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History & Civics

Gautama Buddha (born as Siddhartha), was the founder of Buddhism. He was a contemporary of Mahavira. In this context, answer the following questions:

  1. Why did the Great Renunciation take place?
  2. What were the similarities and differences between the teachings of Mahavira and Buddha?

Jainism & Buddhism

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Answer

1. The Four Great Sights, an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a peaceful ascetic, deeply moved Siddharth. Realising life’s miseries, he left his palace in search of truth. This marked the Great Renunciation.

2. Similarities between the teachings of Mahavira and Buddha —

  1. Both rejected the caste system and believed in equality.
  2. Both opposed animal sacrifices and complex Vedic rituals.
  3. Both believed in ahimsa (non-violence) and kindness to all living beings.
  4. Both taught simple living and self-discipline.
  5. Both believed in karma and rebirth.

Differences between the teachings of Mahavira and Buddha —

JainismBuddhism
Mahavira asked followers to lead an austere life.Buddha prescribed the Middle Path.
Jainism recognises the existence of gods, but gave them lesser importance than jina.Buddhism does not recognise the existence of god.
Liberation from worldly bonds could be attained by following the three jewels (triratna), namely, right knowledge, right faith and right action.Human misery can be eliminated by following the Eight-fold Path.
The early Jainas preached in Prakrit.Pali language was used to spread the message of the Buddha in the early times.
Jainism spread within the Indian subcontinent.Buddhism spread to different parts of the world.
The two sects of Jainism were digambaras and shvetambaras.Buddhism later took two major forms, namely, Mahayana and Hinayana.

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