$JES 921 Book of Compassion Reverence For All Life Reference Book

Author(s): Pramoda Chitrabhanu, Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 16

1.- MY VISIT TO A DAIRY FARM
years. The dairy cows and their babies have no chance to escape from this cruelty and death.
In conclusion, the cruelty in the milk production is worse than the meat production. By consuming dairy products, we are promoting such cruelty and supporting meat industry.
Usage of Dairy Products in the Jain Temples: Both Shvetämbar and Digambar sects use milk and its products in temple rituals. This is an ancient tradition. In the past (before the birth of a high-tech dairy farm) in India, the cows were treated like a part of the family, and after feeding the baby calf, leftover milk was consumed by humans. This may be the reason why milk and its products were not considered violent in the Jain scriptures.
We should reevaluate the usage of milk and its products (ghee for Arati, milk and sweets for puja, etc.) in temple rituals under the new technological environment. The tradition should not be followed blindly. The highest Jain principle of nonviolence should not be compromised under any circumstances. With regards to Shvetämbar tradition, I can definitely say that no scriptures support the usage of milk in temple rituals. With regards to Digambar tradition, Mr. Atul Khara, the past president of Jain Center of Dallas TX, indicates that most of the Digambars do not use milk in the rituals. Also, no scripture supports the use of milk and its products in rituals. Some Digambars in South India use milk in their rituals, which is a direct influence of Hindu rituals.
Also, when we consume dairy products for our personal use we are personally responsible for our actions and the resulting karma or sins. However, when we use dairy products in the temples, it is considered that the entire community commits the highest sin. Milk and other products represent certain religious symbols in the Jain rituals. However, the product we use in the rituals must be of a nonviolent source. The intention of our rituals is to inspire us to grow spiritually. The net outcome of the rituals should result in the reduction of our ego, greed, anger, lust, and attachments. Milk and other dairy products derived using such a violent method cannot help us grow spiritually.
THE BOOK OF COMPASSION