Yoga and Meditation

Assignment Project On “Jainism and Buddhism” Session (2023-2025) 3rd term Submitted in SRISIIM-BHARATI VASANT KUNJ (NEW DELHI) Submitted by : Submitted to : Ms.Muskan Verma Ms.Anchal Mamgain (2023027011) 1 INTRODUCTION Two ancient Indian religions, Buddhism and Jainism, first appeared in the sixth century BCE. While they differ in their historical developments, methods, and ideologies, they do have certain fundamental elements. Both faiths emerged as reformist movements that promoted asceticism, non-violence, and a route to spiritual emancipation in opposition to the preeminent Vedic traditions of the day. This essay investigates the beginnings, precepts, rituals, and historical backgrounds of Buddhism and Jainism. Jainism One of the world's oldest religions, Jainism dates back to ancient India and its founding in the sixth century BCE. Jainism, which was founded by Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, places a strong emphasis on truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), and penance as routes to enlightenment and release (moksha). According to Jainism, there is no creator god and the cosmos is eternal, following its own natural rules. Important tenets include the idea that all living things possess an everlasting soul (jiva), the significance of karma, and the necessity of upholding high moral standards. Jain practices include:  Non-violence (Ahimsa): Extending compassion and avoiding harm to all living beings.  Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha): Minimizing material possessions and attachments.  Truthfulness (Satya): Always speaking the truth.  Non-stealing (Asteya): Not taking anything that is not willingly given.  Chastity (Brahmacharya): Practicing celibacy or fidelity according to one's state of life. 2 Buddhism The Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, established Buddhism in India in the sixth century BCE. Buddhism centers on the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths as routes to nirvana. It highlights the idea of non-self (Anatta), the impermanence of all things (Anicca), and the pain that is a part of existence (Dukkha). · The Four Noble Truths: 1. The truth of suffering (Dukkha). 2. The truth of the cause of suffering (Samudaya). 3. The truth of the end of suffering (Nirodha). 4. The truth of the path leading to the end of suffering (Magga). The Eightfold Path: This practical code of ethics and mental growth encompasses right understanding, right cognition, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Its ultimate purpose is to liberate a person from attachments and delusions. Though there are many variations in Buddhist practices, mindfulness, meditation, and ethical conduct are commonplace. Achieving Nirvana, a state of emancipation and release from the cycle of life and death (samsara), is the aim. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JAINISM AND BUDDHISM The emergence of Jainism and Buddhism shares some similarities in their principles; however, they differ significantly in some fundamental aspects. Founder of Jainism and Buddhism  Buddhism: Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (‘the Buddha’).  Jainism: There are 24 Tirthankaras who are credited with founding and developing Jainism and its philosophy; however, Parsvanatha and 3 Mahavira are more noteworthy owing to their historical records and effect on the two main sects of Jainism. Core Teachings Buddhism  The world is full of suffering.  All sufferings have a cause; desire, ignorance, and attachment are the causes of suffering.  The suffering could be removed by destroying its cause.  In order to end suffering, one must know the right path. This path is the Eight-Fold Path (Ashtangika Marga). The Eight-Fold Path:  Right View: To understand that the world is filled with sorrow generated by desire, whose end will lead to the liberation of the soul.  Right aim: To avoid the enjoyment of the senses and luxury. It aims to love humanity and increase the happiness of others.  Right speech: Emphasising to speak truth always. 4  Right action: which is understood to be unselfish action.  Right livelihood: It instructs that a man should live by honest means.  Right effort: It is the proper way of controlling one’s senses so as to prevent bad thoughts through correct mental exercises.  Right mindfulness: To understand that the body is impermanent and meditation is the means for the removal of worldly evils.  Right concentration: The observation of it will lead to peace. Meditation will unravel the real truth. -Buddhism denies the concept of self (jiva) or soul (atman), proposing the concept of no-self (anatta) instead. -Buddhism does not believe in the transmigration of the soul either. Buddhism takes a moderate path to non-violence. It prohibits violence but is not as strict as Jainism. For example, it even permits eating animal flesh, if necessary or as part of the local diet. Buddhism advises its Upasakas to follow the middle path to attain salvation (Nirvana). Nirvana is possible during one’s own life through the practice of detachment from worldly desires and ignorance. - According to Buddhism, it is possible for both normal men and women to attain salvation.The Buddha neither accepted nor rejected the existence of God. He was more concerned about the individual and his actions. The concept of 'karma' law is highly valued in Buddhism. -This law states that past acts determine the present. Madhyamika: Also known as Sunyavada and was systematised by Nagarjuna (2nd century A.D) .The name of this school comes from Buddha’s famous ‘middle position’ (madhyama pratipad). The middle position is the rejection of the extreme metaphysical positions of ‘is’ and ‘is not’ (Sasvatavada and Uchedavada). Thus it becomes the no-position (transcendental and inexpressible) and they used the word ‘Sunyata’ to explain it. 5 JAINISM Pancha Mahavratas:  Truth (Satya)  Non-violence (Ahimsa)  Non-possession (Aparigraha)  Non-stealing (Asteya)  Celibacy (Brahmacharya) - Triratnas: According to Jainism, a person can achieve "moksha" by leading a life of purity, virtue, and renunciation. The following principles (triratnas or ratnatraya) can be followed to achieve moksha (nirvana):  Right belief (Samyak Darshana): Samyak Darshana, or "right perception," involves seeing things properly and avoiding preconceptions and superstitions.  Right knowledge (Samyak jnana): Accurate and sufficient knowledge of the real universe, including the five or six substances and nine truths, is essential, and this knowledge should be accompanied by the right mental attitude.  Right conduct (SamyakCharitra): To avoid harming living things and freeing oneself from attachment and impure attitudes and thoughts. It believes that those with the right faith and knowledge achieve the right conduct. Jains believe in the existence of an eternal Jiva (soul). - They believe in the transmigration of the soul. The doctrine of nonviolence ('Ahimsa') is being strictly followed by Jainism. For instance, Jain vegetarianism is based on the idea that no animal should be harmed.They also prohibit agriculture because they believe that it can kill insects and pests. Jainism advises the practice of strict asceticism to attain salvation, that is Kaivalya. According to 6 Jainism, salvation is possible only after death. According to Jainism, women and male householders cannot attain salvation. Jainism recognises the existence of God. For example, in Jainism, pantheons of gods, including the Brahmanical gods, are worshipped. They also believe in Karma. According to Jains, karma is a real substance that permeates the entire universe. The actions of the soul draw karma particles to the soul. Philosophical concepts Buddhism Madhyamika: Also known as Sunyavada and was systematised by Nagarjuna (2nd century A.D ) .The name of this school comes from Buddha’s famous ‘middle position’ (madhyama pratipad). The middle position is the rejection of the extreme metaphysical positions of ‘is’ and ‘is not’ (Sasvatavada and Uchedavada). Thus it becomes the no-position (transcendental and inexpressible) and they used the word ‘Sunyata’ to explain it. Jainism - Anekantwada: Realistic and relativistic pluralism is what the doctrine of the manyness of reality proposes. A thing can have an infinite number of unique characteristics.It emphasises how complex and multifaceted ultimate truth and reality are, which is the theory of plurality. - Syadvada: The doctrine of Jaina metaphysics, which is expressed by the word syat (Sanskrit: "maybe"), holds that all judgements are conditional and valid only under specific circumstances, senses, or conditions.  There are countless ways to view something (called naya). Schools Buddhism: 7  Mahayana Buddhism (The Great Vehicle)  Vajrayana Buddhism (The Way of the Diamond)  Theravada Buddhism (The School of the Elders) Jainism:  Digambara  Svetambara Position of Women in Jainism vs Buddhism Buddhism:  The Buddha initially opposed allowing women to join the Sangha.  But after repeated requests from Mahapajapati Gotami, his foster mother, and his chief disciple Ananda, he finally agreed to bring them in.  Hinayana and Mahayana do not give high regard to women. They consider that the woman’s body is not suitable for enlightenment (Nirvana) or becoming a Buddha.  But Vajrayana (and Tibetan Buddhism) places high importance on women, manifested by the female Bodhisattvas, such as Tara, Manjushree, etc. It provides equal opportunities to men and women. Jainism:  Jainism gives women a central role in its ethical and spiritual patterns. For example, the fourfold community that is the foundation of Jain's daily life includes laywomen as well as laymen, nuns, and monks.  Among Svetambara sects, we can also find female mendicants, other than males. 8  Traditional sources reveal several distinguished women who played important roles in the tales of the Jinas, and goddesses are significant cultural and religious figures.  In addition, the soḷa sati, or 16 virtuous women of Svetambara, are female role models whose stories highlight desirable religious qualities. Views on the Varna System  Buddhism: Buddhism condemns the Varna system.  Jainism: Jainism does not condemn the Varna system. Canons  Buddhism: The Buddhist canon (collection of teachings) is divided into tripitakas (three sections), namely: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. All these canons are in the Pali language.  Jainism: JainLiterature is classified into two major categories: Digambara literature and Svetambara literature. o The Digambara canon, or Siddhanta, comprises numerous texts. Two are believed to be all that remains of the original Purvas, composed in the 2nd to 3rd centuries. o The canons of Svetambara are composed of twelve Angas, twelve Upangas, ten Prakirnakas, four Mulasutras, six Chedasutras, and two Chulika sutras. 9 Conclusion In conclusion it may be stated that the emergence of Jainism and Buddhism exerted salutary influence on religion, society, economy, etc. But the contribution made by these heterodox religions on learning and education, art, architecture and painting was ever lasting. In fact these religions enriched the Indian Culture.To sum up, two ancient Indian religions that have had a significant impact on the world's philosophical, cultural, and spiritual landscapes are Jainism and Buddhism. Both religions are dedicated to the ideals of non-violence, moral behavior, and the search of spiritual emancipation while having different roots and beliefs. Mahavira created Jainism, which emphasizes self-discipline, extreme asceticism, and strict non-violence (Ahimsa) as paths to liberation (moksha). A complete framework for leading a life that avoids harm to all living things, promotes truthfulness, and encourages detachment from material goods is provided by the Jain theory of the Five Great Vows and the Three Jewels. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which were developed by Siddhartha Gautama, popularly known as the Buddha, provide a way to put an end to suffering in Buddhism. The principles of mindfulness, meditation, and moral behavior found in Buddhism provide a roadmap for reaching enlightenment (nirvana) and ending the cycle of reincarnation (samsara). Buddhism's many 10 schools, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, demonstrate how flexible the religion is and how widely accepted it is in a variety of settings. Both faiths have made major contributions to the international conversation on morality, ethics, and spirituality. Millions of people worldwide are still moved by their teachings on compassion, nonviolence, and inner transformation; they provide ageless guidance on modern problems like violence, environmental degradation, and mental health. The intellectual and historical exchanges between Buddhism and Jainism emphasize their mutual respect and shared heritage. While Buddhism has expanded throughout Asia and the world, impacting a wide range of cultures and philosophical traditions, Jainism is still mostly restricted to India. We learn a great deal about the rich spiritual traditions of ancient India and their continuing influence on contemporary philosophy and practice via studying Jainism and Buddhism. Both religions encourage us to live thoughtful, compassionate lives that are in balance with the environment by emphasizing the value of reflection, moral behavior, and the search for a greater purpose. 11 REFERENCES  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_religions  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism  http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/history/the-sixth-century-bc-wasa-period-of-religious-and economicunrest-in-india-history/4436/  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varna_%28Hinduism%29  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankara  http://www.dhammaweb.net/books/DVEMATIK.PDF 12