Can You Discuss The Similarities And Differences Between Buddhism And Jainism?

Both the religions have a lot in common as they rose against the division of human beings into different castes such as in Hindu religion. Both the religions are silent about the existence of god.  The Jains and Buddhist denied the authority of the Vedas and supremacy of the brahmanas. Both the religions oppose animal sacrifice. Both of them advocate a high moral life. They put stress on good conduct and right knowledge and not religious ceremonies and rituals as the way to obtain salvation. Both the religion did not believe in cast distinctions and united all people in their fold. Both of them believed in karma. Both the religions had a common goal that was to attain nirvana or salvation. Both of them needed the support of an organized body of monks hence were congregational.

Although both the religions had a lot of similarities, there still existed some fundamental differences. Jainism placed great emphasis on the practices of penance, while Buddhism followed the middle path of luxury. One sect of Jainism believed in nudity while the Buddhist did not like that. Jainism had more similarities with Hinduism; they did accept some chief Hindu Gods and worshipped them. While there was no place for Hindu Gods and practices among Buddhists.