The Bhagavad Gita does not exist in a spiritual vacuum; it is the heartbeat of a land that birthed many of the world's most profound faiths. Hinduism, as the "Eternal Religion" (Sanatana Dharma), shares deep-rooted pillars—such as Ahimsa (non-violence) and detachment—with Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Under the expert guidance of Pedro Nonell, a specialist in Vedanta and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, we explore how these traditions emerged during the "Axial Age" as both an evolution of and a challenge to ancient Vedic practices. This exploration reveals a shared heritage of God-consciousness and ethical liberation that transcends sectarian boundaries.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert and translator into Spanish of the Bhagavad Gita and Vivekananda)

Hinduism shares many of its pillars with Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism: Ahimsa (Nonviolence), Detachment from the fruit of actions, truthfulness, yoga, meditation... Furthermore, all of them were born in India, the land from which the most religions have emerged. Many Hindus consider these three religions as sisters, some even consider them valid alternative paths within Sanatana Dharma.

Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism: Sisters of Hinduism

Bhagavad Gita Subject

1- Higher religions and the axial age

2- Introduction to Buddhism

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
Buddhist canons
Buddha's teachings
The four noble truths (Buddhist ethics)
The Middle Way (Madhyama Pratipad)

3- Introduction to Jainism (Jaina Dharma)

Mahavira
Ahimsa
The Jain doctrine
The twelve vratas or Jain vows
Jainism today

4- Introduction to Sikhism (Sikh Dharam)

Guru Nanak
The Sikh Gurus
The articles of faith

5- Introduction to Zoroastrianism

The figure of Zarathustra
Zoroastrian ethics
Non-violence and respect towards animals and the environment
The three H's (Good thoughts, words and actions) and business strategy

Sample

Bhagavad Gita and Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism
Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism

Higher Religions and the Axial Age

“The emergence of higher religions was a slow and gradual process. The 6th century BCE marks the time of Confucius, Lao-Tzu, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), Mahavira (the founder of Jainism), Deutero-Isaiah (an anonymous Jewish prophet), and the Greek philosopher-prophet Pythagoras.” Arnold J. Toynbee.

In the 6th century BC., Hinduism was consolidated as an alternative or evolution of the Vedic religion (remember that for Hindus it is the Eternal Religion) and Brahmanism. The Buddha, in northwest India, created Buddhism. And Mahavira, Jainism. Society and religion were controlled by the Brahmin caste, where salvation was restricted only to them, the lower Castes believed that they were immersed in an infinite cycle of births and resurrections (Samsara) and where sacrifice was a common practice.

These three religions emerged as an alternative—or even a heretical challenge—to the existing religion and the prevailing culture of violence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the Bhagavad Gita relate to Buddhism and Jainism?

The Gita was consolidated during a period when Buddhism and Jainism were emerging as challenges to ritualistic Brahmanism. All three emphasize ethical conduct, meditation, and the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).

What is the "Axial Age"?

Coined by Karl Jaspers, it refers to the period around the 6th century BC when pivotal spiritual and philosophical thinkers appeared independently across the globe, including Buddha, Mahavira, and the authors of the Upanishads.

Does the Bhagavad Gita advocate for Sikhism?

The Gita predates Sikhism by many centuries, but Sikhism’s emphasis on the "One God" and the rejection of caste distinctions mirrors many of the egalitarian messages found in the Gita’s higher philosophy.

Who is the teacher of this course?

Pedro Nonell, a world-renowned expert on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, and the lives of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, provides the insights and translations for this study.

Conclusion

The study of the Bhagavad Gita alongside Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism reveals a profound spiritual unity. These traditions, while distinct in their practices, all point toward the same ultimate goal: the liberation of the soul from ignorance and the cultivation of a life centered on God and service. As Sri Ramakrishna famously taught, and Swami Vivekananda championed, "As many faiths, so many paths." By understanding these connections, we don't just learn history; we learn the art of spiritual harmony.

Sri Ramakrishna (Sri Sarada Devi, Gospel of Ramakrishna, M. Gupta, Sarvapriyananda)

Dalai Lama- Buddhism. Ahimsa Area. Bhagavad Gita

In Buddha Vivekananda saw Ramakrishna: in Ramakrishna he saw Buddha (Sister Nivedita)
In Buddha Vivekananda saw Ramakrishna: in Ramakrishna he saw Buddha (Sister Nivedita)