Here is a simple, respectful comparison. Points are generalized; specific sects or schools can differ.

Core differences

• Idea of God

- Jainism: No creator or controller God. The highest beings are Tirthankaras and Siddhas—fully liberated souls who neither create the world nor intervene in it. - Hinduism: Many schools. Most accept Ishvara (a creator/maintainer), while some (e.g., Advaita) speak of nondual Brahman.

• Nature of the universe

- Jainism: Beginningless, endless, uncreated cosmos governed by its own laws (six dravyas/substances). No creation or destruction by a deity. - Hinduism: Commonly speaks of cyclic creation, maintenance, and dissolution under divine agency (Brahma–Vishnu–Mahesh or other forms), though non-theistic interpretations exist in some philosophies.

• Soul and karma

- Jainism: Every living being has an individual soul (jīva). Karma is a real, very fine material substance that binds to the soul due to passions and activities. - Hinduism: Accepts rebirth and karma, but karma is not material in most schools; its mechanism and metaphysics vary (Advaita, Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, etc.).

• Goal of life (moksha) and path

- Jainism: Moksha is complete freedom from karmic matter, attained by the Three Jewels—Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct—lived through the Five Great Vows (nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy/chastity, non-possession) for monks/nuns, and smaller vows for householders. - Hinduism: Moksha is union with or realization of the Divine/Self; paths include bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), karma-yoga (selfless action), raja-yoga (meditation), depending on the school.

• Worship and its purpose

- Jainism: Worships Tirthankaras as ideals of perfected conduct to inspire self-purification; they do not grant boons. Puja emphasizes gratitude and self-discipline. - Hinduism: Often worships deities seen as gracious and responsive to prayers; devotion can seek grace, protection, or worldly/spiritual benefits.

• Ahimsa (nonviolence)

- Jainism: Absolute centrality; very strict codes in diet, speech, profession, and daily conduct. Ideal is harm-minimization to even the smallest life-forms. - Hinduism: Ahimsa is important (especially in yoga traditions), but its application varies by text and tradition.

• Dietary practice

- Jainism: Strict vegetarianism; many avoid root vegetables; careful rules about food timing and sourcing; increasing adoption of vegan principles to avoid himsa. - Hinduism: Many are vegetarian, but practices vary widely by region and sect; root vegetables and dairy are generally permitted, and some communities eat meat.

• Scriptural authority

- Jainism: Relies on Jain Agamas and canonical texts (e.g., Shvetambar Agamas; Digambar texts like Shatkhandagam, Kashayapahuda) and commentaries by Acharyas. - Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, Agamas/Tantras, and many philosophical sutras, depending on the school.

• Philosophy and method

- Jainism: Known for Anekantavada (many-sidedness of truth) and Syadvada (qualified predication), emphasizing careful, non-absolutist reasoning. - Hinduism: Multiple distinct darshanas (Advaita, Dvaita, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, etc.) with differing views on God, self, and world.

• Monastic life

- Jainism: Extremely rigorous ascetic discipline (e.g., careful walking, alms, non-possession). Monastic rules are central to preserving the path. - Hinduism: Sannyasa is also renunciation, but rules, aims, and practices differ across orders and are generally less uniform.

• Social view

- Jainism: Spiritual worth is based on conduct and vows, not birth. Emphasis on universal friendship and harmless livelihood. - Hinduism: Traditional varna-jati frameworks exist historically, though many modern reform movements reinterpret or reject them.

Important similarities (shared civilizational space)

• Both accept rebirth, karma, and liberation from samsara.
• Both value ethical living, self-control, meditation, and ascetic ideals.
• Both have rich temple traditions, festivals, and reverence for saints/acharyas.
• Both influenced each other over millennia while keeping distinct identities.

Notes on sects within Jainism

• Shvetambar and Digambar agree on core principles above (no creator God, material karma, Three Jewels, Five Vows). They differ on certain scriptural canons, monastic attire/practices, and some ritual details, not on the fundamental non-theistic framework.

If you want a gentle introduction to these Jain fundamentals and vows, you can read this overview: