________________
260
Jaina Community – A Social Survey
Since the ethical code of the Jainas is based on the main principle of Ahimsā, we find its thorough application in the matters of food and drink also. While dealing with the rules of conduct for a layman we have noticed that every householder is required to possess Ashta Mülcgunas or eight fundamental virtues which are the observance of the five anuyratas and abstinence from the use of flesh, wine and honey.244 The injunction against eating flesh of any living being is quite obvious. The Jainas do not take food which involves the slaughter of animals, fishes, birds, or anything that has five or less sense-organs. That is why they have to abstain from eating Kandamülas, that is, underground stems and roots like potatoes, onions, garlic, reddish, turnip, carrot, beetroot, etc. which are supposed to contain a multitude of small insects. Similarly, they must not eat fruits of Gular, Anjeer, Pipal, Pakar and Banyan which are the birth places of mobile beings.245 Further, it is necessary for a Jaina to take his meals during day-time because Himsa is inevitable when food is prepared or taken in the absence of sunlight.246 Therefore the Jainas have to renounce night-eating throughout the year and those who cannot do so all the time, at least do it during the Chā turmāsa or the four months of rainy season when there is a large growth of insects. Again, the Jainas are required to wipe most carefully anything that is to be used fo food, with a view to exclude as tenderly as possible any of the tiny living creatures which might be found in or on it. In the same way as a precautionary measure in avoiding injury to very small living beings, the Jainas have been enjoined to strain or filter water, milk, juice, or any liquid drink before use.247 It must be said to the credit of the Jainas that they do observe very scrupulously all these rules regarding food. It is the outstanding feature of Jainas throughout India that they are strictly vegetarians, never eat at night, and always use strained water. It is said that when a Jaina traveller wishes to quench his thirst at a tank or a stream, he covers his mouth with a cloth, stoops down, and thus drinks by suction. This cleanly custom is highly recommended for use
everywhere. 248
Along with flesh, wine and all kinds of intoxicants, or even stimulants, are prohibited. They are not considered necessary for the life and well-being of the body. Wine is the birth place
