d. What is the main difference between Hinduism and Jainism?

Hindus believe there is an Ultimate energy or God and your soul or atman is a part of that Ultimate.

In Hinduism, Vedas are the body of knowledge that reveal God. That means, if you want to “know” God, Vedas are the source for such knowledge. Vedas are considered “Apaurusheya” – i.e. not created by a “purusha” – neither human nor divine being. It is just “pre-existing knowledge” that was given to the four faced creator, Brahma to govern the function of creation with its help. Per the vedas, God exists severally – and pervades every atom, cell, object/beings as antaratma.

Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara (ford-finder or one who establishes the path; 527 BC) approach represents a complete departure from the theistic world with a radically new way of engaging spiritual practice being initiated. In Jainism, the concept of God is fully replaced by a focus on the self, the soul being viewed as capable of discovering its own inner truth or divinity entirely for itself. Going within ensures that every soul could become paramatma (a fully enlightened being). In this respect, Jainism is a nastik (not believing in Vedas teaching) religion.

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Contributor: Dilip Amin

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