Jainism and Buddhism A Comparative Study Chapter 4 Part 3

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Jainism and Buddhism FAQ: 1- What are the key differences between Jainism and Buddhism? While both religions emerged in India during a time of social and religious upheaval, they differ in several fundamental ways: Founder: Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), while Jainism credits 24 Tirthankaras with its development, with Parsvanatha and Mahavira being the most prominent. Core Teachings: Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths (suffering, cause of suffering, cessation of suffering, and the Eightfold Path to end suffering). Jainism centers around the Three Jewels (Triratnas): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, achieved by adhering to the Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas). Concept of Soul: Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent soul (anatta), while Jainism believes in an eternal soul (jiva) that transmigrates. Non-violence: Jainism practices strict non-violence (Ahimsa), including vegetarianism and prohibiting agriculture. Buddhism advocates a moderate path, allowing meat consumption in certain circumstances. Salvation: Buddhists achieve Nirvana through the Eightfold Path and detachment from desires. Jains strive for Kaivalya through strict asceticism, attainable only after death. God: Buddha remained agnostic about God's existence, while Jainism acknowledges deities. Karma: Both religions believe in karma, but Jains view it as a physical substance affecting the soul. Philosophical Concepts: Buddhism advocates the Middle Way (Madhyamika), rejecting extreme metaphysical positions. Jainism proposes Anekantavada (plurality of reality) and Syadvada (conditional judgments based on perspective). 2- How do Jainism and Buddhism view women's roles? Buddhism: Initially, Buddha resisted women joining the Sangha, later conceding. Hinayana and Mahayana schools don't hold women in high regard for enlightenment, while Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism promote gender equality. Jainism: Women play a central role in Jainism, participating as laywomen, nuns, and scholars. Svetambara sects have female mendicants, and the "soḷa sati" (16 virtuous women) serve as role models. 3- What are the primary schools of thought within Buddhism and Jainism? Buddhism: Mahayana (The Great Vehicle) Vajrayana (The Way of the Diamond) Theravada (The School of the Elders) Jainism: Digambara Svetambara 4- How do the canons of Buddhism and Jainism differ? Buddhism: The Buddhist canon, the Tripitaka, is written in Pali and divided into Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. Jainism: Jain literature is categorized into Digambara and Svetambara texts. Digambaras follow the Siddhanta, while Svetambaras adhere to a collection of Angas, Upangas, Prakirnakas, Mulasutras, Chedasutras, and Chulika sutras, primarily in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. 5- What are the key features of Buddhist and Jain art and architecture? Architecture: Buddhism boasts distinctive styles like Gandhara, Mathura, and Amravati, with elaborate rock-cut caves. Jain architecture adapts local traditions, featuring smaller caves. Paintings: Buddhist paintings depict Bodhisattvas and Jataka tales (Ajanta caves), while Jain paintings are less extensive (Sittanavasal caves). Both religions contributed to miniature painting traditions. Literature: Jain canons use Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, while Buddhist canons are in Pali. Non-canonical literature in both religions employs Sanskrit and other languages, with Buddhist literature being more extensive due to royal patronage. 6- How did Buddhism and Jainism spread, and what factors influenced their reach? Patronage: Royal patronage significantly aided Buddhism's expansion, while Jainism relied more on support from traders and artisans. Spread: Buddhism's moderate approach facilitated adaptation across regions. Jainism's strict adherence to non-violence and lack of leadership beyond India limited its spread. Notably, Buddhism declined in its birthplace while Jainism persists, albeit with a smaller following. 7- What is the stance of Buddhism and Jainism on the Varna system? Buddhism: Buddhism explicitly condemns the Varna system. Jainism: Jainism doesn't outright denounce the Varna system. 8- How do the concepts of karma in Buddhism and Jainism differ? Both religions believe in the law of karma, where past actions influence the present. However, Jains view karma as a physical substance that attaches to the soul, impacting its transmigration. Buddhists see karma as a more abstract principle of cause and effect.

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Discuss Jainism and Buddhism. Jainism and Buddhism: A Comparison: Both Jainism and Buddhism arose in India during a period of social and religious upheaval in the 6th century BC. They challenged the existing Vedic traditions and the rigid caste system, eventually becoming well-organized and popular religions. While sharing some similarities, they differ in several key aspects. Origins and Core Teachings ●Founders: ○Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. ○Jainism: Credited to 24 Tirthankaras, with Parsvanatha and Mahavira being the most notable due to their historical impact. ●Core Doctrines: ○Buddhism: Centers on the Four Noble Truths, which acknowledge suffering, identify its cause as desire and ignorance, and offer the Eightfold Path as the way to end suffering. ○Jainism: Emphasizes the Triratnas (three jewels): Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, as the path to achieving moksha (liberation). ●Concept of Soul: ○Buddhism: Rejects the concept of a permanent self (jiva) or soul (atman), proposing the idea of "no-self" (anatta). It also denies the transmigration of the soul. ○Jainism: Believes in an eternal soul (Jiva) that transmigrates. ●Non-violence: ○: Buddhism Advocates a moderate approach to non-violence, prohibiting violence but allowing for the consumption of meat under certain circumstances. ○Jainism: Strictly adheres to the doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa). Jain vegetarianism, for instance, stems from the belief that no animal should be harmed. They even avoid agriculture to prevent the killing of insects and pests. ●Salvation: ○Buddhism: Advises the Middle Path to achieve Nirvana, which is attainable in this life by detaching from worldly desires and ignorance. Both men and women can attain salvation. ○Jainism: Prescribes strict asceticism to attain Kaivalya (salvation), attainable only after death. They believe that women and male householders cannot achieve salvation. ●God: ○Buddhism: The Buddha neither confirmed nor denied the existence of God, focusing more on individual actions. ○Jainism: Recognizes the existence of God and includes pantheons of gods, including Brahmanical gods, in their worship. ●Karma: ○Buddhism: Highly values the law of karma, where past actions determine the presenJainism: Also believes in karma, but sees it as a real substance permeating the universe. Actions attract karma particles to the soul. Philosophical Concepts and Schools ●Buddhism: ○Madhyamika (Sunyavada): Emphasizes the "middle position" (madhyama pratipad), rejecting extreme metaphysical views and proposing "emptiness" (Sunyata). ●Jainism: ○Anekantwada: Proposes a realistic and relativistic pluralism, suggesting a thing can have infinite characteristics. ○Syadvada: Maintains that all judgments are conditional and valid only under specific circumstances. Schools of Thought ●Buddhism: ○Mahayana Buddhism ○Vajrayana Buddhism ○Theravada Buddhism ●Jainism: ○Digambara ○Svetambara Position of Women ●Buddhism: ○nitially, the Buddha resisted allowing women into the Sangha but later relented. ○Hinayana and Mahayana schools don't hold women in high regard, believing their bodies unsuitable for enlightenment. ○Vajrayana (and Tibetan Buddhism) values women, evidenced by female Bodhisattvas, offering equal opportunities. ●Jainism: ○Gives women a central role, with laywomen included in the fourfold community alongside laymen, nuns, and monks. ○Svetambara sects have female mendicants. ○Traditional stories feature prominent women, and goddesses are significant figures. ○The sola sati (16 virtuous women) serve as role models. Views on the Varna System and Canons ●Buddhism: Condemns the Varna system. ●Jainism: Does not condemn the Varna system. ●Buddhist Canon: Divided into three sections (Tripitakas) written in Pali. ●Jain Literature: Classified into Digambara and Svetambara literature. Art, Architecture, and Spread ●Architecture: ○Buddhism: Showcases elaborate styles (Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati). Buddhist architecture is more widespread due to extensive patronage. ○Jainism: Adopted local architectural traditions. Jain caves are smaller than Buddhist ones. ●Paintings: ○Buddhism: Developed distinctive paintings based on Bodhisattvas and Jataka tales. ○Jainism: Paintings did not evolve as extensively as in Buddhism. ●Literature: ○Jain canons: Written in Ardhamagadhi (Prakrit). ○Buddhist canons: Written in Pali. ○Non-canonical literature in both religions is in Sanskrit and other languages. Buddhist literature is more extensive due to royal patronage. ●Spread: ○Patronage: Royal patronage played a key role in Buddhism's spread. Jainism lacked such advantages. Both religions were supported by traders and artisans. ○Adaptability: Buddhism's moderate path made it more adaptable. Jainism's strict code of conduct limited its reach. ○Current Status: Buddhism has largely vanished from India, while Jainism remains, though in smaller numbers.

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Discuss Core teachings. Here is a discussion of the core teachings of Buddhism and Jainism,: ●Buddhism ○Four Noble Truths: The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhist teachings. They explain the nature of suffering and how to overcome it. ■The world is full of suffering. ■All sufferings have a cause; desire, ignorance, and attachment are the causes of suffering. ■The suffering could be removed by destroying its cause. ■To end suffering, one must know the right path. This path is the Eight-Fold Path (Ashtangika Marga). ○Eight-Fold Path: The Eightfold Path is the path to liberation from suffering. It consists of eight interconnected principles: ■Right View: To understand that the world is filled with sorrow generated by desire, whose end will lead to the liberation of the soul. ■Right aim: To avoid the enjoyment of the senses and luxury. It aims to love humanity and increase the happiness of others. ■Right speech: Emphasising to speak truth always. ■Right action: which is understood to be unselfish action. ■Right livelihood: It instructs that a man should live by honest means. ■Right effort: It is the proper way of controlling one’s senses so as to prevent bad thoughts through correct mental exercises. ■Right mindfulness: To understand that the body is impermanent and meditation is the means for the removal of worldly evils. ■Right concentration: The observation of it will lead to peace. Meditation will unravel the real truth. ○Concept of Self: Buddhism denies the concept of self (jiva) or soul (atman), proposing the concept of no-self (anatta) instead. It also does not believe in the transmigration of the soul. ○Non-Violence: Buddhism takes a moderate path to non-violence. It prohibits violence but is not as strict as Jainism. For example, it permits eating animal flesh if necessary or as part of the local diet. ○Salvation: Buddhists advise their Upasakas to follow the middle path to attain salvation (Nirvana). Nirvana is possible during one’s own life through the practice of detachment from worldly desires and ignorance. Buddhism believes that it is possible for both normal men and women to attain salvation. ○God: The Buddha neither accepted nor rejected the existence of God. He was more concerned about the individual and his actions. ○Karma: The concept of ‘karma’ is highly valued in Buddhism. This law states that past acts determine the present. ●Jainism ○Pancha Mahavratas: The five great vows are the foundation of Jain ethics: ■Truth (Satya) ■Non-violence (Ahimsa) ■Non-possession (Aparigraha) ■Non-stealing (Asteya) ■Celibacy (Brahmacharya) ○Triratnas: According to Jainism, a person can achieve "moksha" by leading a life of purity, virtue, and renunciation. The following principles (triratnas or ratnatraya) can be followed to achieve moksha (nirvana): ■Right belief (Samyak Darshana): Samyak Darshana, or "right perception," involves seeing things properly and avoiding preconceptions and superstitions. ■Right knowledge (Samyak jnana): Accurate and sufficient knowledge of the real universe, including the five or six substances and nine truths, is essential, and this knowledge should be accompanied by the right mental attitude. ■Right conduct (SamyakCharitra): To avoid harming living things and freeing oneself from attachment and impure attitudes and thoughts. It believes that those with the right faith and knowledge achieve the right conduct. ○Concept of Self: Jains believe in the existence of an eternal Jiva (soul). They believe in the transmigration of the soul. ○Non-Violence: The doctrine of nonviolence ('Ahimsa') is strictly followed in Jainism. Jain vegetarianism is based on the idea that no animal should be harmed. They also prohibit agriculture because they believe that it can kill insects and pests. ○Salvation: Jainism advises the practice of strict asceticism to attain salvation, that is Kaivalya. They believe salvation is possible only after death. According to Jainism, women and male householders cannot attain salvation. ○God: Jainism recognizes the existence of God. For example, pantheons of gods, including the Brahmanical gods, are worshipped in Jainis Karma: Jains believe in Karma. According to Jains, karma is a real substance that permeates the entire universe. The actions of the soul draw karma particles to the soul.

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Discuss Non-violence doctrine. Non-Violence in Buddhism and Jainism: The doctrine of non-violence, or ahimsa, is central to both Buddhism and Jainism, but the two religions differ significantly in their interpretations and applications of this principle. ●Buddhism adopts a more moderate approach to non-violence. While prohibiting violence, Buddhism is not as strict as Jainism and even permits the consumption of animal flesh if necessary or as part of local customs. ●Jainism, on the other hand, strictly adheres to the doctrine of ahimsa. This principle extends to all living beings, and Jain vegetarianism is rooted in the belief that no animal should be harmed. Jains even avoid agriculture because it might lead to the killing of insects and pests. The differing interpretations of non-violence stem from the broader philosophical differences between the two religions. While both religions emphasize the importance of minimizing harm, Jainism places a greater emphasis on the absolute sanctity of all life, leading to a more stringent interpretation of ahimsa.

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Discuss Salvation. Here is a discussion about salvation, : ●Buddhism and Jainism, both religions originating in India, present distinct paths to salvation. While both faiths emerged from similar socio-religious contexts, their approaches to achieving liberation differ significantly. ●Buddhism refers to salvation as Nirvana, achievable during one's lifetime through the practice of detachment from worldly desires and ignorance. This path is open to both men and women. In contrast, Jainism terms salvation as Kaivalya, attainable only after death through the practice of strict asceticism. This path, according to Jainism, is not accessible to women or male householders. ●The sources further elaborate on the principles and practices guiding each religion's path to salvation. Buddhism advocates the Middle Path, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. These teachings emphasize understanding the nature of suffering, cultivating right conduct and mental discipline, and ultimately, achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. ●Jainism, with its stringent emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa), prescribes the Triratnas (three jewels) as the path to liberation: Right belief, Right knowledge, and Right conduct. These principles underscore the importance of understanding the true nature of reality, avoiding harm to all living beings, and detaching from worldly possessions and desires.

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Discuss Philosophical concepts. Here is a discussion of philosophical concepts : ●Buddhism ○Madhyamika: Also referred to as Sunyavada, this concept was organized by Nagarjuna in the 2nd century A.D. ■The name Madhyamika stems from Buddha's "middle position" (madhyama pratipad). ■This "middle position" is the rejection of the extreme metaphysical positions of "is" and "is not" (Sasvatavada and Uchedavada). ■It becomes the no-position, which is transcendental and unable to be expressed. ■The word "Sunyata" is used to explain the no-position. ●Jainism ○Anekantwada: This doctrine proposes realistic and relativistic pluralism. ■Anekantwada states that a thing can have an infinite number of unique characteristics. ■It emphasizes the complexity and multifaceted nature of ultimate truth and reality and is the theory of plurality. ○Syadvada: This doctrine of Jaina metaphysics states that all judgments are conditional. ■udgements are only valid under specific circumstances, senses, or conditions. ■Syadvada is expressed by the word syat, which is Sanskrit for "maybe". ■There are countless ways to view something, which are called naya. The podcast focus on comparing and contrasting the core teachings and doctrines of Buddhism and Jainism, including their philosophical concepts.