What are the main differences between Sikhism and Jainism?

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WORLD SIKH UNIVERSITY                                   Priya K Panesar                                    Student ID no: 03/162

                                                                     

TUTORIAL 5                                                           ‘JAINISM’                                           19 November 2003                                          

A1: What are the main differences between Sikhism and Jainism?

Jainism is a religion of severity. Its goal is passionless detachment, reached only through the most severe and disciplined lifestyles, culminating in death by voluntary self-starvation. The aim is to achieve the goal solely by self-effort without the help of God or gods;

Although these self-imposed austerities often include benefit for others. Jains have long been active in promoting public welfare. They are known especially for their endowment of schools and hospitals for people and animals. ‘Ahimsa’ meaning non-violence is the basis of Jainism. Sikhism based on a loving and ever-present God experience in the here and now is much less concerned with ‘other worldliness’. The stress is on this life, this existence and achievement of a state of physical/spiritual equipoise through constant engagement in the Divine Being (Naam).

The Sikh religion is perceived as possessing two basic features, one being a mystical aspect the other more aggressive, military and world affirming.

Jains constitute what is the only major religion in the world that is unconditionally vegetarian. The Sikh book of Laws, the Rehat Meryada only rejects the eating of meat which is ‘halal’-or kosher.

The focal point of worship is different between the two religions.

Jainism’s rejection of God does not entail rejection of prayer and worship-contemplation. Jains contemplate on images of Lord Mahavir (meaning Great Hero) or other Jainas- (previous Tirathankaras).

The Sikhs pray on the teachings of their eternal guru, the ‘living guru’, Guru Granth Sahib and their ten masters before. This is not worshipped as a holy book – It is the knowledge therein that the Sikh adopts into his way of life. Ultimately for a Sikh, God id the profound realisation based on mature reflection of saints and prophets regardless of their religion, caste, class or status in human society.

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. In Jainism there is no concept of a holy book. It was only introduced when the British courts of Law in their time in India, required one for oath taking procedures. It was at this time that the Kalpasutra containing a biography of Lord Mahavira written by a monk called Bhadrabahu, after the demise of Mahavira. This is one of 45 books of his writings on logic, universe, code of conduct etc. Mahavira and the other unorthodox teachers of his age were primarily interested in seeking liberation from the wheel of rebirths.

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. 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.

A2: Explain the main beliefs/ teachings of Jainism, comparing where appropriate, with the teachings of Sikhism (own faith)

Jainism is a non-Vedic Indian religion (they do not believe in the teachings of the Vedas). 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. Jainism is humanistic in its approach and spiritualistic in its depth. Religious fervour and moral earnestness are closely associated and subscribe to the view ‘ Religion if taken seriously and rationally will be deeply moral, but it is not morality.’

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. Jainism promotes belief in worship of a living god as Mahavir and other Tirathankaras, though they do not idolise these saintly figures. Jains worship the idea of attaining a god-like status within themselves.

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Jains do not believe that the universe has been created by a super-being and adopt belief in the scientific theory of the ’Big-Bang’, laws of physics – energy having its own intelligence- theory of evolution.

There are similarities like setting aside a portion of one’s earnings towards charity and welfare of the creation and faith.

Sikhism places great importance on the underlying spirit (dharam) of religion, which is the recognition and dedicated pursuance of one’s duty in life. Jainism is close to this ideal although it is much more prescriptive.

Jainism occupies itself with a religious ...

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