Comparisons and Contrast of Jainism and Daoism
Comparisons and Contrast… 1
Comparisons and Contrast of Jainism and Daoism
World Religions REL 212
Professor Elizabeth Jarnagin
Comparisons and Contrast… 2
Both Jainism and Daoism (Taoism) have ancient roots going back a few thousand years. Statues and yogic seals found in the Indus Valley show that Jainism was practiced by civilizations as far back as around 2500 BCE, while Daoism appears to have originated around 2000 years ago. Although Jainism is older by about 4500 years both have continued to have to be practiced by numerous followers seeking a level of enlightenment.
Although having over 6 million followers little has been known about Jainism outside of India. This may be due in part to there being no written scriptures in regards to this religion for a large part of its history. Rather the teachers of Jain would orally spread their knowledge whilst wandering the land.
While Jainism was more or less “contained” in India, Daoism teachings are widespread throughout the world. Unlike Jainism, Daoism is a philosophical teaching and not a religion. This may help explain why so many people around the world choose to follow it as an escape from the “industrial rat race.” Yet when compared side to side, it is easier to understand how one would choose to follow Daoism over Jainism.
To say that Jainism is strict is an understatement. To follow Jainism successfully one would have to adhere to teachings such as the teachings of Mahivira, the man credited with giving Jainism the form that is practiced today. These teachings include the three jewels: Right belief, Right knowledge, and Right conduct. Emerging from these three jewels and relating to right conduct are the five abstinences, which are the vows of:
• Ahimsa (non-violence)
Comparisons and Contrast… 3
• Satya (truthfulness)
• Asteya (not stealing)
• Aparigraha (non-acquisition)
• Brahmacarya (chaste living)
A person following these five abstinences must be prepared to
Comparisons and Contrast of Jainism and Daoism
World Religions REL 212
Professor Elizabeth Jarnagin
Comparisons and Contrast… 2
Both Jainism and Daoism (Taoism) have ancient roots going back a few thousand years. Statues and yogic seals found in the Indus Valley show that Jainism was practiced by civilizations as far back as around 2500 BCE, while Daoism appears to have originated around 2000 years ago. Although Jainism is older by about 4500 years both have continued to have to be practiced by numerous followers seeking a level of enlightenment.
Although having over 6 million followers little has been known about Jainism outside of India. This may be due in part to there being no written scriptures in regards to this religion for a large part of its history. Rather the teachers of Jain would orally spread their knowledge whilst wandering the land.
While Jainism was more or less “contained” in India, Daoism teachings are widespread throughout the world. Unlike Jainism, Daoism is a philosophical teaching and not a religion. This may help explain why so many people around the world choose to follow it as an escape from the “industrial rat race.” Yet when compared side to side, it is easier to understand how one would choose to follow Daoism over Jainism.
To say that Jainism is strict is an understatement. To follow Jainism successfully one would have to adhere to teachings such as the teachings of Mahivira, the man credited with giving Jainism the form that is practiced today. These teachings include the three jewels: Right belief, Right knowledge, and Right conduct. Emerging from these three jewels and relating to right conduct are the five abstinences, which are the vows of:
• Ahimsa (non-violence)
Comparisons and Contrast… 3
• Satya (truthfulness)
• Asteya (not stealing)
• Aparigraha (non-acquisition)
• Brahmacarya (chaste living)
A person following these five abstinences must be prepared to
References: Living Religions (Fisher 2013) Jainism, BBC: Religions, BBC.co.uk (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/) Daoism, BBC: Religions, BBC.co.uk (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/)