Comparing Hinduism, Jainism, And Sikhism

While Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism encompass different values, traditions, and beliefs, some of the major teachings from such religions intersect. With no known founder, Hinduism was developed thousands of years ago, according to Mary Fisher, author of Living Religions (Fisher, 72). While Hindus often deem their religion as eternal, or “Santana dharma,” Hinduism is not a uniform, or orderly system (Fisher, 72). For example, Hindus may take different stances on God or liberation while still following their respective religion, according to Mary Fisher (Fisher, 85). However, Hinduism incorporates fundamental beliefs such as reincarnation and karma, similar to Jainism. According to Fisher, Hindus may focus on devotion to a single God, or multiple Gods, unlike the views of Sikhism (Fisher, 98). In fact, some Hindus focus heavily on the practice of meditation, similar the ways of many Buddhists (Fisher, 100). Unlike Sikhism, which bars images or representations of God, Hinduism promotes images or figures of God in many rituals (Fisher, 98). Ultimately, Hinduism centers on the fulfilment of social aspects and stages of life. Based on the teachings of an Indian prince, Buddhism embodies the concepts of meditation and nonviolence, per Mary

Similar to Hinduism, Sikhism incorporates the principles of reincarnation, while veering from Hinduism by adhering to a monotheistic system, emphasizing a one and only true God. Different from Jainism, Guru Nanak expressed God as somewhat of a creator. Also differing from Hinduism and Buddhism, Sikhism strictly prohibits images or representations of God (Fisher, 445). However, like Hinduism, Sikhism embodies theories of multiple paths to God in existence. The goal of Sikhism is to obtain salvation, which, according to Fisher, is paved by human birth, providing oneself the opportunity to conform with God (Fisher,