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anism.” I consider veganism to be pure vegetarianism (with the exception of root vegetables—vegans would consume these while a Jain ahimsak would not). Veganism supports the notion that we cannot and should not justify killing or imposing suffering on any mobile, multisensed being. In my view, veganism or pure ahimsak-ism is not only consistent with the practice of Jain Dharma - it is required by it.
KISSA THALI KAA (A TALE OF THE FOOD PLATE), OR WHAT WE PUT IN OUR MOUTHS
Essentially, everything boils down to thali (food plate), or to the food that we need to nourish our bodies and to keep and remain healthy. In the following sections of this chapter, we will discuss the practice of ahimsa, or lack of ahimsa, in items that we put in our mouths such as food, drink, mouth fresheners, and medicines. Since most the Jains are supposed to be vegetarians, in this chapter we will not discuss vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian food.
HIMSA IN WHAT WE EAT There is a saying that goes “Jaisa khano anna vaisa bane mana," or, “our thoughts are directly related to food we take.” With this in mind, the one line basis for food selection should be "Why kill for food if we can do without killing?” Here, the two broad classifications of immobile and mobile beings come in handy. The underlying non-violent principle is to completely avoid killing mobile, living beings (from twosensed to five-sensed) and minimize the killing and harming of one-sensed living beings, i.e. air, water, earth, plant and fire bodied living beings. The former cultivates in us a feeling of compassion towards living beings while the latter is essential to maintain healthy ecosystems.
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An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
