What is the Difference Between Jainism and Hinduism?

Jainism and Hinduism are two ancient Indian religions with some similarities and differences. Here are the main differences between the two religions:

1. Creation: Hinduism believes in a creator God, Brahma, who created the universe. Jainism, on the other hand, believes that the universe is eternal and was never created. It does not believe in a separate entity with desires and emotions as a creator.
2. Sacred Scriptures: In Jainism, the Vedas and other religious books of Hinduism are not accepted. Jainism has its own sacred scriptures, such as the Agamas and Sutras.
3. Philosophy: Both religions have concepts like Moksha, Samsara, and Karma, but their precise meanings may differ. For example, in Hinduism, Moksha means merging the soul with the universal soul or eternal being and escaping the cycle of births and deaths. In Jainism, Moksha is a blissful existence.
4. Belief in a Higher Power: Hinduism believes in a higher power, such as God, Gods, or a Force. In contrast, Jainism believes in an impersonal world where nobody is in charge, and each soul is separate and takes responsibility for its actions.
5. Asceticism: Jainism emphasizes the practice of asceticism, while Hinduism does not have such a strong emphasis on it.

Despite these differences, both religions share some common aspects in social and cultural life, making it difficult to differentiate a lay Jain from a lay Hindu.

Comparative Table: Jainism vs Hinduism

Here is a table comparing the differences and similarities between Jainism and Hinduism:

Both religions share some common beliefs, such as the concepts of Moksha, Samsara, Karma, and the cycle of reincarnation. However, they differ in their views on the creation of the universe, the importance of non-violence, and the nature of the universe itself.