Religious Movements

Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism

Dr. N.N. Ghosh has written,"The points in which Buddhism and Jainism differ from Brahmanism or orthodox Hinduism are the points of resemblance between the former two ".

Monier Williams has observed,"Buddhism and Jainism were not related to each other as parents or child but rather children of common parents,born at different intervals,though at about the same period of time and marked by distinct characteristics,though possessed of a strong family of resemblance ".

Common Rise-As Hinduism was becoming rigid day by day,people began to hate the bloody Yajnas and religions raised a voice against the shortcomings of Hinduism and gained ground.
Thus,both Jainism and Buddhism were Protestant religious movements.

Principal of Ahimsa-Both religion had faith in the equality of all living beings. Hence they taught their followers not to kill anybody. Thus,the principle of ahimsa was followed by both the religions. Killing of living beings for taking meat was considered a sin.

Against the Supremacy of the Brahmins-The two religions did not accept the supremacy of the Brahmins. According to Jainism and Buddhism the Brahmins were not helpful in the way of salvation.

Belief in the Theory of Karma-It was subscribed to by both religions. None can escape the consequences of Karma. Hence good deeds should be performed to attain salvation.

Kshatriya Princes-Both Mahavira Swami and Gautam Buddha were Kshatriya princes. Both renounced the royal pleasure and became saints and propounded new religions.

Stress on Morality-Both religion laid emphasis on morality.They also recommended the study of scriptures.

Opposition of the Vedas and Sanskrit-Both the religion gave no significance to the Vedas and Sanskrit language. Superiority of the Vedas was not accepted by either of the founders. Both of them preached their teachings in the spoken language and Sanskrit language began to lose its importance.

Division in Both Religion-Both religion were,later on,divided into two sects. Jainism was Divided into Swetambara and Digambara, and Buddhism was divided into Hinayana and Mahayana.