Differences and Similarities of Ancient Religions of India

Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism gained importance and popularity during a time of great religious exploration. While these religions have some similarities, they also have some distinct differences. The key to all three of these is enlightment. Let’s look at some other similarities between them.

Buddhism and Jainism, originated and developed individually in the same geographical area of India with neither believing in the existence of God, but they do recognize a higher human form. All three religions believe in a cycle of birth, death and rebirth with the possibility of freeing themselves from this cycle. Buddhism calls this Nirvana, while Jainism calls it moksha and Hindu’s call it samsara. Buddhism believes in the path of liberation; which is good conduct and good deeds, as mentioned in Eightfold path, Four Noble Truths, Five Perceptions and other moral conducts. Jainism has a similar path of liberation; to follow right perception, right knowledge, and right conduct, and one has to overcome the worldly desires and feelings to attain liberation or to become a perfect soul. Hinduism believes in the 4 steps of Veda in the search for Brahman and to observe dharma.

Another similarity all three have is mediation and Yoga. Buddhism emphasizes on the practice of mediation and other forms of Yoga, to concentrate on inner self. In Jainism, meditation and other yoga practices are essential for self-purification and liberation. Hinduism also gives an emphasis on the practice of meditation and other forms of yoga, which not only helps one to concentrate on the truth of life, but also facilitates the path of enlightenment and liberation. Buddhism and Jainism are peaceful religions with non-violence at the heart of its thought...

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.... are not accepted by the Jains and the Hindus also do not recognize even a single scripture of the Jains. Buddhist rejects extreme asceticism as well as great wealth while most of the Hindus believe in extreme asceticism. The Buddhists also do not believe in the Vedas, instead they firmly believe in the teachings of the Lord Buddha and the Buddhist scriptures. The Buddhists do not believe in the stages of life people can join at any of the stages at any time depending upon their spiritual preparedness. The Hindus believe in the four stages of life, also known as the 'ashramas' - Brahamacharya Ashram or Student life, Grihastha Ashram or family life, Vanprastha Ashram or the age at which a person leaves all the worldly desire and home, and Sanyasa Ashram - when a person meditates and awaits for the ultimate truth, death.

Works Cited

History of World Societies