Rejection of Vedic Authority:

• Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the authority of the Vedas.
• Criticized Brahmanical rituals and animal sacrifices.

Emphasis on Renunciation:

• Both religions emphasized renunciation and human effort as the means to achieve salvation.
• Monastic orders for men and women were established in both.

Atheistic in Nature:

• Both were fundamentally atheistic. While acknowledging the existence of gods, they were considered less significant than spiritual goals.
• In Jainism, gods were placed below Jina (the conqueror).

Critique of Brahmanical Rituals:

• Jaina texts, like Buddhist texts, criticized the ritual authority of the Brahmanas and their practices.

Kshatriya Varna Superiority:

• Both emphasized the superiority of the Kshatriya varna over Brahmanas and other varnas.
• Attempted to redefine the term Brahmana to signify a person of good deeds and true knowledge rather than just an ascribed status.

Inclusivity of All Castes and Genders:

• Both religions were open to people of all castes and social backgrounds.
• Mention of prominent figures in Jainism, such as Harikeshiya, a Jaina monk from the Chandala caste, and Brahmana monks like Bhadrabahu, Divakara, Jinasena, and Haribhadra.
• Jainism also admitted women as mendicants, known as aryika or sadhvi.