Here are the main differences between Jainism and Hinduism in simple terms:

• View of the ultimate reality

- Jainism: No creator god; the focus is on individual self-realization and liberation (moksha) through right conduct, knowledge, and effort. - Hinduism: Many traditions; may worship one or more gods who oversee the universe, with paths that include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and disciplined action (karma).

• Concept of the soul and karma

- Jainism: Every soul (jiva) is eternal and capable of enlightenment. Karma is a real, physical substance that binds to the soul and determines future experiences; purification happens through strict ethical living and ascetic practices. - Hinduism: The soul (atman) is also eternal, but karma is viewed in varied ways across schools. Liberation (moksha) is achieved through different paths (jnana, karma, bhakti, raja) depending on tradition.

• Goals and path to liberation

- Jainism: Moksha is attained by shedding all karmic attachments and freeing the soul from karma, often through a strict code of ethics (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-attachment) and disciplined practice. - Hinduism: Moksha is freedom from cycle of rebirth realized through realization of the true nature of the self, often via knowledge, devotion, or righteous action, with practices guided by one’s tradition.

• Attitude toward ritual and temple worship

- Jainism: Emphasizes personal ethical discipline and meditation over ritual; worship centers on venerating Tirthankaras and seeking guidance, but not as a means to earn liberation. - Hinduism: Rich ritual and temple life, with a wide variety of ceremonies, pujas, and devotional practices aimed at pleasing gods, seeking blessings, and progressing on spiritual paths.

• Authority and scriptures

- Jainism: Sacred texts include Agamas and commentaries, with interpretations differing between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions; emphasis on self-restraint, ahimsa (non-violence), and ahimsa in thought, word, and deed. - Hinduism: A vast and diverse corpus (Vedas, Upanishads, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, Puranas, etc.) with many schools and commentaries; authority can vary by tradition.

• View of caste and society

- Jainism: Emphasizes ethical conduct and spiritual potential of every individual, with less central emphasis on caste; spiritual progress is not restricted by birth. - Hinduism: Caste concepts and social duties have played varying roles across traditions and eras; some paths emphasize social duties (dharma) tied to one’s stage of life and community.

• Cosmology and myth

- Jainism: Cosmology emphasizes cycles of time and a strict code of conduct; freedom from karma is central, with a focus on individual effort. - Hinduism: Cosmology includes varied gods, avatars, and mythic narratives that explain the universe and human experience; divine intervention and devotion are common themes in many traditions.

• Ethical emphasis

- Jainism: Strong emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) toward all living beings, including animals and even plants; this shapes diet, occupation, and daily conduct. - Hinduism: Ahimsa is also important in many Hindu traditions, but attitudes toward violence, diet, and daily duties can vary more across different schools and practices.

If you’d like, I can summarize these differences with references to authentic Jain sources or point you to specific Jain scriptures that discuss these topics.