Hinduism vs Jainism

Hinduism possesses one of the most extensive bodies of sacred literature of any world religion. These texts are traditionally classified as shruti ("that which is heard", considered divinely revealed) and smriti ("that which is remembered", composed by human authors). [2][3]

The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative Hindu scriptures, composed in Sanskrit over a period spanning roughly 1500-500 BCE. The four Vedas, Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, contain hymns, ritual instructions, and philosophical speculation. The Upanishads, philosophical texts appended to the Vedas, explore the nature of Brahman, atman, and the path to liberation. [2][3]

"From the unreal lead me to the real; from darkness lead me to light; from death lead me to immortality.", Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28, Max Muller translation (public domain). This prayer captures a central aspiration of Hindu spiritual life. [6][2][3]

The two great epics, the Mahabharata (which includes the Bhagavad Gita) and the Ramayana, are among the most influential works in Hindu culture. The Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and the god Krishna, addresses duty, devotion, knowledge, and the nature of reality. The Puranas contain mythological narratives, genealogies, and cosmological accounts. [2][3]

Additional important texts include the Dharma Shastras (legal and ethical codes), the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and the devotional poetry of saints across regional languages. [2][3]

Jain sacred literature is extensive, though the two major sects differ on which texts are considered canonical. [2][3]

Svetambara Jains accept a canon of texts called the Agamas, believed to be based on the teachings of Mahavira as transmitted by his chief disciples (ganadharas). The canon includes 12 Angas (limbs), 12 Upangas (secondary limbs), and various other categories of texts covering doctrine, ethics, monastic rules, and cosmology. The most important Anga is the Acharanga Sutra, which addresses monastic conduct and the practice of non-violence. [2][3]

Digambara Jains believe that the original canonical texts were lost and instead rely on later scholarly works, including the Shatkhandagama and the Kasayapahuda, as well as the writings of great acharyas (teachers) such as Kundakunda, Umasvati, and Jinasena. [2][3]

Both sects revere the Tattvartha Sutra (also called Tattvarthadhigama Sutra) by Umasvati (c. 2nd-5th century CE), which systematically presents Jain philosophy and is accepted by both Svetambaras and Digambaras. [2][3]

"Non-violence is the highest religion. Non-violence is the highest self-control. Non-violence is the greatest gift. Non-violence is the best practice.", Uttaradhyayana Sutra 28.15, Hermann Jacobi translation, Sacred Books of the East (1895), public domain. This verse encapsulates the centrality of ahimsa in Jain ethics. [6][2][3]