Answer

One major difference between Jainism and Buddhism is their view of the soul.

• Jainism teaches that every living being has an eternal soul, called jīva.
• Buddhism generally teaches anattā, meaning there is no permanent, eternal soul.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, the soul is real, eternal, conscious, and capable of attaining liberation. Karma is understood as a subtle material bondage that attaches to the soul because of passions, violence, attachment, and ignorance.

In Buddhism, the idea of a permanent self or eternal soul is rejected. Liberation is attained by understanding impermanence, suffering, and non-self, and by ending craving and ignorance.

Another important difference is:

• Jainism places supreme emphasis on ahiṃsā — non-violence toward all living beings, including even very small forms of life.
• Buddhism also values compassion and non-harming, but Jainism develops ahiṃsā in a stricter and more detailed way.

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism sees spiritual progress as the purification of the soul from karma. The goal is to become a liberated soul, free from birth and death.

Buddhism focuses on ending suffering by removing craving, ignorance, and attachment.

Takeaway

A simple way to remember the difference is:

• Jainism: Eternal soul exists and must be purified.
• Buddhism: No permanent soul; suffering ends through insight and detachment.