ComparisonComparison ofof ReligionsReligions EasternEastern (Indian-Hinduism,(Indian-Hinduism, Buddhism,Buddhism, andand Jainism)Jainism) andand WesternWestern (Judaism,(Judaism, Christianity,Christianity, Islam)Islam) ReligionsReligions PravinPravin K.K. ShahShah Jain Study Center of North Carolina 401 Farmstead Drive, Cary NC 27511-5631 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.jainism.org EasternEastern (Indian)(Indian) ReligionsReligions Hinduism,Hinduism, Buddhism,Buddhism, andand JainismJainism CommonCommon Features:Features: PhilosophyPhilosophy ofof KarmaKarma ContinuityContinuity ofof LifeLife (Reincarnation)(Reincarnation) MysticalMystical (Human(Human Experience)Experience) SelfSelf RealizationRealization (Direct(Direct contactcontact withwith God/Self)God/Self) IndividualIndividual FreedomFreedom toto choosechoose God(s)/no-GodGod(s)/no-God HumanHuman SufferingSuffering -- Soul'sSoul's IgnoranceIgnorance EasternEastern (Indian)(Indian) ReligionReligion Hinduism,Hinduism, Buddhism,Buddhism, andand JainismJainism CommonCommon FeaturesFeatures (continued):(continued): NoNo JudgmentJudgment DayDay NoNo EternalEternal Hell/HeavenHell/Heaven LiberationLiberation (Moksha)-(Moksha)- EternalEternal ScriptureScripture HasHas Limited/NoLimited/No AuthorityAuthority WorshippingWorshipping -- AllAll DayDay UniverseUniverse ExistsExists inin EndlessEndless CycleCycle ReligiousReligious SymbolsSymbols (OM,(OM, Swastika,Swastika, Lotus)Lotus) CremationCremation SystemsSystems ofof PhilosophyPhilosophy DevelopedDeveloped BrahmanaBrahmana SystemSystem