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sentient animals —are killed in the world's factory farms and slaughterhouses to produce meat, eggs, and dairy for human consumption. For centuries, specifically Jains have protected and cared for animals by establishing many animal and bird sanctuaries (panjrapoles) and hospitals in India. However, recent technological advances have created a new environment for violence not visible to common people. The use and abuse of animals raised for slaughter far exceeds our imagination. The cruelty to dairy cows and other animals has reached its peak behind the walls of dairy farms and slaughterhouses. It is a sad picture of the innocent, dumb and defenseless creatures that are subjected to cruel pain far from the human eyes. The thought itself makes one's heart bleed with anguish and grief. There is so much suffering going on in this world behind the curtain that it is kept a highly guarded secret. How long shall we pretend that animals have no soul and so it feels no pain. Is it not the time to wake up from our slumber and find the truth and stop being violent and act to end the cruelty that is meted on the dumb and innocent creatures? Violence begets violence and love begets love.
DEBATE ABOUT THE USE OF MILK & DAIRY PRODUCTS IN THE JAIN COMMUNITY- MY PERSONAL APPEAL During the last few years, I have received hundreds of emails from Jains, mostly in North America and in India, on the subject of consuming dairy products. I have also talked to a few sadhus. Frankly, I must admit that majority of the email and feedback (more than 75%) are in favor of the use of milk and dairy products in food and in poojas. In fact, quite a few have justified its use. I realize that old habits, customs, and traditions, especially those prevalent over thousands of years are extremely difficult to change. Still, with the facts and data about how
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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