________________
[Major Workshop presentation at the 1999 Parliament of World's Religions at Cape Town (South Africa)]
1.
VEGETARIANISM
THE JAIN EXPERIENCE
SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE
Vegetarianism is a unique Jain experience since it is an integral element of the practice of active non-violence. Jains have been the primary exponents of vegetarianism in India. Inherent in it is "food for thought" which takes its inspiration and motivation from the principle of "AHIMSA" (Non-violence) - meaning in a comprehensive sense non-injury, non-hurting, non-killing. Renowned Jain holy text Acaranga Sutra says:
"...All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away. This is the pure unchangeable eternal law."
Far from being a mere food habit, vegetarianism is linked to human compassion and piety towards other living beings in the spirit of constructive life- sustaining and mutually supportive coexistence. Jain teachings stress that spiritually violence towards others is violence towards oneself.
In his book "A diet for a New America", John Robinson rightly observes:
"A non-violent world has roots in a non-violent diet"
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
