Jainism and Buddhism — Question 5
Back to all questionsBuddhism spread far and wide without the assistance of sword. With reference to Buddhism answer the following questions:
(a) Explain briefly the main tenet of Buddha's philosophy that afflicts all human beings. Describe the mechanism described by Buddha to attain salvation.
(b) What was impact of Buddhism on the socio-religious life of the people?
(c) What role did Sangha play in the spread of Buddhism?
(a) The main tenet of Buddha's philosophy is the First Noble Truth — "The world is full of suffering." Buddha explained that suffering is univeral, i.e. it affects all human beings through birth, old age, disease, and death.
Buddha explained that a man could attain salvation by following his teachings contained in the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths.
Four Noble Truths — The essence of Buddhism lies in Four Noble Truths. They are:
- The world is full of suffering.
- The suffering has a cause.
- Desire is the cause of suffering.
- If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.
Eightfold Path — The way to Nirvana, in Buddhism, or the path that leads to removal of suffering, is known as the Eightfold path. It is also known as Ashtangika Marg or the Middle Path. The Eightfold Path includes:
- Right action — To remain away from theft, luxuries and violence.
- Right thought — To remain away from empty rituals and worldly evils.
- Right belief — To give up desire.
- Right living — Not to have dishonest dealing with others.
- Right speech — Speak the truth and do not think ill of others.
- Right effort — Work for deliverance from sins and for the welfare of others.
- Right recollection — Think about pious things.
- Right meditation — Concentrate on only what is right.
(b) Buddhism led to improvement in social and religious life of people. The hindus started a reform movement within hinduism. The costly yajnas and sacrifice and rigidity of caste system were done with. Buddhism fostered intellectual tradition and exposed the weakness in our society. The weaker section of the society who had been subjected to many atrocities got an opportunity to have their say in matters of political and social life.
(c) Sangha played an important role in the spread of Buddhism as it was established to spread Buddhism and it's teachings. Members of Sangha had to take an oath before joining it. Sangha became very powerful and helped to spread Buddhism far and wide. The members had to follow the ten commandments or Paramita to lead a disciplined life. The Bhikshus and Bhikshunis had to roam around for eight months in a year spreading Buddhism. Many Viharas were made for them to sleep and take rest. In the Viharas, the members led a life of chastity, austerity, devotion and purity.
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.