Buddhism and Jainism

627 Words3 Pages
Buddhism and Jainism are two religions closely similar to each other though there are small differences separating them. Their founders, Siddhartha Guatama of Buddhism and Mahavira of Jainism also had comparable upbringings but just as in the religion, minor features were different from the start. Siddhartha is referred to in Buddhism as the ‘Supreme Buddha’ or ‘Buddha.’ Most historians date his lifetime from 563 BCE to 483 BCE. Maahavira, which means ‘Great Hero’, lived from 599 BCE to 527 BCE is also known as Vardhamana. The first comparable aspect was the dreams the men’s mothers experienced during pregnancy. Queen Trishala, Mahavira’s mother had multiple promising dreams during her pregnancy all hinting a great soul was of the baby. Queen Maya, Siddhartha’s mother had an odd dream the night of conception involving six white elephants coming to her side. This eerie information promotes the idea that both Siddhartha and Mahavira were born with a special gift. Also both Mahavira and Siddhartha were born into royalty as princes. Next, both infants were looked at as an important symbol in their respective cultures. While in his mother’s womb, Mahavira was believed to have brought wealth and prosperity to the whole community. On the other hand, during a celebration for Siddhartha’s birth, a hermit psychic named Asita came to the kingdom and announced the child would be either a great king or a great holy man. Distraught at the fact his son may not keep the throne in his family, Siddhartha’s father prevented his son from religious teachings and knowledge of human suffering. On the other hand, Mahavira’s father allowed him to choose his own path for himself. Siddhartha disaffiliated himself from his kingdom around 29 years old. Even though his father made great effort to protect him the fact people experience sickness, aging, and suffering, Siddhartha once saw an

More about Buddhism and Jainism

Open Document