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Jaina Ethics and Miscellaneous Customs and Manners
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It is generally believed that the main principle of Jainism, namely, Ahimsā or not hurting any living being, bars the Jainas from becoming the agriculturists or soldiers.236 But this is not the case. The first Tirthankara Lord Rshabhadeva asked the people to follow six kinds of professions for their maintenance and both the professions of an agriculturist and of a soldier were included in them. 37 Apart from this, we come across numerous references pertaining to agriculture in Jaina literature from which it could be seen that in general agriculture was not forbidden to Jainas. 38 At present the main occupation of the Jainas in Karnataka is that of agriculture. In regard to them it is stated that except some of the larger land holders who keep farm-servants the Jaina landholders, with the help of their women, do all parts of field work with their own hands. They are considered as the hardest working husbandmen who make use of every advantage of soil and situation.39 Even in Gujarātha where the Jainas are mainly traders and industrialists, there are some Jainas whose occupation is only agriculture.240 From the fact that even in the days of Lord Rshabha, the first Tirthankara, rules were made, among other things, regarding politics, warfare and archery241 shows that the Jainas were not averse to fighting as such. In the past many Jainas were in the fighting forces of the state as can be seen from a large number of Jaina generals and warriors,242 and even now some are employed in the defence forces of India. It has already been explained how the principle of Ahimsā does not come in the way of following any profession by á Jaina.243
The Jainas follow practically all sorts of avocations but they are mainly money-lenders, bankers, jewellers, cloth-merchants, grosers and recently industrialists. As they hold the key positions in all these occupations, it is no wonder that a large proportion of mercantile wealth of India passes through their hands. Apart from occupations, Jainas have taken to professions also. They are found mainly in legal, engineering, medical and teaching professions and nowadays many Jainas are holding important responsible positions in various departments of the Central and State Governments.
15. FOOD AND DRINK The Jainas are very particular regarding their food and drink.
