Mains Daily Question
Dec. 4, 2023
Q1. Though the factors for the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism were somewhat similar, their basic tenets were quite different. Analyze. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: The question has two parts 1) Mention the factors of origin which were similar to both Buddhism and Jainism and 2) How their philosophies differed Introduction: Mention about the origin of Buddhism and Jainism, their timeline and their founders. Body: Address the demand under two headings Heading 1: Similar factors which led to the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism. Heading 2: Differences in the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism Conclusion: Mention how both religions were major events in history and how they brought a great transformation in future. |
Answer: Buddhism and Jainism emerged as the most important religious reform movements during the later Vedic period around the 6th Century BC in the Magadh region (present-day Bihar). Siddhartha Gautam founded Buddhism and came to be known as ‘Buddha’ and Rishabhdeva founded Jainism but the 24th Tirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira is considered the real propagator of the religion.
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Factors which led to the emergence of the Buddhism and Jainism were similar in the following ways: |
- Rigid Caste System: Caste dictated every part of life and there was little scope for social mobility. The Kshatriyas resented the domination of Brahmins. Both Gautam Buddha and Mahavira belonged to the Kshatriya origin.
- Economic factors: The growth of trade improved the economic power of Vaishyas who now wished to enhance their social status. However, lending money was looked down upon in Vedas. As a result, Vaishyas looked for a new religion that would offer them an alternative.
- Religious factors: Complexity of rituals and indiscriminate sacrifices were being resented by people as religion was not available to the common man. The rise of agriculture also increased the demand for animals which were less available due to sacrifices.
- Material Life: The new material life created confusion in society. The earlier simple life appealed to many. The simple tenets of both religions along with the use of common languages like Pali and Prakrit helped in the emergence of both religions.
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Despite their similarities in emergence, tenets of both religions had the following differences: |
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Point of Difference |
Buddhism |
Jainism |
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Concept of God |
Buddhists do not believe in any kind of deity or God, although there are supernatural figures who can help or hinder people on the path towards enlightenment. |
Jainism does believe in God, not as a creator, but as a perfect being. When a person destroys all his karmas, he becomes a liberated soul. He lives in a perfect blissful state in Moksha forever. The liberated soul possesses infinite knowledge, infinite vision, infinite power, and infinite bliss. This living being is a God of Jain religion. |
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Birth and Rebirth (Nirvana) |
Rebirth is one of the principal beliefs in Buddhism. It is thought that the endless cycle of birth and re-birth can only be broken by attaining Nirvana (Enlightenment) |
Jainism believes that the circle of rebirths and deaths will continue due to good or bad deeds until liberation is achieved |
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Soul |
Buddhism does not believe in the concept of the soul. |
Every living and non-living thing has a soul. |
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Essence of teaching |
The principal teaching of Buddhism is that life is suffering and to escape suffering (end cause of desire) one needs to dispel ignorance by realizing the Four Noble Truths and practising the Eightfold Path |
Jainism lays emphasis on the respect of all living beings. Liberation from the cycle of rebirths is attained by taking the Five Vows and following the principles of the Three Jewels |
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Ahimsa (non-violence) |
Buddhism advocates that a traditional diet should be followed which can include meat. |
Great emphasis on vegetarianism. |
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Sin |
There is no concept such as Sin |
It refers to doing harm to others. |
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Scriptures |
Scriptures include Tripitaka, which is a vast text consisting of 3 sections: the Discipline, the Discourse and the Commentaries. |
Jain religious texts are called Agamas |
Thus, while Buddhism and Jainism emerged in similar historical and social contexts in ancient India, their fundamental tenets and philosophical underpinnings diverged significantly and took distinct paths in terms of their core beliefs and practices.
