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Jainism and Buddhism emerged in India during the 6th century BCE as a response to the social, political, and religious changes occurring in the country at that time.
Religious Unrest: The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India during this period.
Social Factors: Factors such as rigid caste systems, complex Sanskrit language, and corruption in religion contributed to the search for alternative spiritual paths.
Economic Changes: Economic shifts and urbanization also played a role in questioning established religious norms.
Founder: Jainism traces its roots to Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. He is considered the founder of Jainism in India.
Ascetic Practices: Jainism emphasized asceticism, and its followers practiced rigorous self-discipline, including fasts, penances, and austerities.
Non-Violence (Ahimsa): A central tenet of Jainism is ahimsa, or non-violence, which extends to all living beings.
Tirthankaras: Jainism recognizes 24 Tirthankaras, with Mahavira being the last and most prominent.
Founder: Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is the historical Buddha. He rediscovered the long-forgotten dharma around the 5th century BCE and began teaching it.
Middle Way: Unlike extreme ascetic practices, Buddha advocated the Middle Way, which balanced self-discipline with practicality.
Rebirth and Nirvana: Buddhists believe in rebirth and seek to attain nirvana, liberation from the cycle of rebirths.
Jataka Tales: Buddhist scriptures describe Buddha’s previous rebirths in the Jataka Tales.
Ascetic Traditions: Both Jainism and Buddhism are śramaṇa ascetic traditions.
Liberation from Samsara: Both believe in attaining liberation from the cycle of rebirths (samsara) through spiritual and ethical practices.
Ethical Principles: They share ethical principles but emphasize them differently.
Asceticism: While Jainism emphasizes extreme asceticism, Buddha rejected it in favor of the Middle Way.
Doctrine: Core doctrinal differences include views on self (jiva, atta, anatta) and the Middle Way versus Anekantavada.
Jainism and Buddhism emerged as responses to the changing socio-religious landscape in ancient India, offering distinct paths to spiritual liberation. Their teachings continue to influence millions of people worldwide.
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