Buddhism & Jainism

Definition

Buddhism and Jainism are ancient Sramana traditions that originated in India in the 6th century BCE, challenging orthodox Vedic traditions. Both emphasize ethical conduct, non-violence, and the cycle of rebirth, aiming for liberation from suffering.

Key Points

• Founders:
  • Buddhism: Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha)
  • Jainism: Rishabhanatha (1st Tirthankara), Mahavira (Vardhamana, 24th and last Tirthankara, considered the reformer)
• Core Principles: Both emphasize Ahimsa (non-violence), Karma, Rebirth, and the pursuit of Moksha/Nirvana (liberation).
• Differences:
  • God: Buddhism is agnostic/atheistic; Jainism believes in the perfection of the soul, not a creator god.
  • Soul (Atman): Jainism believes in an eternal, individual soul (Jiva); Buddhism denies a permanent soul (Anatta).
  • Austerity: Jainism advocates extreme asceticism; Buddhism promotes a Middle Path.
  • Spread: Buddhism spread widely outside India; Jainism remained largely confined to India.
• Sects:
  • Buddhism: Hinayana (Theravada), Mahayana, Vajrayana
  • Jainism: Digambara, Svetambara
• Sacred Texts:
  • Buddhism: Tripitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma Pitaka), Jataka Tales
  • Jainism: Agamas, Kalpasutra

Why Important for Exams

• Frequently asked questions on founders, doctrines, councils, and differences between the two religions.
• Significant influence on Indian art, architecture (e.g., stupas, chaityas, viharas, Jain temples), and philosophy.
• Crucial part of Ancient Indian History and Art & Culture syllabus for SSC, UPSC, State PCS, and other competitive exams.
• Questions on key terms, sites, and historical events related to their spread and decline.

Important Facts

• Buddhist Councils: Four major councils (Rajagriha, Vaishali, Pataliputra, Kundalvana) were held to codify doctrines.
• Jain Councils: Two major councils (Pataliputra, Vallabhi) led to the division into sects.
• Triratnas (Three Jewels):
  • Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma (doctrine), Sangha (monastic order)
  • Jainism: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
• Eightfold Path (Buddhism): Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.
• Pancha Mahavratas (Jainism): Ahimsa, Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-possession).
• Important Sites: Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Sanchi, Ajanta, Ellora (Buddhism); Shravanabelagola, Dilwara, Ranakpur (Jainism).

Remember

Both originated in the same period and region, emphasizing non-violence, but differed significantly on the concept of a permanent soul and the path to liberation.

Related Topics

• Sramana Movement
• Maurya Empire
• Gupta Period
• Ancient Indian Philosophy
• Indian Art & Architecture
• Bhakti Movement