Jainism and Buddhism
Jainism and Buddhism
Both Jainism and Buddhism start in the 6th century BC, and they have similar backgrounds. The founders of these religions have similar stories. Jainism was founded by a man named Vardhamana, who was born into a wealthy, powerful family. When he was 30, he left his wealth behind and spent 12 years living a disciplined lifestyle and searched for the truth. He gave up all of his possessions, which included even his clothing, and eventually found what he was looking for. He became "Mahavira," which means the enlightened teacher. At his death, he escaped the cycle of birth and death, which means his reincarnation cycle ceased to exist, and entered Nirvana. His followers hope that, in following his teachings, they will be able to do the same. Jainism stresses the importance of "right knowledge" and "right conduct" as part of the pathway to Nirvana. Here are the "Five Great Vows" of the Jains: Non-violence(Ahimsa), Truth, Non-stealing, Celibacy and Non-possession. The first of these, Ahimsa, is the most important virtue of the Jains.
According to Jainism all living beings are equal. No living being has a right to harm any other living being. Every living being has a right to exist and be in perfect harmony and peace. Nonviolence is based on love and kindness for all living beings. It is based on love and compassion. Violence of every type is forbidden. This also includes the use of harsh words and any type of bodily injury inflicted onto another. Even thinking bad of someone is considered violence in Jainism. It is very difficult to survive without killing or injuring some of the smallest living beings, so Jainism says that minimum killing of the lowest form of life only should be the main goal in order for survival. Jainism was more of a confined religion, it did not travel greatly.
Buddhism, has many similarities to Jainism, but is more of a "world" religion. Like Jainism, Buddhism starts in the 6th century BC with a teacher whose
Both Jainism and Buddhism start in the 6th century BC, and they have similar backgrounds. The founders of these religions have similar stories. Jainism was founded by a man named Vardhamana, who was born into a wealthy, powerful family. When he was 30, he left his wealth behind and spent 12 years living a disciplined lifestyle and searched for the truth. He gave up all of his possessions, which included even his clothing, and eventually found what he was looking for. He became "Mahavira," which means the enlightened teacher. At his death, he escaped the cycle of birth and death, which means his reincarnation cycle ceased to exist, and entered Nirvana. His followers hope that, in following his teachings, they will be able to do the same. Jainism stresses the importance of "right knowledge" and "right conduct" as part of the pathway to Nirvana. Here are the "Five Great Vows" of the Jains: Non-violence(Ahimsa), Truth, Non-stealing, Celibacy and Non-possession. The first of these, Ahimsa, is the most important virtue of the Jains.
According to Jainism all living beings are equal. No living being has a right to harm any other living being. Every living being has a right to exist and be in perfect harmony and peace. Nonviolence is based on love and kindness for all living beings. It is based on love and compassion. Violence of every type is forbidden. This also includes the use of harsh words and any type of bodily injury inflicted onto another. Even thinking bad of someone is considered violence in Jainism. It is very difficult to survive without killing or injuring some of the smallest living beings, so Jainism says that minimum killing of the lowest form of life only should be the main goal in order for survival. Jainism was more of a confined religion, it did not travel greatly.
Buddhism, has many similarities to Jainism, but is more of a "world" religion. Like Jainism, Buddhism starts in the 6th century BC with a teacher whose