Introduction
Jainism and Buddhism are the two major heterodox movements that emerged during the later Vedic period in response to ritualism, caste hierarchies, and the dominance of Brahmanical practices. Both religions emphasized ethical conduct, non-violence, and spiritual liberation, and had a profound influence on Indian society, culture, and politics.
1. Jainism
Founder:
- Mahavira (Vardhamana) – 24th Tirthankara, lived c. 599–527 BCE
Core Teachings:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence) – central principle
- Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy / Self-restraint), Aparigraha (Non-possession)
- Karma theory – moral actions affect rebirth and liberation (moksha)
- Liberation is attained through self-discipline, meditation, and ethical conduct
Monastic Orders & Practices:
- Monks renounce worldly life, follow strict discipline
- Ascetic practices include fasting, meditation, and detachment from material possessions
Scriptures:
- Agamas – written texts based on teachings of Mahavira
Spread & Influence:
- Significant influence in Magadha and surrounding regions
- Promoted non-violence, trade ethics, and art (temples, sculptures)
2. Buddhism
Founder:
- Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) – c. 563–483 BCE, born in Lumbini (present-day Nepal)
Core Teachings:
- Four Noble Truths:
- Life is suffering (Dukkha)
- Cause of suffering is desire (Tanha)
- Cessation of suffering is possible (Nirvana)
- Path to cessation of suffering – Eightfold Path
- Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration
Beliefs:
- Karma and rebirth
- Nirvana: liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara)
- Rejects rigid caste hierarchy
Monastic Orders:
- Sangha: Community of monks and nuns
- Monastic life based on celibacy, meditation, and study of scriptures
Spread & Influence:
- Initially spread in Magadha and Mauryan Empire
- Emperor Ashoka promoted Buddhism across India and abroad
- Influenced art, architecture (stupas, monasteries), ethics, and governance
Comparison Table: Jainism vs Buddhism
| Feature | Jainism | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Mahavira | Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) |
| Time Period | 6th century BCE | 6th century BCE |
| Central Principle | Ahimsa (Non-violence) | Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path |
| Goal | Moksha through self-discipline | Nirvana – liberation from suffering |
| Views on Vedas | Rejects Vedic rituals | Rejects Vedic rituals |
| Monastic Life | Strict asceticism | Moderate asceticism, meditation focus |
| Spread | Magadha, Gujarat, Karnataka | Magadha, Mauryan Empire, abroad |
| Influence | Trade ethics, temples, art | Monastic institutions, stupas, philosophy, governance |
Significance
Their teachings influenced Mauryan rulers, especially Emperor Ashoka, who propagated dharma-based governance.
Both religions challenged the dominance of Vedic ritualism and caste hierarchy.
Emphasized ethics, non-violence, and social responsibility.
Laid the foundation for Indian philosophy, culture, art, and architecture.
Spread to other parts of Asia, influencing Tibetan, Chinese, and Southeast Asian civilizations.