Jain Journal 2001 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 31

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JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXVI, No. 1.July 2001
Vegetarianism
One of the foremost Jaina principles that has rooted deeply in Tamil Society is vegetarianiam. Meat eating was uniformly condemned by all. The sobriety of the mind is influenced by the purity of the food. One of the famous Tamil poets of the 19th century Thiru. V. Ka. has pointed out “The highest stage of not eating meat is Jainism."
The vegetarian food, which is presently called "Saiva food" in olden days referred to as "Aarugātha food" - the food of the Jains. Even now in Ceylon it is called by this old name. The Tamils who acquired meat eating as a secondary habit, avoid it on the important religious festival days. Generally the original customs and practices of a society are reflected in the festivals. Most of the customs and practices not observed by the people in their day to day life are observed at least on festival days. This points out the fact that the Tamils influenced by the religion of Ahimsā were all vegetarians.
Animal Sacrifice
In ancient Tamilnadu even the hunters offered only millets and honey to their deities. But later on due to misquidance animals were sacrificed to appease minor deities. This cruel act of Tamils was condemned by the Jains from the beginning. Ancient Tamil literature contains Kavyas that are composed on this subject (Nilakesi, Yasodharakāvyam, Jivasambothanai).
Jainism condemned it from pre-historic days. This fact is further supported by the fact that in Tamilnadu the "South Indian Humanitarian League" a society formed by the Jains and others spearheaded the move to bring in legislation banning animal sacrifices in temples. Late C.S. Mallinātha Jain and Late T.S. Sreepal, both Tamil Jains, carried out wide publicity condemning the animal sacrifice. Late T.S. Sreepal was called “Jivabandhu" for his services. All fairminded Tamils irrespective of their religious affiliations helped for this just cause and to-day animal sacrifice is legally banned in Tamilnadu temples. Thus in Tamilnadu Jain influence bid-good bye to this barbaric practice.
Social Customs
There are a number of social customs peculiar to the Jains that find their place among Tamils irrespective of their religious belief. Jainism preaches to avoid hot discussions and hilarious conversation and rivelry on the dinning table. This is to avoid physiological effects that follow. Conversation and discussions while eating affects one's digesting capacity and there is every possibility for suffocation.