What is the Difference Between Buddhism and Jainism?

Buddhism and Jainism are two Dharmic religions that developed in ancient India, sharing many features, terminology, and ethical principles but differing in their core doctrines and practices. Some key differences between the two religions include:

1. Concept of Soul: Jains believe in the existence of an eternal Jiva (soul), whereas Buddhism denies the concept of self (jiva) or soul (atman), proposing the concept of no-self (anatta) instead.
2. Anekantavada Doctrine: This doctrine is a key difference between Jainism and Buddhism. It emphasizes the multiplicity of viewpoints and the validity of all perspectives within the universe.
3. Asceticism: Both religions believe in the possibility of attaining liberation from the cycle of rebirth through asceticism. However, they differ in their approach to asceticism: Jainism emphasizes non-harm and non-action to stop karma, while Buddhism focuses on eliminating ignorance and transforming intentions through the three high trainings leading to an enlightened mind.
4. Founders: Buddhism is centered upon the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, while Jainism is centered on the life and teachings of Mahavira.
5. Goals: The main scope of Jainism is to eliminate karma (actions) through non-violence and non-action, leading to the liberation of the soul. In contrast, the main scope of Buddhism is to eliminate ignorance and transform intentions, leading to the liberation of the mind.
6. Non-violence: Both religions practice non-violence, but Jainism has refined the doctrine to an extraordinary degree, with its followers avoiding harm to any living beings and adhering to strict vegetarianism.

Despite these differences, both Buddhism and Jainism share a belief in the cycle of rebirth, the importance of karma, and the need for spiritual practices to attain liberation.

Comparative Table: Buddhism vs Jainism

Here is a table comparing the differences between Buddhism and Jainism:

Both Buddhism and Jainism originated in India and are centered around finding a form of enlightenment after following a disciplined and compassionate way of life. Both religions recognize many gods but do not have an overarching divinity who is the creator, judge of the dead, or exercises omnipotence. The main difference between the two lies in their goals: Buddhism aims to eliminate mental anguish, while Jainism focuses on the liberation of the soul through non-harm and non-action.