Comparative Study: Jainism vis-à-vis Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta
What the domain tests
This domain tests precise contrasts between Jainism and six systems. The exam rewards structural differences-pramanas, dravyas, causation, authority-not vague similarities.
Nyaya and Vaisesika
Nyaya accepts four pramanas including upamana; Jainism accepts three. Nyaya posits a creator Ishvara; Jainism denies a creator. Vaisesika lists six padarthas and nine dravyas including atman; Jainism lists six dravyas. Both are atomistic, but Jain paramanu is matter, not a metaphysical ultimate.
Samkhya and Yoga
Samkhya has purusha and prakriti; Jainism has plural jivas and beginningless pudgala. Samkhya purusha is passive witness; Jain jiva is an agent that binds karma. Yoga’s chitta-vritti-nirodha and Ishvara differ from Jain samvara and nirjara.
Mimamsa and Vedanta
Mimamsa defends Vedic authority and ritual; Jainism rejects Vedic authority and centers ahimsa. Vedanta’s Brahman monism contrasts with Jain pluralism and anekantavada; maya is not a Jain category.
Worked example
“Jainism and Samkhya are both dualist.” Reasoning: both distinguish consciousness from matter, but Samkhya has one purusha and one prakriti; Jainism has many jivas and a realist pudgala. The exam wants the difference, not the label.
Traps
Do not call nastika “atheist.” Do not merge Nyaya and Vaisesika. Do not say Vedanta and Jainism both accept maya. Do not treat all dualisms as identical.