JAINA Convention 1993 07 Pittusburgh

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 79

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• YOUTH SUPPLEMENT •
Vegetarianism: A Requirement for Jainism
by Akas Jain, Monaca, Pennsylvania
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RELIGION?
We have readily accepted the idea that by being born in a jain family, we are all automatically Jains. However, many do not understand the meaning behind religion, particularly Jainism. Religion is the science of living. Its purpose is simply to improve life on earth. It allows us to flourish mentally and physically. Religion teaches us tohave peace of mind and thus promotes harmony in our society.
Jain religion, like any other, exists for the benefit of people individually and collectively. It calls for man to make an attempt to give up the things he holds dear. It calls for us to purge our bodies of all corrupt filth and material desires. This is where Ahimsa (nonviolence) and Sanyam (self-control) enter as the driving force behind our religion. They are the chief principles which Jainism revolves around.
Over the years, Jainism has lost the massive influence it once had on its followers. The religion which was at one time followed in a strict fashion is today interpreted very broadly. Perhaps it is only natural that as humanity progresses, religion loses its influence over time. Nevertheless, it is important for us as Jains to make an attempt to practice Ahimsa and Sanyam in our daily routine. The most practical way for us to practice nonviolence and self-control in modern day America is by committing to vegeterianism.
WHY SHOULD JAINS BE VEGETARIANS?
Time has altered many of our traditional Jain customs. Vegetarianism is something that has always existed and must continue to exist. Having dissected the issue, it is important for us to understand why we as Jains are obligated to be vegetarians. It may not be easy for many of us to stop eating meat, but that is no reason not to try. If it were easy, then why would a Jain do it?
We must understand that simply adding "Jain" to our last name does not make us one. Jain is the word that stands for our religion. It is something that must be performed from the heart. To be a Jain, you must sacrifice your desires. To be a Jain, you must have self-control and practice nonviolence. To be a Jain, you must be a vegetarian.
Abready on the Menu
These restaurants all offer something on the menu that does not contain meat, fish, chicken, cheese, eggs, dairy products or other animal ingredients. Officials from these companies said the following contain no animal products.
ARBY'S—Apple Turnover, Arby's Sauce, Blueberry Turnover, Buns (Junior, Regular, Super), Cherry Turnover, Chocolate Syrup, French Fries, Jamocha Syrup, Lite Italian Dressing, Potaro Cakes, Side Salad, Sub Dressing BURGER KING-Mushroom Topping. Barbecue Dipping Sauce, French Fries, Tater Tenders, Side Salad, Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing. Newman's Own Reduced Calorie Light Italian Dressing (note: Burger King offers a "Veggie Whopper," which is essentially a "Whopper hold the beef." It is served on a bun that may contain animal shortening.) DOMINO'S PIZZA-Sauce only (note: no acceptable pizza crusts) HARDEE'S-Salad. French Fries (note: no information in writing) KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN Corn on the cob (order wlo butter), French Fries (note: no information in writing) LITTLE CAESARS—Crazy Bread (order wlo cheese), Crazy Sauce, Pizza! Pizza! with sauce and vegetables (order wlo cheese), Pan! Pan! with sauce and vegetables (order wlo cheese). Tossed Salad. Greek Salad (order wlo cheese), Italian Dressing. Greek Dressing. Lite Italian Dressing. Veggie Sandwich (order w/ o cheese) (note: no ingredient list sent) LONG JOHN SILVER'S-Com Cobbette (order wlo butter), Salad. Lite Italian Dressing (note: no ingredient list sent) MCDONALD'S-French Fries, Barbeque Sauce. Sweet & Sour Sauce, Lite Vinaigrette. Hotcake Syrup. Hash Browns, Grape Jam, Strawberry Jam, Cheerios, Wheaties. Strawberry Topping. Chocolate Flavored Syrup. Strawberry Flavored Syrup. Vanilla Flavored Syrup PIZZA HUT-Thin 'n Crispy Crust. Hand-Tossed Crust (note: Pan Crust contains whey. Pizza sauce contains cheese flavor & natural Parmesan. The only nonmeat, nondairy option. Thin 'N Crispy or Hand-Tossed Crust with vegetables, no sauce or cheese) TACO BELI-Bean Taco (order wlo cheese, letruce & tomato can be added as an option), Nachos (order wlo cheese), Pintos 'n Cheese w/ Red Sauce (order wlo cheese). Cinnamon Twists (note: no ingredient list sent. Taco Bell says it uses only vegetable oil. They don't use lard, tropical oils, MSG, sulfites, yellow #3) WENDY'S_French Fries, Plain (baked) Potato, Broccoli & Potato (order wlo cheese): Salad Bar Items: Picante Sauce, Taco Chips or Shells, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice. Pasta Medley. Rotini, 3-Bean Salad, Breadsticks, Chow Mein Noodles, Garbanzo Beans, Green, Peas, Jalapeno Peppers, Black Olives, Peaches, Pineapple, Golden Italian or Reduced Calorie Italian Dressing. Oil & Vinegar
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Jain Education Intemational