What is the difference between Jainism and Buddhism. Is it possible to be both at the

religions now allow that?
Buddha's Brother: Is that really possible? Assuming one religion says you can't eat onion, potato, meat, and you do, how can you be all of them?

I am a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain...So yes it is possible to do both.

They are all Indian born diatomic religions and they are all inextricably linked. They are all 100% compatible and commensurate with each other. They share fundamental beliefs. The differences that they have all minor and trivial differences. Many Hindus regard these religions as being one unit. We don't make a distinction.

Can serve two masters at a time. or be Jack of all trades and Professor of none

Jainism believed that every thing had a soul and would not hurt it. They would let mosquito's bite them until they would leave,they wouldn't hurt it.The whole thing about Buddhism is to become enlighten by freeing yourself from any earth desire. To unite their souls with Brahma by reincarnation!!!!

It's possible to be both and many more. It's called synergism.

Jainism and Buddhism both came from the Hindu religion, but were started by men who found the medic scriptures unsatisfactory. Jainism is a religion of very strict asceticism. They take the concept of ahems (non-violence) to the extreme that they will wear face masks so as not to inhale and therefore kill insects and filter water so they don't drink any life that may be there. They believe the flesh (or matter) is evil because it encapsulates spirit (divine) so they get a little into self abuse (my opinion only) but treat others with the utmost care and respect. They are known for their extreme honesty and usually take occupations that are urban, like office jobs and such.

Buddhism was started by Siddartha Gautama around 500 Be. He was unsatisfied with his life of comfort as a prince after being exposed to others who were sick, old, poor, or grieving (his father the king tried to isolate him from such things.) He became determined to understand human suffering, and tried extreme asceticism, at one point it is written that he was so decimated you could poke him in the stomach and see your finger sticking out of his back. He fell into some very cold water and almost drowned; he was too weak to save himself. But when he was pulled out of the water, he decided that neither extreme asceticism or extreme indulgence was the way to alleviate suffering (Duke) and taught to live "the middle way". He sat under a Bodhi tree and meditated until the answer came to him at which time he was considered enlightened. The answer he saw is known as the Four Noble Truths.

I tried not to write too much, but I hope I gave you enough to start researching in case you want to.

No, actually the Buddha encouraged people to experiment and try various religions for themselves. If it led to well being than accept it. You can use the Buddhas teachings regardless of what religion you choose to follow or several at the same time. Buddhism is more of a set of moral guideline set down to live your life by, that will lead you to eventual nibbing, or enlightenment. Some food for thought though, one of the core teachings of the Buddha is to avoid extremes, to practice a middle path and Jainism is quite extreme in many ways, such as the hair pulling ritual and jeopardizing their own health by not using proper hygiene==just 2 examples. I think a good Sudra that I recommend would be the Kalama Sutta, where the Buddha explains to the Kalamas Religious acceptance and tolerance. http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/kalama1.htm
If it doesn't link up just copy and paste to your browser.
I hope I helped you in some way. I actually just started a yahoo group if you are at all interested.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theravadanonlinelaysangha.com
If you have any other questions please feel free to email me, I'll help if I can.
With wishes of Metta, Billy ( wgares22@yahoo.com )

Jainism promotes non-violence which is consistent with Buddhism. However, Jainism is also about asceticism which Buddha had openly discarded it after 6 long years of practicing it.

For (Indian) religion comparison, look at how they define sufferings and how to seek to cease sufferings. You can then see their differences clearly.

Hi Antonio"Future Air Force Se:
"To unite their souls with Brahma by reincarnation!!!!" : this is Hinduism, not Buddhism. Buddhism does not agree to a permanent soul existence, or a omnipotent Brahma definition. Enlightenment in Buddhism means to realize the non-self nature of all things, including 'me'.

If you don't care about what they actually teach, then yes, you can practice both. Philosophically and practically, they are different religions.

Just because they're both Indian doesn't make them the same. That's like saying all Greek philosophers said the same thing. Only a fool would claim that.