Question

Mention two similarities and dissimilarities between Jainism and Buddhism.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be broken into 2 main parts:

• Compare the similarities between Buddhism and Jainism:
  • Background of the propagators.
  • The rejection of Vedas
• Compare the dissimilarities between Buddhism and Jainism:
  • The difference in the religious beliefs.
  • Religious methods

Solution:
Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism:

• The founders of Buddhism and Jainism belonged to Kshatriya clans and decided to renounce the world and followed a path towards attaining knowledge and salvation.
• Both religious sects did not accept Vedas and emphasised the principle of non-violence.

Dissimilarities between Jainism and Buddhism:

• Buddhism did not question the existence of God while Jainism did not believe in God.
• Jainism was based on extreme penance while Buddhism was based on following the middle path.