our souls attract karmas through activitiesrelated to mind, body, and speech. For example, when you get angry, kill, deceive, or become greedy that the karma will attach itself to the jiva. Then karma begins to form layers and layers on the jiva and hinders us from realizing our true potential. Thus making one continue to go through the cycle of birth and death. The Jain doctrine states that it is possible for us to be able to modify our karma, and to obtain release from it, through the strictness and purity of conduct. Such as, to practice the virtues of truth (satya), the practice of non-violence (ahisma), practice austerity (brahmachara), and practice non-possessiveness

Both Jainism and Sikhism have arisen as alternatives to Hinduism within India. As Molloy highlights, they both share a belief in karma with Hinduism, but both reject the polytheistic and ritualistic elements of Hinduism. Despite these similarities, Jainism and Sikhism are different in their emphasis. The founder of Jainism was named Mahavira. He was the twenty fourth, in a succession of saints, called tirthankaras. Mahavira was born into an aristocratic family, and much of his life is shrouded in legend, but all version of his life story agree, that at the age of 30 he embraced the wandering life of an aesthetic holy man. His is said to have endured much pain, and sacrifice at his own hands, and at the hands of others. During this

Jainism was founded by Mahavira, and it is a religion that is based on the worship of twenty-four liberated souls. These liberated souls are known as jinas, and these are perfected beings who have won against samara, or the cycle of death and rebirth to which the material world is attached to. Jinas are often displayed in seated yogic postures. Jain faith is based on moksha, or the release from rebirth by karma, and the goal of Jainism is to liberate the soul and practice non-violence. Jainism is only practiced in temples and is extremely prevalent in Gujarat and

Nowadays, Jainism people believe that the Buddha and Mahavir as their God. They believe that whatever he said is true. People follow him, and his directions because they know the fact about the things. It is hard to believe for some people in our class that how can it happen? A burning lamp and its oil are

Jains have several different beliefs that they follow, most having to do with peace and non violence. The beliefs they follow are called ahimsa, asceticism, karma, samsara, and the jiva. By definition ahimsa is a religious concept which advocates non violence

Jainism and Buddhism acknowledge extremely similar aspects in their respective religions. They both have a grounded belief of karma, samsara, and one of liberation. Although these basic principle are the same, they have differences within them. In this essay, it will discuss the similarities and differences between the basic beliefs and traditions regarding karma, samsara, recognition of the self, and final liberation in regards to Jain and Buddhist religions.

Jains have five incredibly important aspects that they follow. The first is ahimsa, non-harm, not only to themselves but to everyone and their environment. Next, Jains believe in telling the truth; they don't believe in over exaggerating or lying because it can cause pain to someone (which brakes ahimsa).

Jainism and Buddhism share some common ground and similarities in their beliefs and practices, and they also have features that make them unique and distinctively different from the other. Some of the central similarities of Jainism and Buddhism can be found in when and where their traditions originated, resemblances in their primary teachers, their religious goals, nonbelief in a creator, and their values of nonattachment and nonviolence. Some differences between Jainism and Buddhism are found in their karmic principles and the conception of the soul. There seems to be more parallels shared between Jainism and Buddhism than discrepancies.