Comparison of Hinduism and Jainism - Essay Example

? COMPARISON OF HINDUISM AND JAINISM The work at hand presents the ideas linked to among the most popular religions in the world, Hinduism and Jainism. The paper discusses their origin and foundational beliefs, their differences and similarities, and relevant information concerning their practices today. Origin and Foundational Beliefs Hinduism is a product of interrelated religious doctrines, making it sound broad and eternal with no exact information recorded for its origin and founder, but approximately its sacred writings date back in 1400 to 1500 BC (Houdmann, 2013). Hinduism may be everywhere for it is the third largest religion in the world, but primarily a substantial large number of its followers are in India and Nepal (Houdmann, 2013). According to Houdmann, one of the foundational beliefs of Hinduism includes believing Brahma as the supreme god among the said religion’s recognized million gods. However, Houdmann explains that just as Hinduism adheres to believing more than one god, Hindu theology can be monistic, pantheistic, panentheistic, theistic, atheistic, deistic, or nihilistic. Houdmann therefore concluded that with these diverse views and varied belief systems, Vedas, if they are considered sacred books containing myth, theology, and history can only determine if it is truly about Hinduism in the first place. Another fundamental belief of Hinduism according to Houdmann is the thought that mankind is divine, just as Brahma could be everything as a divine being. Therefore, Hinduism believes that everything or any sort of reality outside Brahma could just be an illusion. Man should be released from this illusion to be one with Brahma. Thus, Hinduism believes in reincarnation as a fundamental way for a man to achieve self-realization of the truth, and this will strongly to be affected by Karma, which means people should do well in the past to live with a good future. On the other hand, just as Christianity surfaced from Judaism, Jainism has its essential foundation from Hinduism. Jainism is simply a variant of Hinduism in the Indian sub-continent just as the same time in the development of Buddhism. The religion is claimed to be founded by Mahavira, the contemporary of Buddha. However, what is more profound in Jainism is the practice of Ascetism for the release of the soul towards enlightenment as the believers of Jainism believe that one should acquire the freedom from the continuous transmigrations of the soul at the death of the body (Gill, 2013). In line with the practice of Ascetism and the release of the soul to elevate it higher in the next reincarnation, Gill added that there should be an essential practice of the right faith, knowledge, and conduct, as Karma binds the soul to the body. Similarities and Differences Unlike Hinduism, Jainism is a non-theistic religion, believing in no god, but only in a fundamental principle of goodness that will lead the soul to greatness and enlightenment that will lead further to a more fulfilling reincarnated life in the future. Both religions believe in Karma and which is the ultimate principle to consider in achieving better spiritual future in the next life through the reincarnation of the human soul. However, Hinduism believes that reincarnation will be a continuous process not until the entire life is totally transformed in the past. This means that an individual unless will not be able to achieve the ultimate goodness, will continue to be reincarnated until reaching to the self-realization of the truth. Jainism deviates from this view, for it adheres to the point that enlightenment follows right after the implementation of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, which will determine the elevation of the soul to a higher level in the next reincarnation. Common to these beliefs however is the infinite possibility of reincarnation, as the point of life eternal. These religions therefore believe that life will never end, but it will be transformed right after the death of the physical body and rebirth will then be imminent again, giving the human soul a chance towards perfection. Absolutely, both religions are looking forward to a happy ending for the human race. Of these two religions, Jainism is more likely philosophical in nature compare to Hinduism. The mere fact that Jainism includes knowledge, but Hinduism reveals the idea of myth, is a remarkable proof that there is higher possibility of intellectualizing one’s faith in the former compared to the latter. Spiritual Practices It is therefore interesting to understand the spiritual practices linked to Hinduism and Jainism. As Hinduism believes in everything as divine and linked to Brahma, it is most likely vulnerable not to kill any living organism that may manifest the god’s characteristics. For this reason, Hindu people are paying respect to all organisms and not only humans. As they believe in the reincarnation of the human soul, they also think that as long as Karma works, their ancestors’ souls could be possibly found in every life form of any living organism. However, this is just the result of following the four main spiritual paths which include the yoga of selfless action, philosophical research and wisdom, physical exercises and meditation, and the path of devotional service (The Heart of Hinduism, 2004). Jainism on the other hand practices faith, knowledge and conduct all at the same time. With all of these, Jains are able to initiate certain acts every day including prayer, honoring the tirthankaras, paying respect to the monks, repentance of sins, self-control via 48-hour meditation, reading of scriptures, and denying worldly pleasures at some point (BBC, 2009). Technically, if one has to critically consider all these spiritual practices, Hinduism and Jainism have high level of similarity because everything they do is heading forward to self-actualization of the truth or enlightenment. Hinduism is actively practiced at present time, knowing that it is still the third largest religion in the world today, of which almost a hundred percent of its followers are in India. In this country, people do the worship at home and in the temple. Hinduism is focused on giving worship to their gods. Today, in every special occasion, Hindus are celebrating yearly religious festivals commemorating their various gods. In particular Hinduism’s religious festival like Mahasivaratri takes place in March and February and devotees are required to fast and worship overnight in the temple for their lord Siva. There are many festivals like this as a way of the devotees of Hinduism to honor their various gods throughout the year. Jainism on the other hand is more focused as a philosophy adhering to the principle of reverence for life, and thus, translating to non-violence and non-possession (V&A, 2013). For this reason, Jains are extending this principle to all life forms and that is the reason why they are observing a very strict vegetarian diet. They have to avoid every human action that may potentially violate life or the environment in general. In other words, unlike the Hinduism which is more visible with their colorful festivals all throughout the year, Jainism is more conspicuous with its philosophical point of views in dealing with all life forms on earth. Some countries or international companies are respecting the traditions linked to Hinduism and so during the festivals for instance, they can decide to declare holiday or special consideration for all Hindu employees or devotees. Furthermore, the implementation of Yoga is another great contribution of Hinduism in the world which has remarkably gained more scientific importance. Lastly, Hindu philosophies are also remarkable in various walks of life and some people are unconsciously following a spiritual path on these. Jainism on the other hand has a great contribution to people’s prevailing diet around the world as many of them are not only health conscious but are now remarkably trying to pay respect to animals or every life form. The mere proof is the ongoing debate, particularly in the US whether to initiate a law linked to animal ethics or any relevant moral issues, and promote a vegetarian diet instead. This issue is a quasi-scientific and quasi philosophical, which represents the ultimate characteristics of Jainism. The practice of non-violence is another remarkable contribution of Jainism in the world, although some people might not only be quite conscious of it. However, peace, compassion and humility towards everything in this planet are remarkable practices in some parts of the world today, which are relevant principles that Jainism adhered to. Furthermore, Jainism’s principles of non-violence, non-absolutism, and non-possessiveness which in some aspect of the human law practices are quite remarkable today. Conclusion The work at hand just presented the significant facts concerning Hinduism and Jainism and in particular, the said religions have no other intention, but for the ultimate good of the human race. References BBC (2013). Religions: Daily spirituality. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/worship/dailyspirituality.shtml Gill, N. S. (2013). Jainism. Retrieved from http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/indusvalleyrel/g/021509Jainism.htm Houdmann, S. M. (2013). What is Hinduism and what do Hindus believe? Retrieved from http://www.gotquestions.org/hinduism.html The Heart of Hinduism (2004). Introduction: Four Main Paths. Retrieved from http://hinduism.iskcon.org/practice/ V&A (2013). Jainism today. Retrieved from http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/j/jainism-today/ Read More