Buddhism vs. Jainism — What's the Difference?

The teaching and laws of Buddhism.

A spiritual teacher in Jainism.

Action or deed that influences future lives.

The doctrine of multiplicity of viewpoints.

The cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Principle of non-violence towards all living beings.

The ultimate state free from suffering and individual existence.

The immortal essence or soul in every living being.

The monastic community of Buddhists.

Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Buddhism (, US: ) is an Indian religion based on a series of original teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. It originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia.

Jainism (), traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion and a major world religious group. The three main pillars of Jainism are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-attachment).

A widespread Asian religion or philosophy, founded by Siddartha Gautama in north-eastern India in the 5th century BC.

An ascetic religion of India, founded in the sixth century BC, that teaches the immortality and transmigration of the soul and denies the existence of a supreme being.

The teaching of Siddhartha Gautama that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct, wisdom, and meditation releases one from desire, suffering, and rebirth.

The heterodox Hindu religion, founded in the 6th century as a revolt against Hinduism; its most striking features are the exaltation of saints or holy mortals, called jins, above the ordinary Hindu gods, and the denial of a supreme being and of the divine origin and infallibility of the Vedas. Also, the sect comprising those adhering to Jainism. Jainism believes in immortality and the transmigration of the soul. It is intermediate between Brahmanism and Buddhism, having some things in common with each.

The religion represented by the many groups, especially numerous in Asia, that profess varying forms of this doctrine and that venerate Siddhartha Gautama.

Sect founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism

The religion based upon the doctrine originally taught by the Hindu sage Gautama Siddartha, surnamed Buddha, "the awakened or enlightened," in the sixth century b. c., and adopted as a religion by the greater part of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Asia and the Indian Islands. Buddha's teaching is believed to have been atheistic; yet it was characterized by elevated humanity and morality. It presents release from existence (a beatific enfranchisement, Nirvâna) as the greatest good. Buddhists believe in transmigration of souls through all phases and forms of life. Their number was estimated in 1881 at 470,000,000.

Religion founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism; emphasizes asceticism and immortality and transmigration of the soul; denies existence of a perfect or supreme being

A religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha

The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth

While Buddhism does not deny the existence of gods, it considers them as beings who are also trapped in the cycle of rebirth and not central to human salvation.

The Four Noble Truths are the essence of Buddhist teaching, stating that life is suffering, suffering is caused by desire, suffering can end, and there is a path that leads out of suffering.

Jainism teaches that every living being has an eternal soul, known as Jiva, which is capable of achieving liberation through ethical living and self-discipline.

Yes, lay Buddhism is a valid path, where followers can practice teachings, meditate, and engage in community rituals without renouncing worldly life.

Both religions believe in reincarnation but differ in details; Buddhists focus on the absence of a permanent soul that reincarnates, while Jains believe in an individual soul that progresses towards liberation.

Tirthankaras are enlightened teachers who have conquered rebirth and teach the path to liberation; Mahavira, the most recent Tirthankara, revitalized Jain doctrine.

Meditation in Buddhism is crucial for developing insight, concentration, and achieving mental tranquility and wisdom, which are necessary for attaining Nirvana.

Jainism classifies karma into various types that affect the soul, with some being beneficial and others being harmful, influencing one's ability to achieve liberation.

Both view attachment to material wealth as an impediment to spiritual progress, promoting simplicity and detachment as virtues.

Paryushana is a significant Jain festival focusing on fasting, meditation, and repentance, emphasizing spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

Both religions emphasize non-violence, truthfulness, and non-stealing among their ethical practices, although Jainism adopts a more rigorous approach to non-violence.

Jain asceticism involves rigorous practices like fasting, renouncing physical comforts, and even plucking hair, aiming to conquer physical desires and attachments.

The Middle Way in Buddhism refers to a balanced approach to life, avoiding both extreme austerity and sensual indulgence to achieve spiritual growth.