The principle of non-violence is very important in Jainism.

An extraordinary feature of Gautama Buddha’s personality is his compassion for all living beings.

• Vardhaman Mahavir preached Pancha Mahavratas consisting of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya.
• Vardhaman Mahavir taught the people that the greatness of man does not depend on his varna, but on his excellent conduct.
• He preached love of all living beings and asked people to practice mercy and compassion.
• He preached the idea of ‘Live and let live’.

• Gautam Buddha had said “Even the little quail can chirp freely in her nest
• This shows his thinking on the values of freedom and equality.

Judaism emphasized the virtues of justice, truth, peace, love, compassion, humility, charity, ethical speech and self-respect.

Christianity preaches that,

• There is only one Almighty God and he is loving father of all.
• Jesus Christ is the son of God and he descended on the earth for salvation of humanity.
• We all are brothers and sisters and we should love even our enemies.
• We should forgive those who err or go wrong.

• The teachings of Islam is surrender to Allah.
• Allah is eternal, absolute, all powerful and merciful.
• The purpose of human existence is the worship of Allah.
• Quran Sharif provides guidance on how man should behave in life.

• The elements of fire and water are very important.
• At the core of this religion are the three main principles of good conduct, namely good thoughts, good words and good

Gautam Buddha provided answers to questions such as, “What is the nature of human life ?” and “Why does man have to undergo suffering ?" in the form of four noble truths, i.e. Aryasatyas.

• Dukkha (Suffering) : Human life is full of suffering.
• Trisha (Desire) : The cause of suffering is desire or craving.
• Dukkha-nivaran : It is possible to end suffering.
• Pratipad : The way leading to the end of suffering.

Gautam Buddha preached the following five rules of conduct to be observed along

with Ashtangik.

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) — No living being should be hurt.
• Satya (Truth) — One should not tell lies.
• Asteya — One should not steal.
• Indriya Samyam - One should win control over bodily desires and
• One should not take intoxicants.

• ‘Jina’ is one who conquers all physical/bodily desires.
• In pursuit of knowledge, Vardhaman Mahavir undertook rigorous tapa, suffered bodily pains without flinching, gave up all comforts and conquered all bodily desires.

Therefore, Vardhaman Mahavir came to be known as ‘Jina’.

• Prince Siddharth (Gautam) had left home wife and son to find the answer for all human sufferings.
• After rigorous tapa he acquired Bodhi’ i.e. enlightenment or divine knowledge.
• Therefore, Gautam (Siddharth) came to be known as Gautam Buddha.