A study on the similarities between the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism

Abstract

Two main traditions that were in quest for liberation in the history of Indian philosophy were Brahma tradition and Śramaṇa tradition. By 6th century B.C. six Gurukulas operated in Śramaṇa tradition. The leaders of theses Gurukulas were known as ‘the Six Teachers’ who were bearers of traditional and strong philosophical views. Among these leaders who were criticized by the Buddhist tradition, the least criticized teacher was vardhamāna or else known as Mahavīra. The Lord Buddha and Mahavīra are historically considered as contemporaries and the general opinion is that the Mahavīra was born three decades before the birth of the Lord Buddha. Buddhism and Jainism are two religions. It is certain that Buddhism is a separate philosophy from that of Jainism. Both these traditions, in their quest for liberation have entered the process of eliminating the Kleshas. The Jains maintained their spiritual lifestyle observing catuyamasanwaraseelaya while also respecting absolute non-violence (Ahimsa) whereas Lord Buddha searched for spiritual well-being by choosing the Middle way. Even though much dissimilarity are visible in the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism, Some of the sermons of each religion bear similarities. Such similarities will be taken into consideration in this study, while referring to sermons of the Lord Buddha and Mahavīra. Thereby, studying the similarities between the two teachings will be conducted in this study referring to Tatāgatha sermons in Dhammapada of Khuddaka Nikāya and Sutta Nipāta as well as Uttar-dhyayana belonging to Mula Sutta of Mahavīra