Jainism and Animal Issues 1997

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

Page 4

FORWARD
Jiv Daya and Vegetarianism Committee has put out an excellent booklet on "Jainism and Animal Issues." Mr. Narendra Sheth and his committee is to be congratulated for putting forth long hours and research in planning and getting out issues to every Jain in his daily life.
We have received excellent reviews for this booklet and because of general demand JAINA has reprinted it. The booklet deals with environmental issues, vegetarianism, healthy diet, and why as a Jain we should treat all life as equal. It summarizes basic principle of Jainism-Ahimsa at
all level.
I request all of you to donate generously so that we can continue to bring to you more books like this so as to propagate Jainism.
INTRODUCTION
Animal issues, Ahimsa, and Jainism are interwoven. They constitute the way we live. There are many issues that we should be aware of, let us learn them. Even though this handbook is not complete, and it does not address all issues, it is a good start.
Let us take this opportunity to learn more about these issues.
Manibhai Mehta President, JAINA
Food Honey, Silver Foils, Milk, Ice Cream, Pasta, Pizza, Sauce, Pies, Macaroni, Cakes, Ketchup etc. Beauty Makeup
Leather Purses
Investment and Business, Stocks
Dress and Clothing
Silk
Leather
Downs
Jewelry - Pearls
Pooja Silver Foils
Luxury Cars - Leather Seats
Home Furnishings - Leather Sofas, Stuffed Animals, Animal Skins
Medicines Vitamins, Antibiotics, Animal Organ Transplants, Anti-Flu Shots
Lawn and Garden Chemicals and Fertilizers
Environmental Issues
Education - Vivisection
Sulekh Jain - Cincinnati, OH
OVERVIEW
Our civilized life takes certain sacrifices from the animals around us. In this little handbook, we have tried to cover many issues related to how a compassionate Jain could live his/her life, so as to cause the least (or preferably no) harm to these innocent creatures.
First of all, many times we face some simple questions about Jainism, Ahimsa, and Vegetarianism, that we find difficult to answer properly. So we have selected several such questions, and tried to answer them, in the first chapter of "Fundamental Principles." These revolve around our philosophy, vegetarianism, what we wear, our education and medicine, and our entertainment. Obviously these are individual perspectives. Let us know how our answers sound to you, and let us know your
views.
Next, we focus on vegetarianism. Sooner or later, meat eating is going to disappear. There are many facts and figures to support this. To support those who are new to vegetarianism, we list some vegetarian resources, and other support available on the Internet. Even for normal vegetarians, what are the new ingredients worthy of knowing? How do you shop for vegetarian foods? And how do you eat out at restaurants? After discussing these crucial issues, we suggest some 40 new recipes for those new to this way of eating. Finally, there is an inspiring life story, and the food pyramid explanation with serving sizes.
Next, we discuss the "silk" issue. Can we wear silk? Why not? If we decide not to buy silk anymore, how can we make sure that what we are buying is not silk? And, finally again, what are the alternatives to this fine fabric?
Next, we look at the use of animals as "tools" of research in laboratories. What is the 'normal' explanation given by scientists, what cruelties are involved in those experimentations, if their results are valid, and what non-animal alternatives are available?
And then next we discuss the "alcohol" issue. Jainism is dead-set against use of alcohol, because alcohol affects our senses, especially meditation. But, many Jains tend to ignore this, and become influenced by their permissive peers. It is good to hear from Americans why they also are against alcohol. They also tell us this: that alcohol includes many non-veg ingredients, such as fish glue, pepsin, gelatin, eggs, isinglass, enzymes, etc.
"Saving a human life is a noble work" - "Humanity is in serving sick" - these are good notions, with which we have grown up. We encourage our children to go to medical college also. However, medical science sacrifices animal lives. Is this justifiable? Necessary? Even beneficial? What colleges do not use animal labs? We discuss these health issues next.
Jainism has always professed simplicity in life. So our forefathers in India used to be very careful in using resources. But in America, we seem now to take pride in consumerism. This consumerism is taking a toll on animal lives, and trees. We discuss the ecological and environmental issues next.
And, finally we have compiled a good shopping guide - who manufactures cruelty-free products - where we can buy them - and what animal ingredients we should be avoiding.
This book should make an impact on how you live your life. Narendra Sheth