Buddhism and Jainism
Mahāvīra and Buddha were contemporaries, there are no mentions of the two teachers meeting, but there are mentions of Mahavira's disciples questioning Buddha in various Suttas. The Buddhists have always maintained that by the time Buddha and Mahavira were alive, Jainism was already an entrenched faith and culture in the region. Buddhist scriptures record philosophical dialogues between the wandering seeker Siddarttha Gotama (Buddha) and Udaka Ramaputta, and the first of several teachers that young Siddattha Gotama studied with before his enlightenment.
Buddhist scriptures attest that some of the first Buddhists were in fact Jains (Nirgranthas as they were then called, meaning "the unbonded ones") who "converted", but were encouraged by Buddha to maintain their Jain identity and practises such as giving alms to Jain monks and nuns. Buddhists recorded that Mahavira preached the "fourfold restraint" of the Nirgrantha tradition—a clear reference to the teachings of Mahavira's predecessor Lord Parshva (877-777 BC), traditionally the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism -- who propounded the four vows of Ahinsa (Ahimsa), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Asteya (non-stealing), which may have been the template for the Five Precepts of Buddhism. Additionally, the Buddhist Anguttara Nikaya scripture quotes the independent philosopher Purana Kashyapa (the sixth century BC founder of a now extinct order) as listing the Nirgranthas as one of the six major classifications of humanity. The Pali texts mention the Buddha referring to the liberation of Mahavira (referred to as Niggantha Nataputta) at Pava.
Similarities and differences
The common terms in Buddhism and Jainism:
- Shramana
- Nibbana (Sanskrit: Nirvana): (the definition is different in the two traditions)
- Arahant: the term is used somewhat similarly.
- Dhamma (Sanskrit: Dharma)
- Jina
- Acharya (chief of the orders)
- Sutta (Sanskrit: Sutra) (scriptures)
- Indra/Shamkra (chief of the gods)
The terms that are used with different meanings:
- Pudgala
- Siddha
Common symbols:
- Pratima, foot prints
- Stupa
- The dharma-chakra
- The swastika
- The trirathna
- The ashta-mangalas
- Minor devas
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is required for both monks and laity in Jainism. In Buddhism, the monks in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam are vegetarian; however strict vegetarianism is not required. By monastic tradition, a monk should eat whatever is placed in his bowl when begging food. The exceptions to not eat given meat were if the monk knew an animal was killed especially for him or he heard the animal being killed. See: Threefold rule
But for lay people it is not so clear and many lay Buddhists have chosen vegetarianism to better practice the Dhamma and keep the precepts. In general, the precept against killing living beings in Buddhism centers around intent, whereas, the Jains take it further and avoid all possible killing. Some Jains wear masks around the mouth, thinking it will prevent the killing of microorganisms. They also refrain from eating animal products and root vegetables, thereby not even killing the plant, as they trim the greens off the root plant. Seen in this way, the Buddhists who practice vegetarianism (animal products, such as eggs, honey, dairy, root vegetables acceptable to eat) are not that extreme, when compared to the Jain diet.
A further look at the similarities
Much has been made of the similarities between Buddha and Jesus in their lives and teachings, although there are some marked differences. The similarities between Buddhism and Jainism and Buddha and Mahavira are much more pronounced.
- There is no creator god in Jainism.
- There is no creator god in Buddhism.
- There is no creation myth in Jainism, a first beginning is not knowable.
- There is no creation myth in Buddhism, a first beginning is not knowable.
- Mahavira was not the founder, but rather the re-discoverer of the truth according to Jainism.
- Buddha was not the founder, but rather the re-discoverer of the truth according to Buddhism.
- According to Jainism there are 24 known previous tirthankaras who discovered the truth after a time when the teachings were lost.
- According to Buddhism (Buddhavamsa) there were 24 previous Buddhas who discovered the truth (plus 3 in prehistoric times and Gotama-Buddha for a total of 28.
- Mahavira was born into the ksatriya caste (warrior caste).
- Buddha was born into the ksatriya caste (warrior caste).
- Mahavira was born to a ksatriyan chief named Siddhatha.
- Buddha was to a ksatriyan chief and Buddha's birth name was Siddhatha.
- Mahavira married a woman named Yasoda.
- Buddha married a woman named Yasoda.
- Mahavira had one child (a daughter).
- Buddha had one child (a son).
- Mahavira renounced the world at age 20 attained enlightenment under a tree at 28 and lived to 72 years.
- Buddha renounced the world at age 29 attained enlightenment under a tree at 35 and lived to 80 years.
- Mahavira practiced asceticism toward enlightenment.
- Buddha practiced asceticism toward / prior to enlightenment.
- There are 5 great vows or precepts in Jainism.
- There are 5 primary precepts in Buddhism.
- The first precept in Jainism is Ahimsa (non-violence), which extends to all living beings.
- The first precept in Buddhism is to not kill, which extends to all living beings.
- A second precept in Jainism is Satya (truthfulness).
- A second precept in Buddhism is truthfulness.
- A third precept in Jainism is Asteya (not stealing).
- A third precept in Buddhism is not stealing.
- A fourth precept in Jainism is Brahmacharya (celibacy for monks and nuns no sexual misconduct for lay people).
- A fourth precept in Buddhism is to refrain from sexual misconduct (celibacy for monks and nuns).
- A fifth precept in Jainism in is Aparigraha non-materialism.
- A fifth precept in Buddhism is refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. (The only precept of the 5 which is somewhat different.)
- Jainism teaches that one must undergo pure conduct, practice meditation and attain enlightenment, release from rebirth.
- Buddhism teaches that one must undergo pure conduct, practice meditation and attain enlightenment, release from rebirth.