Jainism and Buddhism — Question 18
Back to all questionsThe two causes for decline of Buddhism are:
- Split in Buddhism — The popularity and prestige of Buddhism suffered due to its division into Hinayana, Mahayana and sixteen other sects. Each sect had its own followers.
- Corruption in Sangha —Buddhist sangha received patronage of royalty and had become very rich. The monks and nuns started leading a luxurious life instead of simple spiritual life.
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.