Jainism in Buddhist Literature

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Alok Prakashan

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Cattari ariyasaccom), viz. the Truth of suffering (Dukkhasacca), the Truth of the Arising of suffering (Dukkha-samudayasacca), the Truth of the Annihilation of Suffering (Dukkhanirodhasacca ) and the Truth of the Path leading to the Anpihtation of Suffering (Dut kkha-mirodhagamani.pafipada-ariyasacca ). Jainism, too, teaches substantially the same doctrines. During the twelve meditations ( Dwadasampreaşa ) a Nigantha thinks of the sature of the world and soul. In this way he tries to abstain from attachment to anything so that he could attain the state of Vitara gatva (freedom from all desires). Avidya (ignorance ), as in Buddhism, is the root cause of Karmic bondage, and release is possible through Right Vision (Samyagdarsana ), Right Knowledge (Samyagjñāna ), and Right Conduct ( Samyagcūritra100).
Buddhism extols the four meditations ( Bhavana ), viz. Motta (Frindship ) Karunā ( Compassion ), Muditā ( delight ), and Upekkha ( indifference110 ). The Jain Scripture declares that these should be meditated upon by everybody (Maitripramodakarunyamadhyasthani ca satvagunadhi kaklidyamānadinayesu ). They are realizable through concentration (yogakkhamari nibbanar ajjhagamar), and are free from ageing (ajarari). Salvation can be attained with the cessation of the chain of causation, Nibbāna, in Jainism, is a condition of the pure soul, free from all bondage of karmas, peaceful, enlightened and eternal111. Both religions believe that every being experiences fruits of his good and bad deeds in the present or future life and rebirth continues till the attainment of salvation.
Non-violence (Ahirósā ) is also a common feature of both Jainism and Buddhism. Buddhism, like Jainism, stipulates that its adherents should abstain from all forms of violence ( Hims). Bat Jainism appears more strict in this respect. The eating of flesh, which is not altogether forbidden in Buddhism, is completely forbidden in Jainism. In other words, Nonviolence is the foundation of Jaina religion and philosophy. Syadvada and Nayavāda, the spirit of reconciliation, is an integral part of its theme.