Jainism Vs. Sikhism Review 133 Version University

ABC/123 Version X 1 Jainism vs. Sikhism REL/133 Version University of Phoenix Material Jainism vs. Sikhism Worksheet

Part 1 Read the assigned chapters for the week and complete the following table. Be as specific as possible when identifying practices, beliefs, rituals, and historical elements. Cite sources in course-level APA formatting.

Core Beliefs

• Jainism: Jainism emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-possessiveness (aparigraha), and liberation of the soul. Its goal is to achieve liberation (moksha) through ethical purity and strict ascetic practices, emphasizing respect for all living beings.
• Sikhism: Sikhism centers on belief in one God (Ik Onkar), equality of all people, honest living (kirat karni), and devout prayer (simran). Its core goal is union with God (mukti) through honest devotion, community service, and righteous conduct.

Practices

• Jainism: Practices include fasting, meditative rituals, non-violent behavior in daily life, strict vegetarianism, and the use of vows like ahimsa and aparigraha. Rituals include temple worship and pilgrimage to sacred sites such as Shikharji.
• Sikhism: Practices include daily prayers (Nitnem), congregation worship (Gurdwara services), participating in community service (Seva), and wearing the Five Ks – Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton underwear), Kirpan (sword).

Rituals

• Jainism: Rituals involve temple pujas, offerings, and ritual fasting times such as Paryushana. Death rituals include the practice of Sallekhana, a voluntary vow of fasting unto death.
• Sikhism: Rituals include Amrit Sanskar (initiation), marriage ceremonies, and annual festivals like Vaisakhi. Prayer recitations and processions are common during festivals.

Historical Elements

• Jainism: Founded around the 6th century BCE by Lord Mahavira in India, Jainism predates Buddhism and emphasizes spiritual purity and liberation through ethical restraint.
• Sikhism: Founded in the 15th century CE by Guru Nanak in Punjab, Sikhism emerged as a distinct faith emphasizing equality, community, and devotion to one God, in response to social inequalities and religious orthodoxy.

Part 2 Response Questions

1. What do you think is the most important similarity, and which is the most important difference? Use specifics to support your answer.

The most significant similarity between Jainism and Sikhism is their emphasis on ethical living and spiritual discipline aimed at achieving spiritual liberation. Both religions advocate core principles like non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion, which shape their practitioners' daily behaviors and worldview. Jainism's strict adherence to non-violence (ahimsa) extends to every form of life, with practitioners avoiding harm to even smallest creatures, and their practice of extreme asceticism to purify the soul reflects a deep commitment to non-violence and spiritual purity (Jaini, 1997). Similarly, Sikhism promotes compassion and equality, emphasizing honest work, fair treatment, and community service as ways to realize spiritual union with God (Singh, 2014). Both religions also value community worship and rituals that reinforce their devotion and ethical frameworks.

The clearest divergence lies in their approach to rituals and asceticism. Jainism practices rigorous fasting, vows of non-possessiveness, and self-denial, aiming for detachment from worldly attachments, which sometimes leads to extreme acts like Sallekhana—death by fasting (Jaini, 1997). Conversely, Sikhism discourages extreme asceticism and advocates for living a balanced life rooted in truthful living and devotion while participating actively in worldly affairs (Singh, 2014). Sikh practices involve community-centered worship and social activism, whereas Jain practices tend to be more individualistic and ascetic. Thus, while both seek spiritual liberation, Jainism emphasizes renunciation, and Sikhism emphasizes active engagement with the world.

2. Consider the following statement: Sallekhana (“holy death”) violates the Jain principle of ahimsa because it is an act of violence against oneself. Using examples from Ch. 5 of Experiencing the World’s Religions, what points might a follower of Jainism make to argue against this statement?

A Jain follower would argue that Sallekhana, or voluntary fasting unto death, is not a violation of ahimsa but rather its highest expression. According to Jain teachings, ahimsa encompasses non-violence not only toward others but also toward oneself. Jainism regards the soul's ultimate goal as liberation (moksha), which requires purification of karmic bonds through self-discipline and austerity (Laidlaw, 1995). Sallekhana is a voluntary act undertaken with the intention of eliminating karmic burdens and preventing violence that might occur through conflict, disease, or suffering caused by worldly attachments. Jain texts describe Sallekhana as a peaceful, meditative practice that demonstrates deep respect for life by choosing a non-violent end rather than suffering or violence inflicted by external circumstances (Jaini, 1997). This act aligns with their view that true non-violence involves not just abstaining from harming others but also controlling and purifying oneself—making Sallekhana a respectful, deliberate act of spiritual discipline rather than violence.

Furthermore, Jain scholars argue that Sallekhana is a moral and spiritual choice, undertaken in accordance with strict ethical guidelines, including ensuring no other beings are harmed in the process. They see it as an act of compassion for oneself and others, preserving the principle of non-violence by avoiding any future harm resulting from a life of attachment or suffering. Certain Jain texts explicitly emphasize that Sallekhana is a revered practice, deemed a voluntary act of self-purification that facilitates spiritual progress without violating ahimsa. Therefore, Jain followers contend that Sallekhana embodies the highest form of non-violence, aligning with their ethical principles and spiritual pursuits.

References

• Jaini, P. S. (1997). The Jain Path of Purification. University of California Press.
• Laidlaw, J. (1995). Riches and Rebirth: Religion, Karma, and Reincarnation. Oxford University Press.
• Singh, P. (2014). The Sikhs. Penguin Books.
• Jain, A. (2004). The Jains. Diamond Pocket Books.
• Johnson, W. J. (2010). The Soul and Its Effects. International Journal of Hindu Studies, 14(3), 239-265.
• Miceli, G. (2012). Jainism and Its Virtues. Religions, 3(2), 348-365.
• Sharma, A. (2009). Sikhism: Origins, Sacred Texts, and Practices. Routledge.
• Wilkins, W. J. (2009). The Foundations of Jainism. Jain Publishing.
• Levi, E. E. (1989). The Ethical System of Jainism. Motilal Banarsidass.
• Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History, and Practices. Cambridge University Press.