Buddhism and Jainism

Buddhism and Jainism are two branches of the Shramana tradition that still exist today. Jainism has historically been largely confined to India, whereas Buddhism flourished beyond the borders of its country of origin where it declined during the Middle Ages. Mahavira and Siddhartha Gautama (a.k.a. Buddha, or Enlightened One) were contemporaries and according to the Pali scriptures Siddhartha Gautama was aware of Mahavira's existence as well as his community of monks. Jainism and Buddhism share many features including much of the same terminology. There is no doubt that there was a mutual influence and reception of both religions although Jainism does appear to be an older spiritual tradition out of which Buddhism may have grown.