Here is Meriam-Webster's definition
Jainism: a religion of India originating in the sixth century b.c. and teaching liberation of the soul by right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct
Buddhism: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha that suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated from it by mental and moral self-purification
The biggest contrast to note is that Jains found all life precious, to the point of not even stepping on insects. Buddhists on the other hand found life to impermanent.
Our questions were this:
How many Noble Truths are there?
Is there a way to be both Christian (or have a religious god), as well as Buddhist?
I think it is possible to have religion, and follow some of their teachings. I don't think a person could fully be both though. In Christianity worshiping false gods is not accepted. And though the Buddhists do not have a god, their beliefs in the after life are too different from that of Christianity. I do believe that a person can follow some or their teachings in order to receive enlightenment, or blissful happiness.
As Rachel said, the book's information on Jainism is limited, as well as the information on Buddhism, really. One important key to Buddhist belief mentioned in Passion that I caught was that "all of life is impermanent." This differs wildly from Christian belief and, I believe, as both beliefs are incredibly central in their respective religions, makes the two incompatible.
ReplyDeleteAttempting to compare Buddhism and Christianity is like comparing apples and oranges. Their beliefs are in direct contradiction of each other. Having said that, the teachings of Buddhism can be looked at as guiding principles rather than objective belief. For this reason, one could accept the christian deity, but still attempt to live their life according to Buddhist teachings. However, one would have to expect "displeasure" from their christian deity because there are some rank contradictions in the belief systems.
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