Why did Jainism not spread as quickly as Buddhism in ancient India?

The Jain practices were relatively difficult made it less appealing to people

Unlike Buddhism, Jainism did not receive support from powerful rulers and wealthy patrons

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Question

There are several reasons why Jainism did not spread as quickly as Buddhism in ancient India:

Competition with Buddhism: Jainism and Buddhism emerged around the same time in India and both religions offered similar paths to liberation. As a result, they often competed for the same followers and resources. Buddhism, with its emphasis on the middle way and practical approach, was better able to attract a wider range of people, including urban merchants and rural farmers.
Difficult Practices: Jainism placed a strong emphasis on strict asceticism and self-discipline, which made it a less accessible religion for many people. The difficult practices associated with Jainism, such as fasting and non-violence, also made it less appealing to those who sought a more practical spiritual path.
Lack of Royal Support: Unlike Buddhism, Jainism did not receive support from powerful rulers and wealthy patrons, which limited its spread and influence.
Limited Geographical Spread: Jainism was primarily centered in western and central India, whereas Buddhism spread throughout much of South and Southeast Asia. This limited geographical spread of Jainism made it more difficult for the religion to gain widespread acceptance and attract new followers.

Despite these challenges, Jainism has endured as a distinct religion in India and continues to be practiced by millions of people today.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2 are correct There are several reasons why Jainism did not spread as quickly as Buddhism in ancient India:

Competition with Buddhism: Jainism and Buddhism emerged around the same time in India and both religions offered similar paths to liberation. As a result, they often competed for the same followers and resources. Buddhism, with its emphasis on the middle way and practical approach, was better able to attract a wider range of people, including urban merchants and rural farmers.
Difficult Practices: Jainism placed a strong emphasis on strict asceticism and self-discipline, which made it a less accessible religion for many people. The difficult practices associated with Jainism, such as fasting and non-violence, also made it less appealing to those who sought a more practical spiritual path.
Lack of Royal Support: Unlike Buddhism, Jainism did not receive support from powerful rulers and wealthy patrons, which limited its spread and influence.
Limited Geographical Spread: Jainism was primarily centered in western and central India, whereas Buddhism spread throughout much of South and Southeast Asia. This limited geographical spread of Jainism made it more difficult for the religion to gain widespread acceptance and attract new followers.

Despite these challenges, Jainism has endured as a distinct religion in India and continues to be practiced by millions of people today.

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