9 Differences Between The Jain And Hindu Theories Of Karma
Introduction
Jainism and Hinduism, two of the oldest world religions embraced by mass of the same land, existing in parallel, in peace, since time immemorial.
During their theological evaluation it's only natural to find cross section, similarity, correlation and also difference, rejection, and juxtaposition between the two philosophical ideologies.
After all, they have literally survived millenniums, successfully, together and yet maintained their distinct identities and uniqueness.
During their theological evaluation it's only natural to find cross section, similarity, correlation and also difference, rejection, and juxtaposition between the two philosophical ideologies.
After all, they have literally survived millenniums, successfully, together and yet maintained their distinct identities and uniqueness.
What Is The Theory Of Karma?
One of the pivotal doctrines in both Hinduism and Jainism, which supports most of their metaphysical, cosmological, and philosophical ideas is the theory of karma.
Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म, Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed.
In layman's terms it can be understood as a principle of cause and effect, where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect).
Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and future suffering.
This concept of karma is jointly shared by many schools of the Asian religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Taoism.
While the cause and effect principle is fundamental to all of them, they differ significantly in the interpretation and applicability in explaining their own other central tenets.
Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म, Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed.
In layman's terms it can be understood as a principle of cause and effect, where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect).
Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and future suffering.
This concept of karma is jointly shared by many schools of the Asian religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Taoism.
While the cause and effect principle is fundamental to all of them, they differ significantly in the interpretation and applicability in explaining their own other central tenets.
Differences Between The Jain And Hindu Theories Of Karma
1. In Jainism, karma theory is a central philosophy and explained thoroughly and supports other theories like reincarnation, transmigration, liberation, and non-violence. In Hinduism karma theory is a subsidiary concept briefly mentioned to support the central philosophies like samsar, reincarnation, and suffering.
2. In Jainism karma is a physical substance present everywhere in the universe. It's attracted to the soul based on its actions. Think of it as a pollutant, maligning the clear soul.
In Hinduism karma is a quality of actions governing the condition of an atman (soul) in the world.
3. The Jain theory of karma has an archaic nature which backs the hypothesis that it dates back to at least tirthankara Parshvanath. The Acharang Sutra draws a general outline with all the later texts such as the Tattvartha Sutra explaining it.
The karma theory in Hinduism finds its origins in the Vedas. The Atharva Veda significantly mentions "karma". The Brhadaranyaka Upanisad is however the first Hindu scripture to encompass a brief formulation of the karma theory. The Bhagwat Geeta also discusses karma theory greatly.
4. There are 8 kinds of karma in Jainism. Hinduism classifies karma in 3 types.
5. In Jainism, souls in any of the four forms (humaish, hellish, heavenly, animal) can attract new karmas. In Hinduism children and animals are incapable of binding new karmas as they are believed to be free from impurity of thoughts and are guided by instincts.
6. According to Jainism, karma is the root of birth and death. In Hinduism a supreme, conscious being governs birth and death, karma only plays role in the situation of the atman (soul) in the world.
7. In Jainism good actions only accumulate good karmas and the only way to get rid of the karmas (both good and bad) is penance.
In Hindu views, bad karmas can be mitigated by good and moral deeds. Good karmas bring in good results.
8. In Jainism getting rid of all (good and bad) karmas is the only way to Moksha. In Hinduism accumulation of good karmas brings you closer to the creator.
9. All Jain sects and schools reject the notion of a creator God who governs anything. Karma is believed to work independently through a self-regulating mechanism.
Hindu schools of thoughts differ with each other on whether a God looks over the law of karma or not. Dvaita and Advaita support a supreme being as the law enforcing agent while Mimansa believes otherwise.
In Hindu views, bad karmas can be mitigated by good and moral deeds. Good karmas bring in good results.
8. In Jainism getting rid of all (good and bad) karmas is the only way to Moksha. In Hinduism accumulation of good karmas brings you closer to the creator.
9. All Jain sects and schools reject the notion of a creator God who governs anything. Karma is believed to work independently through a self-regulating mechanism.
Hindu schools of thoughts differ with each other on whether a God looks over the law of karma or not. Dvaita and Advaita support a supreme being as the law enforcing agent while Mimansa believes otherwise.
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