Main Teachings of Jainism Jainism didnot accept the authority of the Vedas. Jainism preaches five vows. It is said that only the fifth vow was added by Mahavira
1. Five Vows : A Jain householder has to take the following five vows :
(i) Ahimsa : non- violence.
(ii) Achaurya or Asteya : not stealing.
(iii) Satya : not telling a lie.
(iv) Aparigraha : not possessing property.
(v) Brahmacharya : practising chastity.
2. Nine Truths : Besides the five vows and other general doctrines of Jainism, Jains are expected to have the knowledge of the nine truths.
The Nine truths are Jiva (Living Things), Ajiva ((non-living things), Punya (results of good deeds), Papsin), Ashrav (good deeds), Sanvar (hindrances in the way of karma), Bandha (bondage), Nirjara 9destruction of karmas) and Moksha (salvation).
Doctrines of Jainism
(i) Tri- ratnas : Mahavira preached that the ultimate goal of man is to attain freedom from worldy bonds or to attain 'moksha'. It can be obtained by following tr-ratnas or three jewels :
(a) right faith, (b) right knowledge, and (c) right conduct
(ii) Karma: The Jains believe in the Karma theory of Hinduism and that one should be responsible for one's own Karma or actions.
(iii) Equality : Mahavira laid stress on equality between men and women as well as between men and women. He preached universal brotherhood.
(iv) Eternal soul : Mahavira believed in the immortality of the soul (atma). He said that the body dies but not the soul.
(v) Salvation : Like the Hindus, Jains believe in Moksha(Salvation) or freedom from the cycle of births and rebirths.
(vi) Belief in Penance : Jains believed in penance. To die of starvation, called santhara or sallekhana was considered a virtue.
Teachings of Buddhism
Buddha followed a simple path and inspired people to lead a simple life. His teachings have been reconstructed from stories, found mainly in the Sutta Pitaka.
Four Noble Truths: The essence of Buddhism lies in Four Noble Truths. They are :
(i) The world is full of suffering.
(ii) The suffering has a cause.
(iii) Desire is the cause of suffering.
(iv) If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.
Eightfold Path :
It is a path midway between luxurious living and hard penance. It includes:
(i) Right action : To remain away from theft, luxuries and violence.
(ii) Right thought : To remain away from empty rituals and worldly evils.
(iii) Right belief : To give up desire.
(iv) Right living : Not to have dishonest dealings with others.
(v) Right speech: Speak the truth and do not think ill of others.
(vi) Right effort: Work for deliverance from sins and for the welfare of others.
(vii) Right recollection : Think about pious things.
(viii) Right meditation : Concentrate on only what is right.
Code of Conduct
Buddha formulated a code of conduct for his followers. This included the following:
(i) Not to tell a lie.
(ii) Not to own property.
(iii) Not to consume alcoholic drinks.
(iv) Not to commit violence.
(v) Not to indulge in corrupt practices.