Answer

In simple terms:

• In Jainism, liberation is called Moksha. It means the soul becomes completely free from all karmic bondage and rises to Siddha Shila, where it exists forever in its pure state with infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.
• In Hinduism, liberation is also often called Moksha, but its meaning varies by tradition. Commonly, it means freedom from the cycle of birth and death and realization of the true Self or union/oneness with Brahman, depending on the school.

Explanation

The main differences are:

• View of the soul:
  • Jainism: Every soul is individual and eternal. Even after liberation, each liberated soul remains distinct.
  • Hinduism: Some schools teach that the individual self realizes oneness with Brahman, while others maintain devotion to a Supreme Being and closeness to God.
• Cause of bondage:
  • Jainism: Bondage is caused by karmic matter attaching to the soul due to passions, violence, attachment, ignorance, and activities of mind, speech, and body.
  • Hinduism: Bondage is usually linked to ignorance, attachment, desire, ego, and karma.
• Path to liberation:
  • Jainism: Liberation is attained through the Ratnatraya: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. This includes non-violence, self-discipline, austerity, detachment, and destruction of karma.
  • Hinduism: Paths differ by tradition, such as knowledge, devotion, action, meditation, or surrender to God.
• Role of God:
  • Jainism: There is no creator God who grants liberation. The Tirthankars show the path, but each soul must purify itself through its own effort.
  • Hinduism: Many traditions accept a Supreme God, and divine grace may play an important role in liberation.
• Final state:
  • Jainism: The liberated soul becomes a Siddha, free from body, karma, birth, death, pain, and worldly existence.
  • Hinduism: The final state depends on the school: realization of Brahman, union with God, eternal service to God, or freedom from rebirth.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, liberation is not given by an outside power. It is achieved by completely removing karma from the soul. The soul is naturally pure, knowledgeable, peaceful, and blissful, but karma covers its true nature. Through right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, non-violence, restraint, and detachment, the soul gradually becomes free.

Takeaway

The key Jain difference is this: liberation means the individual soul becomes completely free from karma and remains eternally as a pure, separate Siddha. It does not merge into a creator God, and it is attained through self-purification and spiritual effort.