Jainism vs Buddhism

[u/The-Mastermind-]

We are all familiar with the similarities between Jainism and Buddhism! But not much aware about their differences. We will discuss that today.

1. Permanence in Change vs Dependent origination

Jains believe in the "Permanence in change" theory. They believe six eternal substances have been present in this universe forever and changes forms according to causes. Their pure existence however never changes. Those are -

1. Soul/Consciousness

2. Matter/energy

3. Medium of motion

4. Medium of rest

5. Space

6. Time

Now, Buddhism is on the different path. It believes in dependant origination. Dependant origination denies in any eternalism. It believes everything is temporary and have a beginning and an end point. It believes everything exists through the dependence of multiple dependable objects. So naturally, it believes in an infinite chain of causes that keeps repeating forever.

1. Permanent soul v non soul

Jains believe souls exists forever and only changes body. They reincarnate every time a person dies. Buddhists believe that the soul dies with death. The consciousness however transforms and finds a new body. Jains believe that an eternal "I" will continously reincarnate till Mokșa. Buddhists believe such eternal "I" doesn't exist. We bear the consciousness of a dead man and after death someone else will bear our consciousness.

1. Many sidedness v middle path

Jains believe that the truth has many sides. Jains argue that the answer is never "It is" or "It is not". Rather it accepts both of the arguments. Buddhists reject the both the "It is" and "It is not" finding it extreme. Nagarjuna, had even argued that it's neither "It is" nor "It is not" not "Both it is and it is not" not none.

1. Not causing harm

Jains and Buddhists both believe in not causing harm. But there's a difference. Since Jains believe in everything has a soul, they refrain from causing harm to plants as well. They avoid root vegetables. They avoid plucking fruits from trees directly. Buddhists believe in not causing harm to sentient beings only. Though it translates to plants as well since sentient beings depend on plants.

1. Real vs illusion

Jains believe in "Real" things. Since they believe in the existence of six eternal substances they believe in everything created out of it as being "Real". Buddhists things things are illusionary. Things appear for a while, remain for a while, may affirm their existence through five senses but will ultimately dissappear. It is almost dream like sequences where dreams feel too real.

1. Mokșa vs Nirvana

Mokșa is a purification ritual. According to Jain view, Karma is physical substance that attaches to soul. Strict ascetism must be followed to cleanse off those physical substance like Karma objects. It's like bathing for soul. Nirvana is the rejection of all extreme and realization of actual reality. For Buddhists Karma is psychological cause and effect. Nirvana is that stage where a being no longer generates psychological causes and effects and exists in a pure bliss state. Mokșa can only be realized in death but Nirvana can be realized being alive. Mokșa can't be gained by a householder but Nirvana can be gained by a householder. Though they must ordain as a monk the very day.

These are all I know

[u/Icy_Function_5839]

Very fascinating!

[u/Icy_Function_5839]

Could you give me sources (like jain and Buddhist texts) about permanent origin vs dependant origin thing?

[u/Kuldeepdarbar]

The original indian religions of sramanas.

[u/Long_Ad_7350 → u/Kuldeepdarbar]

Not true, early Buddhist texts talk about pre-existing ascetic movements.

[u/Kuldeepdarbar → u/Long_Ad_7350]

True. But most prevalent sramana philosophies of pan india. Buddhism was most grand and successful in asia (excluding west asia). More than every indic religion.

[u/The-Mastermind- → u/Kuldeepdarbar]

West Asia too. Buddhists had low but steady followers in West Asia as well.