Comparing Hinduism, Jainism, And Sikhism

Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all come from a similar region in the world, India. The beliefs of these religions have been influenced by ancient Indian ideals; an example of this is ahisma, meaning “non-harm”, which can be seen these four faiths. Some religions believe in souls or moral consequence, while others do not. Although there are differences, many likenesses can be found between them. Differences and similarities can be drawn between the moral consequence, reincarnation, and salvation/afterlife in Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The moral consequence and determiner of the direction of one’s reincarnation is called karma. The concept of karma can be found in Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Jainism,
These four religions all believe in reincarnation and that how one lives in their present life can alter their next. In Hinduism, spirits are continuously being reborn into many different forms and different castes; additionally, the Jains and Sikhs have a similar understanding of samsara. The Buddha believed in reincarnation; however, he rejected the idea of an eternal soul. Sikhs put emphasis on helping the poor in their religion, unlike that of the Hindus (Molloy 195). Those who practice these religions work to ensure they have a higher or better rebirth in their next life. Although, each religion ultimately wishes to release themselves from the cycle of
How each religion achieves this is seen differently. The term moksha, meaning freedom or liberation, in Hinduism is the release “from the limitations of being an individual (Molloy 85).” Moksha can be obtained by accepting one’s limitations and overcoming certain restrictions. When one achieves moksha, it results in the end of rebirth, individuality is gone, and only Brahman remains. Alternatively, Buddhism achieves liberation through nirvana; the existence beyond worldly boundaries. When Jains finally liberate themselves from rebirth, their spirits go to live in the highest realm, thought to be at the very top of the universe (Molloy 187). The Sikhs believe that freedom from reincarnation can be achieved, but the process might take many lifetimes to accomplish. Although Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism have diverse ways of obtaining spiritual freedom, they all believe in the release from reincarnation and the achievement of salvation. Moral construct, reincarnation, and afterlife have similar roots in Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Some differences might be found in how they obtain entry for the afterlife or how karma affects their rebirth. Ultimately, each religion has had some impact, no matter how big or small, on the other. Hindu concepts can be found in Jainism and Sikhism. Thusly, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism