Buddhism vs Jainism: Exploring the Philosophical Differences

Buddhism vs Jainism: Exploring the Philosophical Differences

Buddhism and Jainism are two prominent and rich traditions that share common roots in Shramana philosophy. While both offer profound paths to knowledge and enlightenment, they have evolved into distinct religions, each with its own unique beliefs and practices. This article aims to explore some of the reasons why some may regard Buddhism as better than Jainism, based on various criteria.

Popularity and Following

Buddhism is more famous and has more adherents compared to Jainism. It has spread widely across the world, with a diverse following in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In contrast, Jainism is less widespread, primarily concentrated in South Asia, particularly in India.

Philosophical Foundations and Practices

Division of the World

One of the significant differences between the two religions lies in their philosophical understanding of the world. Both Jainism and Buddhism adopt a dualistic perspective, dividing the world into sentient and non-sentient beings. However, the categorization of sentient beings differs distinctly between the two:

Buddhism narrows the definition of sentient beings to include only those that are mobile, such as animals and plants. Plants are deemed non-sentient. This view is based on the belief that only moving beings are conscious and capable of experiencing suffering.

Jainism however, takes a more comprehensive approach. It further subdivides sentient beings into two categories: mobile (Tras-Jeev) and non-mobile (Sthavar-Jeev), which includes both plants and microorganisms. According to Jainism, both plants and microorganisms are sentient living beings, a conclusion confirmed by modern scientific research.

This scientific validation of Jainism's beliefs highlights its superiority over Buddhism in understanding and categorizing living entities based on empirical evidence.

Compassion and Ahimsa

The practice of compassion, especially the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), is a cornerstone of both religions. However, the extent and application of this principle differ:

Buddhism's compassionate approach to mobile sentient beings is undermined by its allowance of non-vegetarian diet. The Buddhists, who claim it is acceptable to consume meat as long as it was not killed for their consumption, are criticized for this pragmatic approach. Economic principles suggest that demand drives supply, thus promoting a lifestyle that inherently fosters violence.

Jainism, on the other hand, strictly follows the principles of vegetarianism to avoid promoting violence towards any sentient being. Furthermore, Jainism extends compassion beyond mobile beings by advocating against consuming roots or certain types of vegetation which can potentially lead to the death of plants. This holistic approach to non-violence sets Jainism apart and aligns more closely with the principles of Shramana philosophy.

The Concept of Renunciation

Both religions emphasize the importance of renunciation to break free from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. In practice, however, there are differences:

Buddhism underwent a transformation over time, with its monastic communities establishing permanent monasteries. This move away from the nomadic lifestyle aligns with the goal of reducing new karma, yet it also leads to greater dependency on local communities.

Jainism, however, has kept the nomadic tradition alive, with monks and nuns continuing to travel and live in temporary shelters (Viharas) to minimize their impact on the environment. This adherence to the original practice shows Jainism's commitment to the pure form of renunciation.

The Concept of Soul (Atman)

A significant point of difference lies in their beliefs regarding the existence of a soul:

Buddhist philosophy, through the concept of Anatta, teaches the non-existence of the self or soul. The interpretations of this concept vary widely, with some scholars suggesting that it emphasizes the impermanence of individual identity.

Jainism, however, has a strong belief in the existence of the soul. The soul (Jiva) is considered eternal and independent, playing a crucial role in the cycle of rebirth.

Despite these differences, it's important to note that both religions share a fundamental respect for living beings and an elevation of the moral conducts. While Buddhism may be seen as better in certain aspects, Jainism also excels in others.

Conclusion

While Buddhism and Jainism share many core philosophical beliefs, the subtle differences in their approaches to science, ethics, and practice make them distinct. Each religion has its strengths, and the choice between them might depend on personal beliefs and values.