Comparing Jainism And Classical Hinduism

In India, laid the birth of the most profound religions that are still alive and well practiced today. Jainism and Classical Hinduism are two of those religions that have coexist for centuries. They are religions that bring a realization to many of its followers that ultimately led them to believe that selfless actions and thoughts can contribute to escaping from the concept of samsara (the cycle of rebirth), breaking away from suffering, and reaching an eternal state of bliss. However, although these religions are comparatively similar through these aspects, there does lay significant differences between Jainism and Hinduism. These differences include the ability of women to reach moksha (release from the cycle of rebirth) and the caste system in each religion. The ability of woman to attain moksha found in Jainism is considerably different to that found in Hinduism. In Jainism, their sub traditions question the ability for woman to attain liberation from the rebirth
In Invitation to World Religions, Brodd states that in Hinduism there are four main classes including “brahmin, the priestly class; kshatriya, the warrior and administrator class; vaishya, the producer class (farmers and merchants); and shudra, the servant class.” The caste system provided a sense of order yet weakened the lower caste from education, knowledge and teachings that the upper class had. They felt inferior and oppressed because of the little benefits they had. They carried on their shoulders, the most difficult laboring duties in their community, and yet they were still given injustice and inability to gain knowledge to develop in their spirituality. Although, the benefits did not equate to the amount of work one put in, the caste system in Hinduism stabilized and strengthened the society. Thus was widely used and developed amongst the Hindu