World Jain Conference 1987 4th Conference

SR No.: 014038
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 202
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 7 MB

Page 163

The Heavy Karma Reactions on Hindus and Jains in the Meat Trade
The concept of compassion towards all living beings has deep roots in the Hindu and Jain Traditions. This strong emphasis meant that up till very recently these communities were strict vegetarians and even meticulously avoided going into any form of trade in which animal flesh was involved. The reverence for the mother cow and a strong anathema towards harming any animals, had such a strong influence on the psyche of the two communities, that any action to the contrary seemed extremely abhorent.
That the consumption of meat and meat associated trades should be avoided has been laid down in the scriptures of both the Hindu and Jain faiths many times. The following are some examples :
1.
2.
Shri Nitin Mehta
The purchaser of flesh performs Himsa (Violence) by his wealth, he who eats flesh does so by enjoying its taste, the killer does Himsa by actually tying and killing the Animal. Thus there are three forms of killing. He who brings flesh or sends for it, he who cuts off the limbs of an animal and he who purchases, sells or cooks flesh and eats it-all of these are considered Mahabharata
meat eaters.
All creatures desire self-preservation, hence no creature should be slaughtered. Acharanga Sutra, Jainism
It is thus a matter of great regret that at present many Hindu and Jain families are entering the meat trade, significantly, from many examples that I have seen, those families that enter such trades, seem to suffer immediate Karma reactions, resulting in loss of wealth, family quarrels, sudden illness and many other setbacks. The law of karma, it seems works on the same basis as the modern courts of law-i.e. the punishment is more severe to the individual who knowingly commits a crime, than to one who commits a crime unknowningly. Hindus and Jains know that trading in meat is wrong, and hence, when they do, the punishment is immediate and severe.