Theos-Talk Archives (September 1999 Message tt00125)

In a message dated 9/9/99 12:13:38 AM, lgregory@discover.net writes:

<< Jainism really champions the ahimsa concept much more thoroughly than does
Buddhism... both religions I think bare strong similarities... I myself
having been a theosophist in the late sixties took the refuge in the Buddha
the Dharma and the Sangha... and remain very sympathetic, however am
finding Jainism to be even more to the point... >>

Jainism and Buddhism are both thought to have originated (in the current 
cycle) at the exact same time, 6th century BCE.  They appear to be very 
similar "revolts" from the stultified Brahmanism of that time -- according to 
scholars.  (Although both traditions speak of VERY ancient founders who can 
NOT be traced to the current historical cycle).

The greatest difference between them (to me) is not so much ahimsa (which 
both believe in, but as Art says, Jainism champions) but karma theory.  The 
Jains have a materialistic concept of karma in that it is a material "stuff" 
which clings to one's inner nature.  Literally, there are "atoms" of karmas 
according to Jains.  Buddhism sees karma more as the tendency of the mental 
stream, and not an extra "substance" outside of the mind, adhering to it.

Also, Jainism places its enlightened saints at the "top" of its picture of 
the universe (which I realize is symbolic) while Buddhism places its Buddhas 
NO WHERE in the manifested world.

While both Buddhism and Jainism emphasize meditation and share many other 
approaches and doctrines, I see Buddhism as more psychological and Jainism as 
more philosophically materialistic.

Rich

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