Jainism and Buddhism — Question 6
Back to all questionsWith reference to the given pictures, answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify the two preachers, whose images are given. Name the religions founded by them.
(b) Mention three main teachings of each of the two religions founded by these preachers.
(c) Mention any two similarities and two dissimilarities between the two religions founded by them.
(a) The given images and religion founded by them are:
- A → Mahavira. He founded Jainism.
- B → Gautama Buddha. He founded Buddhism.
(b) Three main teachings of Buddhism are:
- Karma — Buddhism believed in the theory of Karma. It said that man is the maker of his own destiny and it believed in rebirth.
- Nirvana — The ultimate goal of life is to attain Nirvana or Salvation which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
- Ahimsa — Buddhism insisted on the path of non-violence.
Three main teachings of Jainism are:
- The Five Vows — A Jain householder has to take the following five vows:
- Ahimsa: Non-violence
- Achaurya or Asteya: Not stealing
- Satya: Not telling a lie
- Aparigraha: Not possessing property
- Brahmacharya: practising chastity
- Nine truths — According to Jainism ,the knowledge of Nine Truths is essential and only renunciation is the shortest way to salvation. These nine truths are:
- Jiva (Living Things)
- Ajiva (non-living things)
- Punya (results of good deeds)
- Pap (sin)
- Ashrav (good deeds)
- Sanvar (hindrances in the way of karma)
- Bandha (bondage)
- Nirjara (destruction of karmas)
- Moksha (salvation)
- Karma — Jainism believed in the theory of Karma. It preached that one should be responsible for one's own Karma or actions. Good deeds alone liberate a man from the cycle of life and death.
(c) Similarities:
- The founders of both the religions belonged to Kshatriya clan and followed the similar path of renunciation.
- Both of them did not accept the Vedas.
Dissimilarities:
- Buddhism was completely new religion in 6th century BC while Jainism was founded long before Mahavira.
- Buddhism followed a middle path but Jainism believed in hard penance.
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.