Hinduism vs. Jainism — What's the Difference?

Encompasses a vast array of gods, goddesses, and beliefs.

Central tenet, extending to all living beings.

Belief in the soul's journey through birth, death, and rebirth until moksha.

Reveres 24 Tirthankaras who achieved enlightenment and liberation.

Integral to practice, varying widely across regions and communities.

Believes in a detailed concept of karma affecting the soul's rebirth.

Includes diverse schools of thought, such as Advaita Vedanta and Yoga.

The Agamas, containing the sermons of Mahavira and earlier Tirthankaras.

A vast collection of texts, from ancient Vedas to epic tales like the Mahabharata.

Emphasizes personal effort towards spiritual liberation.

Hinduism () is an Indian religion and dharma, or way of life. It is the world's third-largest religion, with over 1.2 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global population, known as Hindus.

Jainism (), traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion and a major world religious group. The three main pillars of Jainism are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-attachment).

A major religious and cultural tradition of South Asia, which developed from Vedic religion.

An ascetic religion of India, founded in the sixth century BC, that teaches the immortality and transmigration of the soul and denies the existence of a supreme being.

A religious, philosophical, and cultural tradition that developed in India with the composition of the Vedas, characterized by belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, by the desire for liberation from earthly evils, and by belief in reincarnation.

The heterodox Hindu religion, founded in the 6th century as a revolt against Hinduism; its most striking features are the exaltation of saints or holy mortals, called jins, above the ordinary Hindu gods, and the denial of a supreme being and of the divine origin and infallibility of the Vedas. Also, the sect comprising those adhering to Jainism. Jainism believes in immortality and the transmigration of the soul. It is intermediate between Brahmanism and Buddhism, having some things in common with each.

The dominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system anud belief in reincarnation.

Sect founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism

A complex of beliefs and values and customs including worship of many gods, especially the Trimurti composed of Brahma the Creator; Vishnu the preserver; and Shiva the destroyer.

Religion founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism; emphasizes asceticism and immortality and transmigration of the soul; denies existence of a perfect or supreme being

The predominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system and belief in reincarnation

A body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme beingof many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils

Both religions believe in karma and the cycle of rebirth, though their interpretations and practices differ.

Scriptures guide adherents in their religious duties, philosophies, and paths to liberation, with each religion having its own set of sacred texts.

Hinduism's diversity in beliefs and practices contrasts with Jainism's strict adherence to non-violence and self-discipline.

Jainism does not endorse the caste system as strictly as Hinduism and emphasizes equality, although social divisions can still be found in Jain communities.

Pilgrimages hold spiritual significance, offering devotees a chance for reflection, penance, and visiting sacred sites.

In a way, yes. Jainism doesn't believe in a creator god but reveres enlightened beings, the Tirthankaras.

Hindu practices vary widely and can include deity worship and rituals, while Jains follow strict ethical codes, particularly ahimsa.

Yes, Jainism is divided mainly into two sects: Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad), differing in doctrines and practices.

Both aim for liberation from the cycle of rebirth, but their paths and practices differ, with Jainism placing a stronger emphasis on non-violence and asceticism.

Hinduism presents various creation theories in its texts, while Jainism does not focus on creation but on the eternal universe with cycles of progress and decline.