Comparing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism

Shared Roots and Divergent Paths
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism are three ancient Indian religions that, despite originating in the same cultural crucible, have evolved distinct philosophical and practical approaches to spirituality. While they share common concepts like karma, samsara, and the pursuit of liberation, their fundamental beliefs regarding the self, divinity, and the path to enlightenment reveal significant divergences. This article explores these intricate relationships, highlighting both their shared heritage and their unique identities.
1. Hinduism and Buddhism:
Hinduism and Buddhism, both born on the Indian subcontinent, share a complex history of interaction, influencing and diverging from each other over centuries.
A. Core Philosophical Distinctions
(i) The Nature of the Self (Atman vs. Anatta): One of the most fundamental differences lies in the concept of the soul or self.
– Hinduism emphasizes the concept of an eternal, unchanging soul (Atman) that is reborn, seeking ultimate union with Brahman (the ultimate reality, the universal spirit). Spiritual practices like devotion (bhakti yoga) and meditative practices (yoga) are central to this pursuit.
– Buddhism, in contrast, rejects the existence of a permanent, substantial self (Anatta, or “not-self”). Instead, it posits that what we perceive as the self is a collection of constantly changing physical and mental phenomena. The goal is to break free from the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) by understanding the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path, ultimately achieving Nirvana.
(ii) Ultimate Reality and Creator God (Brahman vs. Dependent Arising):
– Hinduism generally acknowledges Brahman as a universal eternal source of everything, often manifesting through various deities (Ishvara).
(iii) Buddhism notably rejects fundamental Hindu doctrines such as Brahman and the existence of a creator God (Ishvara). Instead, Buddhism teaches not-self (anatman) and dependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda) as fundamental metaphysical theories.
(iv) Authority of Sacred Texts:
– Hinduism considers texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas as sacred and authoritative.
– Buddhism does not accept the authority of the Vedas, instead centering its teachings on the discourses attributed to the Buddha.

B. Shared Concepts and Practices
Despite their core differences, Hinduism and Buddhism share numerous terms and concepts, often with nuanced interpretations.
(i) Karma and Samsara:
Both traditions recognize Karma (action and its results) as a central principle. Good deeds lead to positive karmic results, while negative actions lead to adverse outcomes. Both believe that one’s karma in previous lives affects the present, and present actions shape future existences. Closely linked is Samsara, the repetitive cycle of birth, death, and rebirth across different realms, which living beings are constantly cycling through.
(ii) Dharma:
This Indic term, common to all Indian religions, carries multiple meanings. In Hinduism, “Sanatana Dharma” (“the eternal dharma”) is an appellation for Hinduism itself, signifying natural law, duty, and righteous conduct. Similarly, “Buddha Dharma” is how Buddhists often refer to Buddhism, emphasizing the Buddha’s teachings as the natural law or truth.
(iii) Liberation/Enlightenment:
Both Hinduism and Buddhism teach a similar goal: liberation from the cycle of rebirths (Samsara), considered the highest aim of spiritual life.
– In Hinduism, this liberation may be called Moksha, Nirvana, or Kaivalya.
– In Buddhism, it is known as Nirvana (Pali: Nibbana), Vimoksha (Pali: Vimokha), or Bodhi (awakening). The term “Nirvana,” literally meaning “blowing out” or “quenching,” is used by both traditions for spiritual liberation.
(iv) Veneration of Liberated Beings: Both religions venerate those who have attained spiritual liberation. In Buddhism, these are called Arhats or Buddhas (awakened ones). In Hinduism, liberated beings are commonly called Jivanmuktas, and the term “Buddha” is also used in some Hindu scriptures (e.g., the Vayu Purana refers to Shiva as a Buddha).
(vi) Asceticism and Monasticism: Both traditions emphasize the importance of monastic life.
– In Buddhism, the monastic Sangha is central to preserving and transmitting the Dharma, seen as an ideal path for cultivating awakening.
– In certain sects of Hinduism, the life of a renunciate (sannyasi) is also highly revered.
(vii) Cosmology: Both Buddhist and Hindu cosmologies are cyclical, accepting that the universe undergoes constant cycles of growth and destruction and comprises many different realms or worlds (Lokas) beyond the human realm.
(viii) Language:Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language, is the liturgical language of Vedic traditions and primary for Hindu texts. While early Buddhist texts were primarily in Pali, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism later adopted Sanskrit, especially as it spread across India.
(ix) Ethics: Both promote similar ethical systems. Ahimsa (non-harming) is a key virtue in both Hindu and Buddhist ethics. Other shared principles include non-attachment (vairagya), renunciation (nekkhamma), and truthfulness.
(x) Devotion (Bhakti): Both traditions incorporate devotional practice (bhakti).
– In Buddhism, devotion is mainly directed towards Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, including practices like mindfulness of the Buddha, chanting names or mantras, and remembering devas.
– In Hinduism, Bhakti Yoga focuses on devotion to God (Ishvara), understood as Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi, through practices like listening to scripture, prayer, chanting, and worship (puja).
(xi) Mantra: A sacred phrase or syllable, typically from Sanskrit or Pali, used in both traditions as spiritual conduits to instill one-pointed concentration.
(xii) Rituals: Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions in East Asia and Tibet share rituals like the Homa ritual and offerings for ancestors with Hinduism.
(xiii) Symbolism:
– Mudras: Specific hand gestures depicted with both Buddhist and Hindu deities.
– Dharma Wheel: A traditional symbol used by both, appearing on India’s national flag and the flag of the Thai royal family.
– Tilak/Urna: The Hindu practice of marking the forehead with a tilak (interpreted as a third eye) has a parallel in the urna, one of the Buddha’s physical characteristics.
C. Swastika: Used in both traditions, appearing clockwise or counterclockwise. The Buddha is sometimes depicted with a sauwastika on his chest or palms.
– Lotus Flower: Signifies divinity and purity in both traditions.
– Mandalas: Complex geometric designs used as spiritual tools in both.

C. The Śramaṇa Tradition
The term Śramaṇa tradition refers to ancient Indian religious movements that emphasized asceticism and personal spiritual effort, distinct from the Brahminical (Vedic) tradition. It is believed that Buddhism and Jainism ultimately emerged from these Śramaṇa movements, which evolved through “Paccekabuddha” (individual ascetic) and “Savaka” (disciples) phases. The Śramaṇa religions fundamentally challenged and broke with the Brahminical tradition on core assumptions such as Atman, Brahman, the nature of afterlife, and they rejected the authority of the Vedas and Upanishads. While Brahminical tradition reinterpreted the three Vedic sacrificial fires as concepts like Truth or Tranquility, Buddhist texts similarly reinterpreted them as ethical conduct

2. Jainism: A Distinct Path
Jainism, another ancient Indian religion, shares conceptual commonalities with Hinduism and Buddhism but carves out its unique philosophical space. “Jain” is derived from “Jina,” referring to a human being who has conquered inner passions and achieved “Kevala jnana” (pure infinite knowledge).

A. Similarities with Hinduism
– Karma, Samsara, and Moksha:
Like Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism recognizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) driven by karma, and the goal of escaping this cycle (moksha). However, their precise nature and meaning differ.
– Vegetarianism:
Both emphasize a vegetarian diet, though Jainism’s practice is far more stringent.
– Importance of Meditation:
Both value meditation for spiritual growth.
– Shared Cultural Roots:
Jainism has roots in the Vedic tradition, which also underpins Hinduism.
– Social and Cultural Overlap:
There are many common aspects in the social and cultural life of lay Hindus and Jains, making it challenging to differentiate them in daily practice. The Jain code of conduct shares similarities with Hindu Dharma shastras.

B. Key Differences from Hinduism
Belief in God:
– Hinduism typically believes in a creator God (e.g., Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
– Jainism does not believe in a creator God or a personal God with desires and emotions. It is an atheistic philosophy in the sense of a creator deity, emphasizing self-reliance.
Nature of the Universe:
– Hinduism generally believes the universe was created.
– Jainism believes the universe is eternal and uncreated.
Authority of the Vedas:
– Hinduism considers the Vedas as sacred and infallible texts.
– Jainism does not accept the authority of the Vedas.
Path to Liberation:
– Hindus may rely on gods, rituals, and various yogic paths for liberation.
– Jains believe liberation is self-attained through rigorous self-discipline, extreme asceticism, and renunciation.
Karma:
– Hindus often view karma as spiritual transgressions or blessings.
– Jains believe karma is a subtle particle that attaches to the soul during each life, obscuring its inherent purity.
Non-violence (Ahimsa):
– Jainism emphasizes extreme non-violence, extending to avoiding harm even to microscopic life forms.
– Hinduism’s practice of ahimsa, while important, is generally more moderate and nuanced in its application.
Scriptures:
– Hinduism considers scriptures like the Vedas as divinely revealed sacred writings.
– Jains view their scriptures primarily as guidance and teachings of the Jinas.

Conclusion
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, while distinct in their core philosophical tenets and paths to liberation, remain deeply interconnected through shared cultural heritage, common terminology, and overlapping ethical principles. Understanding their individual characteristics, alongside their intricate relationships, offers profound insights into the rich tapestry of Indian spiritual thought and practice.

Common Names of Hindu Gods in Buddhism
– Saraswati as Benzaiten in Japan
– Vishnu as Upulvan in Sri Lanka
– Shiva as Maheśvara in Buddhism
– Mahākāla (a form of Shiva in Hinduism) form of Avalokiteśvara in Mahayana Buddhism
– Indra widely depicted in Buddhist scriptures, Śakra
– Ganes has Ganapati in Buddhism
– Brahma as a protective figure in Buddhism called Mahabrahma
– Lakshmi as Kishijoten
– Tara an important Buddhist deity -In Hinduism, Tara Devi is one of the ten Mahavidya

 Dr. Suresh Khanna