________________
136 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
Hindus came closer to each other and that is why in social and religious life the Jainas on the whole do not appear to be much different from the Hindus. In matters like dress and ornaments, occupations and professions, games and amusements, language and literature, outlook on life and behaviour, superstitions, beliefs and practices, religious festivals and fasts, sacraments and rituals, there are various common things between Jainas and Hindus, and especially the vegetarian Hindus, in various geographical regions of India. In fact there are certain castes whose members are found in both the Hindus and the Jainas and to some extent marital relations are still maintained between the Jaina and Hindu sections of the same caste.
From these similarities between the Jainas and the Hindus, it should not be considered that the Jainas are a part of the Hindus or Jainism is a branch of Hinduism. On the contrary, if we compare Jainism and Hinduism, we find that the differences between them are very great and that their agreement is in respect of a few particulars only concerning the ordinary mode of living. Even the ceremonies which appear to be similar are in reality different in respect of their purport if carefully studied.
Hence the significant differences between Jainism and Hinduism can be briefly noted as follows:
(1) Scriptures
The sacred books of the Hindus like Vedas, Smrtis, Purāṇas, etc., are not accepted by the Jainas and the Hindus also do not recognise even a single scripture of the Jainas. (2) Origin of the World
While the Jainas regard the world as eternal, the Hindus hold it to have been made by a creator.
(3) Objects of Worship
In Jainism worship is not offered to an eternal and eternally pure God, but to those great ones who have realised
