Brief Introduction to Jainism

Author(s): Bipin Doshi
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Centre Promotion Trust

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Vegetarianism
LE Vegetarianism is a way of life for Jain, taking its origin in the concept of compassion for all living beings, Jivdaya. The practice of Vegetarianism is seen as an instrument for the practice of nonviolence and peaceful, cooperative coexistence. Jains are strict vegetarians, consuming only one-sensed beings, primarily from the plant kingdom. While Jain diet does, of course, involve harm to plants, it is regarded as bare minimum violence for survival. Many forms of plants, including roots and certain fruits, are also excluded from the Jain diet due to the greater number of living beings they contain owing to the environment in which they grow. Some Jains also support veganism, as the dairy products involve violence against cows and other animals. Strict followers do not eat after Sunset and drink only boiled water. Recent studies in health science have confirmed that many eating habits of Jains are beneficial to physical and mental health of individuals. They also do not use any products like leather, fur, cosmetics, silk etc. where insects or animals are killed in its manufacturing.
"I adore so greatly the principles of the Jain religion that I would like to be reborn in a Jain community"
George Bernard Shaw
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