Jainism and Buddhism — Question 1
Back to all questions(a) The Angas are regarded as the most important part of Jain doctrines. They are the compilation of whatever Lord Mahavira taught after gaining omniscience. The Angas were compiled in Twelve parts and are collectively known as Dwadashangi. The two well known and most important Angas are the Aacharang Sutra that deals with the code of conduct for Jain monks and the Vyakhya Pragnapti or Bhagavati Sutra that gives comprehensive description of Jain doctrines. The Angas discuss religious rites, stages of a householder's life, the vows of chastity, rules of conduct and all the philosophies of Jainism. Based on these angas, the seers also compiled 12 auxiliary works that came to be known as Upangas. The Angas and Upangas provide detailed knowledge about Jainism.
(b) The Tripitikas are considered as the most important literary works of Buddhists. The three tripitikas are following:
- The Vinaya Pitaka — It deals with rules and regulations for monks and nuns. It gives an account of life and teachings of Buddha as well as aspects of ancient history, customs and arts of the period.
- The Sutta Pitaka — It comprises the discourses of Buddha and some of his disciples such as Sariputta, Ananda and others. The Dhammapada (way of truth) is an important component of this Pitaka.
- The Abhidhamma Pitaka — It describes Buddhist philosophy, working of human mind and state of matter.
Besides being the most reliable source of information about Buddhism, the Tripitakas also provide a glimpse of the social, economic and political life of people of that period.
(c) Jatakas refer to tales which describe the previous births of Buddha in animal and human forms. According to Jatakas the future Buddha may appear as a king, an outcast, a God, an elephant; but in whatever form, he exhibits some virtue that the tale thereby highlights. The Jatakas provide very little biographical material about Gautama Buddha's own life but throw a significant light on the political, economical and social conditions of people from the fifth to the second century BC. They also reflect Buddhist morals, ethics and principles.
Chapter Overview: Jainism and Buddhism
Jainism and Buddhism emerged in the 6th century BCE as reform movements against the rigid caste system, expensive Vedic rituals, and Brahmanical dominance. Vardhamana Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) established Jainism’s core principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truth, non-stealing, non-attachment, and celibacy. Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) founded Buddhism based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a middle way between extreme asceticism and indulgence.
Both religions rejected the authority of the Vedas and the caste system, preached in Prakrit languages accessible to common people, and gained royal patronage. Jainism split into Digambara and Shvetambara sects after the Council of Valabhi. Buddhism spread across Asia through the efforts of Emperor Ashoka and later missionaries, splitting into Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana schools. Both religions profoundly influenced Indian art, architecture, literature, and social values.
Board Exam Weightage: 6-7 marks | Difficulty: Moderate
Jainism vs Buddhism — Comparison
| Aspect | Jainism | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Mahavira (reorganised; Rishabhadeva was first Tirthankara) | Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) |
| Core teaching | Tri-ratna (Right Faith, Knowledge, Conduct), Five Vows | Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path |
| Ahimsa | Extreme non-violence (covers even microscopic life) | Non-violence but less extreme |
| God | Does not believe in a creator God | Silent on God; focused on individual liberation |
| Sects | Digambara, Shvetambara | Hinayana, Mahayana |
| Spread | Mainly India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka) | Spread to Sri Lanka, SE Asia, China, Japan, Tibet |
Must-Know Concepts
- Causes for Rise: Rigidity of caste system, expensive Vedic rituals, use of Prakrit (common language), royal patronage, simple teachings
- Buddha’s Four Noble Truths: Life is suffering (Dukkha), suffering has a cause (desire/Tanha), suffering can end (Nirvana), the path to end suffering (Eightfold Path)
- Eightfold Path: Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration
- Jain Five Vows: Ahimsa, Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Brahmacharya (celibacy)
- Buddhist Councils: First (Rajagriha), Second (Vaishali), Third (Pataliputra, under Ashoka), Fourth (Kashmir, under Kanishka)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling Mahavira the founder of Jainism — he was the 24th Tirthankara who reformed and organised it
- Confusing Hinayana (individual salvation, original teachings) with Mahayana (universal salvation, Buddha as God)
- Mixing up the Five Vows of Jainism with the Eightfold Path of Buddhism
- Forgetting to mention Ashoka’s role in spreading Buddhism
Scoring Tips
- Comparison questions between Jainism and Buddhism are high-frequency — master the table format
- Always explain the Four Noble Truths in sequence for maximum marks
- Mention contributions to art and architecture: stupas (Sanchi), cave temples (Ajanta, Ellora)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Buddhism spread more widely than Jainism?
Buddhism had powerful royal patronage (especially Ashoka), used a moderate Middle Path accessible to common people, and actively sent missionaries abroad. Jainism’s extreme asceticism (especially for monks) limited its mass appeal.
What are the Tri-ratna of Jainism?
Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). These three together form the path to liberation (moksha) in Jainism.
What is the difference between Hinayana and Mahayana?
Hinayana (Theravada) follows the original teachings of Buddha, seeks individual salvation, and does not worship Buddha as God. Mahayana considers Buddha as God, believes in universal salvation through Bodhisattvas, and developed elaborate rituals and sculptures.