Jainism and Buddhism

Comparison Essay # 104324

Religion and Theology > Buddhism
Religion and Theology > Eastern

Discusses Buddhism and especially Jainism as religious movements, which reject some of the Vedic principles.

1,575 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, while Buddhism has developed different sects, Jainism has developed as a distinctive endogamous community marked by its religious tradition. The author points out that Buddhism was a product of Kshastriya groups, who questioned Brahmanism; whereas, Jainas flatly rejected various Vedic teaching in favor of concepts of the individual, regardless of birth, who must work to purify his or her own soul. The paper relates that the Buddha is much more famous due to his philosophy having moved through all of Asia; whereas, Jainism spread through Indian trading communities liberated from a lower status bestowed by the Brahmanical system of varna. The author underscores that both traditions continue to offer a daily and personal prescription for life just as they offer choices in monastic and lay devotional activities.

Outline:
Introduction
The Appeal of Buddhism and Jainism
Jainism - Another Reflection of the Same Tradition?
Jainism's Soul and Personality
Syncretism and Appeal
Conclusion - Religion and Location

From the Paper:

"Jains are much concerned by matters of action or karman, believing that acts can especially darken or interfere with the soul which should by bright and free, as is its nature, if properly maintained. Bad deeds will pollute the soul and have a way of adhering to it, harder to correct than good deals which are easily dispelled. According to Robinson, austerity can help to remove karman already incurred just as restraint stops the arrival of new karman. The jina or 'victors' are the true followers who achieve moksha when still in the body, living out the last of their lives through forces of residual karman."

Sample of Sources Used:

Elenjimittam, Anthony. Buddha's Teachings - The Dhammapada. Bombay: Aquinas, 1975.
Joshi, L.M. Facets of Jaina Religiousness in Comparative Light. Ahmedabad: L.D. Institute of Indology, 1981.
Robinson, Richard H. and Willard J. Johnson. The Buddhist Religion - a Historical Introduction. 2nd edition. Belmont, CA: Dickenson, 1977.
Shah, C.C. "Jainism and Modern Life" in V.Pandey. The World of Jainism - Jaina History, Art, Literature, Philosophy and Religion. Bombay: Himalaya Society, 1977.
Shah, Nagin J. Jaina Philosophy and Religion - English Translation of Jaina Darsana by Muni Sri Nyayavijayaji. Delhi: Bhogilal Lehar Chand Institute of Indology, 1998.