Similarities:
- Both possessed the background of the Aryan culture and were inspired by the ascetic ideals and the philosophy of the Upanishads, particularly that of Sankhya-Yoga.
- Both were the products of intellectual, spiritual and social forces of their age and therefore, both stood up as revolts against the prevalent Brahmanical religion.
- Both emerged in eastern India which by that time had successfully retained some features of the pre-Aryan culture.
- Both were started by the members of the Kshatriya caste and both appealed to the socially down-trodden, the Vaishvas who were not granted social status corresponding to their growing economic power, and the Sudras who were definitely oppressed.
- Both, Mahavira and Buddha, the founders of Jainism and Buddhism respectively were Kshatriya princes and were able to get support for their cause from the contemporary ruling class, different Kshatriya rulers and economically prosperous Vaishvas.
- Though both did not attack the caste system, they were opposed to it and therefore, drew large converts from the lower strata of the society.
- Both opposed the ritualism and the sacrifices of Brahmanism and also challenged the supremacy of the Brahmanas.
- Both believed that Nirvana or salvation of an individual meant his or her deliverance from the eternal chain of birth and death.
- Both denied the authenticity of the Vedas as an infallible authority.
- Both laid great stress upon a pure and moral life rather than practice of ritualism or even devotion to and worship of God as a means to attain salvation.
Differences
- Jainism is a much more ancient religion as compared to Buddhism. According to Jaina traditions it had twenty-four Tirthankaras and Mahavira was the last of them.
- The Jaina concept of soul is different from that of Buddhism. Jainism believes that everything in nature, even stone and water has a soul of its own. Buddhism does not believe so.
- The concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) is different in Buddhism as compared to Jainism. While Jainism emphasized it very much, Buddhism remained liberal in its interpretation in foreign countries, and even permitted eating of animal flesh where it was a necessity or traditional diet of the people.
- Buddhism emphasized elimination of caste distinctions more as compared to Jainism.
- Jainism advised practice of strict asceticism to attain salvation while Buddhism advised its Upasakas to follow the middle path or Tathagata marga
- According to Jainism, women and men householders cannot attain salvation while, according to Buddhism, it is possible for both
- In Digambara sect of Jainism, it is necessary for the monks to go naked while Buddhism denounced it
- Buddhism emphasized the organisation of Sangha more as compared to Jainism
- According to Jainism, salvation is possible only after death while according to Buddhism it is possible during one’s own life if one is able to detach oneself completely from the worldly existence. Thus, while Jainism describes Nirvana as freedom from body. Buddhism describes it as destruction of the self or detachment from worldly existence.
- Buddhism proved more adaptable to circumstances as compared to Jainism. That is why while Buddhism spread all over Asia and accommodated the traditions of the local populace; Jainism remained confined to India alone.