Sikhism is theistic (believe in God) and Jainism is atheistic (don't believe in God's existence). Jains
Jainism
Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma is an ancient Indian religion. Followers of Jainism are called "Jains", a word derived from the Sanskrit word jina who connotes the path of victory in crossing over life's stream of rebirths by destroying the karma through an ethical and spiritual life. Jainism is a transtheistic religion, and Jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twent…
Historical Vedic religion
The religion of the Vedic period (also known as Vedism, ancient Hinduism, Brahmanism and Vedic Brahmanism) was the religion of the Indo-Aryans of northern India. It is a historical predecessor of modern Hinduism, though significantly different from it.
Vedas
The Vedas are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Hindus consider the Vedas to be apauruṣeya, which means "not of a man, superhuman" and "impersonal, authorless".
What is the ultimate reality of Jainism?
What is the ultimate reality in Jainism? Jains believe that souls (Jīva) exist as a reality, with a separate existence from the body that houses it. It is characterised by cetana (consciousness) and upayoga (knowledge and perception). Though the soul experiences both birth and death, it is neither destroyed nor created. What is ultimate reality Christianity?
What are some facts about Jainism?
Such a person undertakes the following Five vows of Jainism:
- Ahiṃsā, "intentional non-violence" or "noninjury": The first major vow taken by Jains is to cause no harm to other human beings, as well as all living beings (particularly animals). ...
- Satya, "truth": This vow is to always speak the truth. ...
- Asteya, "not stealing": A Jain layperson should not take anything that is not willingly given. ...
What are the basic beliefs of Jainism?
What Are Jainism's Main Beliefs?
- 1 Reincarnation and Karma. As with Hinduism, a core belief in Jainism is that the soul is reincarnated in a continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth that is governed ...
- 2 The Three Jewels. In order to release their souls from the cycle of reincarnation, Jains follow an ethical code known as the three jewels.
- 4 Belief in Gods
What are the similarities between Islam and Sikhism?
Similarities between Islam and Sikhism. Both religions are Monotheistic. Sikhs and Muslims believe in a formless God. Both religions are against idol worship. The Sikhs believe in Dharam Yudha and the Muslims in Jihad. The war of righteousness, makes both militarized religions. Charity is one of the most important basic tenets of Sikhism and Islam.
How are Jainism and Sikhism similar?
The religions of Sikhism and Jainism had similar paths but do have contrasting features that make each one of them very unique. Some of the similarities between the two religions are: Both religions believed in transmigration of the soul. This was known as reincarnation.Nov 17, 2021
What are the three key beliefs of Jainism and Sikhism?
Liberation is achieved by eliminating all karma from the soul. Jainism is a religion of self-help. There are no gods or spiritual beings that will help human beings. The three guiding principles of Jainism, the 'three jewels', are right belief, right knowledge and right conduct.Aug 27, 2009
What religion is similar to Sikhism?
Sikhs, followers of the Sikh religion, centered in Punjab State, in northwestern India. Sikhism is an ethical monotheism fusing elements of Hinduism and Islam. It was founded by Nanak (1469-1539), a mystic who believed that God transcends religious distinctions.
Is Punjabis a Jain?
Jainism has been present in Punjab since ancient times.
Which is oldest religion in world?
The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as Sanātana Dharma (Sanskrit: सनातन धर्म, lit.
Who invented Jainism?
Jainism is somewhat similar to Buddhism, of which it was an important rival in India. It was founded by Vardhamana Jnatiputra or Nataputta Mahavira (599-527 BC), called Jina (Spiritual Conqueror), a contemporary of Buddha.
Can Sikh go to Hindu temple?
Yes, Sikhs certainly do visit Hindu temples. The famous Hemkund Yatra is said to be completed If only they visit Badrinath Temple after that. The Hindu Gods are mentioned in the Holy Scripture “Guru Granth Sahib” and they do respect and protect our religion too.
Is Sikhism closer to Hinduism or Islam?
Sikhism is closer to Hinduism than Islam as it retains Hindi theories of karma and reincarnation, even though Sikhism foundations are closer to Islam as it advocates monotheism.Jul 10, 2013
How is Sikhism different from Islam?
Islam means 'peace' or 'submission to God'. The word Sikh is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'disciple', or one who learns. Islam is monotheistic, whereas Sikhism is pantheistic. Sikhs believe that the 'creator and creation are one and the same thing', Muslims on the other hand, disagree.
Are all marwaris Jains?
'Marwari' is an umbrella term to classify both Hindus and Jains. The Marwaris originate from Eastern Rajasthan and the term was used as an ethnographic classification in the 1901 census.Nov 18, 2017
Which caste is Jain?
Jainism does not follow or believe in Caste System. Anyone who believes in principle of Jainism can Follow it. Jainism is considered as a minority group in India but they are not entitled with reservation. Therefore, their cutoff is same as a General category student for any entrance exam.Mar 15, 2020
Is Jain a high caste?
Jains are the only religious group in India where a majority say they are members of a higher General Category caste. Most Indians (68%) are members of lower castes (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backwards Classes), compared with 20% of Jains who identify with these communities.Aug 17, 2021
What is the difference between Jainism and Vedic religion?
The Vedic religions accept the authority of the Vedas and Vedic literature (Hinduism). Whereas Jainism accepts the authority of its own Agamas and Agamas literature- Holy Scriptures, Jainism completely rejects the notion of a creator God, an external entity. Jainism is a representation f the Sramanic culture.
What is the significance of Sikhism?
Sikhism places great importance on the underlying spirit (dharam) of religion, which is the recognition and dedicated pursuance of one’s duty in life.
What do Jains talk about?
Jains talk about forgiveness without involving God in it. Sikhism is theistic (believe in God) and Jainism is atheistic (don’t believe in God’s existence). Jains observe fasting during the festival of Paryushan/ Samtsari. Sikhism does not sanction any kind of fasting.
What is the goal of Jainism?
The aim is to achieve the goal solely by self-effort without the help of God or gods;
What is the purpose of Sikhism?
Sikhism is a whole life socio-political religion. It’s aim is to uplift the personal lives of individuals to a higher social and spiritual levels. Sikhism believes in the Oneness of God, a formless God and teaches against idol worship in any form .
What do Sikhs believe?
Sikhs believe in there being a God without parallel and meditate on the One who is the Absolute Truth – a formless God. Sikhism promotes belief in the Grace of God. They believe that God may forgive and pardon humans for their sins and wrongs – Sikhs believe in a loving God.
Do Jains believe in God?
Jains do not believe in a creator God – ‘you are the controller of your destiny as in the laws of physics’. The meditative focus of the Jains is on the inner light or the Tirathankaras (ones who reached salvation). They believe in energy having it’s own intelligence – the theory of evolution.
What does Sikhism believe?
They believe the universe is eternal, without beginning or end, and that all happens in an autonomous fashion with no necessity of a co-ordinator/God. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, believing in the singular power of the Formless Creator God, Ik Onkaar, without a parallel.
What are the rituals of Jainism?
Daily rituals may include meditation and bathing; bathing the images; offering food, flowers, and lighted lamps for the images; and reciting mantras in Ardhamagadhi, an ancient language of northeast India related to Sanskrit. Jainism express non violence in thought, word and action.
What is Ahimsa for the Jains?
Ahimsa for the Jains is a code of practice to always be kind and compassionate and prevent hurt to oneself and others. Sikhs reject Ahimsa. There are occasional references to Jainism in the Guru Granth Sahib and other Sikh texts.
What does Naraka mean in Jainism?
Karma and salvation. See also: Naraka in Jainism. Both Jains and Sikhs believe in the Karma theory and re-incarnation of the soul. Salvation for a Sikh is attained through the Divine Grace and Will of Waheguru (God) and through good deeds in one’s life and the selfless service of Sewa and charity.
What is the oldest religion in India?
Main article: Indian religions. Jainism is the oldest living sramana tradition in India. In its current form it is traced to Parshvanath (250 years before Mahavira ), the twenty-third of tirthankaras or “fordmakers” in Jain belief. Mahavira was born to a ruling family in the town of Vaishali, located in the modern state of Bihar.
What are the practices of Sikhs?
Other practices. A Sikh is bound to the Truth at all times and practices god Consciousness through Nam Simran and selfless service (Sewa). Jains, too, place high regard in prayers and meditation. Sikhs reject the caste system and promote social and gender equality, as the soul is the same for both men and women.
Where was Sikhism founded?
Sikhism was established in the 15th century in the state of Punjab in North India. Although born into a Hindu household in 1469 in the Punjab region, Guru Nanak challenged existing practices and is considered the founder of the new faith.
Introduction
Jainism came about as a result of efforts to transform Hindu religion 2000 years ago. This religion was established almost same time as Buddhism. It was founded by Vardhamana, a prominent person who live in East India. The founder became very famous in 420 BCE when he was around 14 years old after committing the act of salekhana.
Main Text
Sikhism was founded in Punjab area which is currently known as Pakistan by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His work came after his enlightenment and willingness to preach how the society could be enlightened. He was dedicated to ensuring that society in the Punjab area gets to know more about God.
Similarities
The religions of Sikhism and Jainism had similar paths but do have contrasting features that make each one of them very unique. Some of the similarities between the two religions are:
Differences
Sikhism believed in supreme divine creator which contrast with concept of Jainism religion which stand on the fact that there is no divine creator
What is the Jainism?
Jainism ( /ˈdʒeɪnɪzəm/ ), traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion. Jain dharma traces its spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twenty-four leaders or tirthankaras, with the first in current time cycle being Lord Rishabhanatha, whom the Jain tradition holds to have lived millions of years ago, the twenty-third tirthankara Parshvanatha whom historians date to 8th or 7th century BCE, and the 24th tirthankara, Mahāvīra around 500 BCE. Jains believe that Jainism is an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every cycle of the Jain cosmology .
What is the main belief of Sikhism?
The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in Waheguruji — represented using the sacred symbol of ik onkar, the Universal God. Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God.
How many followers does Sikhism have?
With around 30 million followers worldwide, Sikhism is the fifth largest organized religion in the world.
What do Jains believe?
Jains believe that Jainism is an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every cycle of the Jain cosmology . The main religious premises of the Jain dharma are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (many-sidedness), aparigraha (non-attachment) and asceticism (abstinence from sensual pleasures).
What are the sacred books of Jainism?
The sacred books of Jainism are called Agamas . The Jaina Agamas or scriptures are the works of the immediate disciples of Mahavira. The first sacred books of the Jaina are in Prakrit or Ardha Magadhi language. They were given their written form in the 5th century at Vallabhi, in Gujarat. Dr. L.M. Joshi is of the opinion that the literature of Jainism is vast and varied. Its subject matter includes not only ascetic culture, morality, religion and philosophy, but also fables fairy-tales, legendary romances, history, hagiography, mythology and cosmology. "The body of literature known as Agamas includes a large number of texts. These are divided into two classes" Anga Agamas or the original twelve books and Angabahya Agamas or the texts outside of the original twelve books.
What does karma mean in Jainism?
Karma and salvation. See also: Karma in Jainism. Both Jains and Sikhs believe in the Karma theory and re-incarnation of the soul. Salvation for a Sikh is attained through the Divine Grace and Will of Waheguru (God) and through good deeds in one's life and the selfless service of Sewa and charity.
What are the practices of Sikhs?
Other practices. A Sikh is bound to the Truth at all times and practices god Consciousness through Nam Simran and selfless service (Sewa). Jains, too, place high regard in prayers and meditation. Sikhs reject the caste system and promote social and gender equality, as the soul is the same for both men and women.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Although Sikhism and Jainism are both South Asian religions with high philosophical values, they differ significantly in their age, diet, ways of salvation, and most importantly, their concept of God.
17. The Significant Differences Between Sikhism and Jainism
Although Sikhism and Jainism are both South Asian religions with high philosophical values, they differ significantly in their age, diet, ways of salvation, and most importantly, their concept of God.
What do Sikhism and Jainism believe?
Both jainism and Sikhism believe in the power of prayer and chanting as I means to be closer to God. They both believe in reincarnation, karma, good deeds and actions, congregational worship and non materialistic possessions. Both religions want the human soul to attain moksha from cycle of birth.
What is the difference between Sikhs and Jains?
Differences: Belief in God: Jains don’t believe in God or the Creator, they believe that any human through his Karma, can become God. On the other hand, Sikhs believe that there is God and we get united with him through Bhakti and Karma.
How many karma do Sikhs have?
Karma: Both Sikhism and Jainism believe in the principle of Karma. Gurus: Sikhs have 10 human Gurus (Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh) and Jains have 24 Tirthankars (Bhagwan Rishabh Dev to Bhagwan Mahavir) Re-incarnation: Both believe in the re-incarnation principle.
What are the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Jainism?
There are some similarities and differences between the two religions. Temples, gods, rituals, fasts and other religious components of Jainism are ... Jainism and Hinduism have many similar characteristic features, including the concepts of dharma, samsara, karma and moksha.
Which religions reject the caste system?
Caste System Rejection: Both Jainism and Sikhism reject the caste system. Jains and Sikhs also inherently respect all other religions. Founders: A surprising fact that all the Gurus of Sikhism and all the Tirthankars of Jainism (and even the founder of Buddhism) were born in Kshatriya clans.
What is the Jain ahimsa?
Jains have ahimsa which is total non violence, monk and nuns, austerity and penances. Jains aspire to renounce the world and live a pious life - taking the vow or ‘diksha’. Once a jain has decided to renounce possessions and materials then they have only started their journey to moksha and salvation.
What is the ultimate reality of Brahman?
In Advaita, Ultimate reality Brahman is one without a second. The multiplicity seen in the universe is apparent. Brahman and individual soul unite and become one after moksha (liberation). In Vishishta Advaita, God and individual soul are separate but have potential to become one after moksha (liberation).
What is the most important similarity between Sikhism and Jainism?
What is the most important similarity between Jainism and Sikhism? The most important similarity of Jainism and Sikhism is that they both adopted basic principles from Hinduism. The similarities that these two religions have adopted are the beliefs in karma and reincarnation. The beliefs in karma are similar by both religions believe in doing ...
What do Hinduism and Sikhism have in common?
Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with beliefs spanning monotheism, polytheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, agnosticism, deism and atheism.
Do Jainism and Sikhism fast?
Jains observe fasting during the festival of Paryushan/ Samtsari. Sikhism does not sanction any kind of fasting. Jainism is a non-Vedic Indian religion (they do not believe in the teachings of the Vedas).
What is the second principle of Jainism?
The second main principle of Jainism is anekāntavāda, from anekānta ("many-sidedness") and vada ("doctrine"). The doctrine states that truth and reality are complex and always have multiple aspects. It further states that reality can be experienced, but cannot be fully expressed with language. It suggests that human attempts to communicate are Naya, "partial expression of the truth". According to it, one can experience the taste of truth, but cannot fully express that taste through language. It holds that attempts to express experience are syāt, or valid "in some respect", but remain "perhaps, just one perspective, incomplete". It concludes that in the same way, spiritual truths can be experienced but not fully expressed. It suggests that the great error is belief in ekānta (one-sidedness), where some relative truth is treated as absolute. The doctrine is ancient, found in Buddhist texts such as the Samaññaphala Sutta. The Jain Agamas suggest that Mahāvīra's approach to answering all metaphysical philosophical questions was a "qualified yes" ( syāt ). These texts identify anekāntavāda as a key difference from the Buddha 's teachings. The Buddha taught the Middle Way, rejecting extremes of the answer "it is" or "it is not" to metaphysical questions. The Mahāvīra, in contrast, taught his followers to accept both "it is", and "it is not", qualified with "perhaps", to understand Absolute Reality. The permanent being is conceptualized as jiva (soul) and ajiva (matter) within a dualistic anekāntavāda framework.
How many periods of time are there in Jainism?
In this part of the universe, it explains, there are six periods of time within two eons ( ara ), and in the first eon the universe generates, and in the next it degenerates.
How many followers does Jainism have?
With four to five million followers worldwide, Jainism is small compared to major world religions. Jains form 0.37% of India 's population, mostly in the states of Maharashtra (1.4 million in 2011, 31.46% of Indian Jains), Rajasthan (13.97%), Gujarat (13.02%) and Madhya Pradesh (12.74%).
What is the purpose of meditation in Jainism?
In Jainism, meditation is concerned more with stopping karmic attachments and activity, not as a means to transformational insights or self-realization in other Indian religions. According to Padmanabh Jaini, Sāmāyika is a practice of "brief periods in meditation" in Jainism that is a part of siksavrata (ritual restraint). The goal of Sāmāyika is to achieve equanimity, and it is the second siksavrata. The samayika ritual is practiced at least three times a day by mendicants, while a layperson includes it with other ritual practices such as Puja in a Jain temple and doing charity work. According to Johnson, as well as Jaini, samayika connotes more than meditation, and for a Jain householder is the voluntary ritual practice of "assuming temporary ascetic status".
What are the four jewels of Jainism?
According to Jainism, purification of soul and liberation can be achieved through the path of four jewels: Samyak darśana (Correct View), meaning faith, acceptance of the truth of soul ( jīva ); Samyak gyana (Correct Knowledge), meaning undoubting knowledge of the tattvas; and Samyak charitra (Correct Conduct), meaning behavior consistent with the Five vows. Jain texts often add samyak tap (Correct Asceticism) as a fourth jewel, emphasizing belief in ascetic practices as the means to liberation ( moksha ). The four jewels are called moksha marg (the path of liberation).
Where do the majority of Jainism followers live?
The majority of Jains currently reside in India. With four to five million followers worldwide, Jainism is small compared to major world religions. Jains form 0.37% of India 's population, mostly in the states of Maharashtra (1.4 million in 2011, 31.46% of Indian Jains), Rajasthan (13.97%), Gujarat (13.02%) and Madhya Pradesh (12.74%). Significant Jain populations exist in Karnataka (9.89%), Uttar Pradesh (4.79%), Delhi (3.73%) and Tamil Nadu (2.01%). Outside India, Jain communities can be found in most areas hosting large Indian populations, such as Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and Kenya. Jainism also counts several non-Indian converts; for example, it is spreading rapidly in Japan, where more than 5,000 families have converted between 2010-2020.
What is the meaning of karma in Jainism?
Classification of Saṃsāri Jīvas (transmigrating souls) in Jainism. According to Jainism, the existence of "a bound and ever changing soul" is a self-evident truth, an axiom which does not need to be proven.

History
Lineage of Teachers
Mutual Cooperation
- Author Khushwant Singh notes that many eminent Jains admired the Sikh gurus and came to their help in difficult times. When the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was on his preaching mission in eastern India, he and his family were invited by Salis Rai Johri to stay in his haveli in Patna. In his hukamnamas sent from Assam, the guru referred to Patna as guru-ka-ghar, meanin…
Practices and Differences
- Diwali
Diwaliis celebrated by both religions. Although Sikhs celebrate the day as Bandi Chhor Divas, the homecoming to Amritsar of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind from Gwalior. The release of 52 Rajas from the fort of Gwalior is attributed to this Guru. For Jains, Diwali is the celebration of th… - Ahimsa and vegetarianism
Jains are strictly vegetarianThere are, however, some groups and sects of Sikhism (Namdharis, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Guru Nanak NSJ, Handsworth, Damdami Taksal etc.) who encourage vegetarianism. The majority of Sikhs believe that in Sikhism, eating meat is left up to the individu…
Concept of God
- See also: God in Jainism and God in Sikhism Jains do not believe in the concept of a God head responsible for the manifestation of the Creation. They believe the universe is eternal, without beginning or end, and that all happens in an autonomous fashion with no necessity of a co-ordinator/God. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, believing in the s...
Customs
- See also: Fasting in Jainism During the 18th century, there were a number of attempts to prepare an accurate portrayal of Sikh customs. Sikh scholars and theologians started in 1931 to prepare the Reht Maryada—the Sikh code of conduct and conventions. This has successfully achieved a high level of uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism throughout the world. It c…
Karma and Salvation
- Both Jains and Sikhs believe in the Karmatheory and re-incarnation of the soul. Salvation for a Sikh is attained through the Divine Graceand Will of Waheguru (God) and through good deeds in one’s life and the selfless service of Sewa and charity. Jains too believe in personal effort and aims and do not depend on a heavenly being for assistance. Both believe in the conquest of the …
See Also
Overview
Customs
History
Lineage of teachers
- Sikhism believed in supreme divine creator which contrast with concept of Jainism religion which stand on the fact that there is no divine creator
- Sikhism follow monotheism as opposed to Jain community which is for polytheist
- Jain believes that the universe is eternal with no beginning or end and that God has no control over what happens in the universe. This belief sharply contrasts with beliefs of Sikhism whic…
- Sikhism believed in supreme divine creator which contrast with concept of Jainism religion which stand on the fact that there is no divine creator
- Sikhism follow monotheism as opposed to Jain community which is for polytheist
- Jain believes that the universe is eternal with no beginning or end and that God has no control over what happens in the universe. This belief sharply contrasts with beliefs of Sikhism which stand...
- Asceticism is encouraged by Jain community whereas Sikhism does not promote the same (Sarvepalli, 1990)
Mutual Cooperation
Practices and differences
Jainism , traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion. Jain dharma traces its spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twenty-four leaders or tirthankaras, with the first in current time cycle being Lord Rishabhanatha, whom the Jain tradition holds to have lived millions of years ago, the twenty-third tirthankara Parshvanatha whom historians date to 8th or 7th century BCE, and the 24th tirthankara, Mahāvīra around 500 BCE. Jains believe that Jainism is a…
Politics and War
During the 18th century, there were a number of attempts to prepare an accurate portrayal of Sikh customs. Sikh scholars and theologians started in 1931 to prepare the Reht Maryada—the Sikh code of conduct and conventions. This has successfully achieved a high level of uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism throughout the world. It contains 27 articles. Article 1 defines who is a Sikh:
Concept of God
The sacred books of Jainism are called Agamas. The Jaina Agamas or scriptures are the works of the immediate disciples of Mahavira. The first sacred books of the Jaina are in Prakrit or Ardha Magadhi language. They were given their written form in the 5th century at Vallabhi, in Gujarat. Dr. L.M. Joshi is of the opinion that the literature of Jainism is vast and varied. Its subject matter includes not only ascetic culture, morality, religion and philosophy, but also fables fairy-tales, leg…