Question

What is difference between teachings of Buddha and mahavira

Answer 1

(1) Difference regarding conception Moksha :

According to Buddhism, a man attains Moksha when he ends all the desires and can attain it while living in the world. But according, to Jainism Moksha is freedom from miseries and can be attained only after death.

(2) Means of attainment of Moksha:

According to Buddhist Sangha is proper for attainment of Moksha and they hate self-mortifications and severe penances. Jainism believes in fasts and severest penances.

(3) Ahimsa :

Though both emphasise the principle of Ahimsa, yet Jainism is more strict in this connection.

(4) Soul:

Buddhists do not believe in the existence of soul whereas Jainism believes the existence of soul in every living being.

(5) Regarding Conduct:

Buddhism emphasises the eight noble piths whereas Jainism emphasises Tri Ratna.

(6) Language of Religious texts :

Most of the Jain texts are in Sanskrit and Prakrit whereas Buddhist text are in Pali.

(7)Their connection with Hinduism : Jain religion is nearer to Hinduism whereas Buddhism followed the policy of keeping away from Hinduism.

(8) Caste system :

Jains opposed it but Buddhism opposed and attacked vehemently.

(9) Royal support and patronage :

Buddhism received the royal support and patronage of kings like Ashoka and Kanishka. But Jainism could never receive strong royal support and Patronage.

(10) Propagation :


Buddhism spread to foreign countries whereas Jainism did not travel outside the boundaries of India.

Answer 2

Answer:

There were many similarities in their teachings – ending caste distinctions, teaching ahimsa, meditation, reincarnation and compassion to living beings. They both spoke in the common language and taught in simple parables, downplaying Sanskrit texts. They are both pictured sitting in the lotus posture.