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Jainism and Animal Issues
Fundamental Principles
Some of the Most Commonly Asked Questions First try to answer them, then compare yours with ours...
Views on Philosophy:
What is the Jain definition of the term "Ahimsa?"
Why does Jainism strongly promote the principle of Ahimsa? What does Jainism teach about the proper treatment of animals?
Which Jain laws involve compassion for animals?
What are examples of kindness to animals shown by great Jain heroes?
What are some stories from the Jain traditions related to showing compassion to animals? What is the Jain view regarding animal rights groups?
Vegetarianism:
How does Jainism view the use of animals for food?
Does vegetarianism place greater priority on animal rights than on human welfare?
Can one work to improve conditions for animals without being a vegetarian?
Should the Jains use by-products of slaughterhouses?
What is the equivalent of "Kosher" food standard in Jainism?
Since animals kill each other in nature, why should the Jains be concerned about the abuse of animals; such as killing them to eat?
What We Wear.
What do the Jain principles teach about the wearing of silk, pearls, ivory, and other clothing and fashion items that involve animal products?
Education and Medicine:
What about vivisection? Do the Jains accept this for improved human health? What is the Jain perspective? Does Jainism condone the use of animals for educational and laboratory experimental purposes?
How do the Jains keep their priorities straight? Are they more concerned about animals than all these critical problems related to people? What is the Jain view of using animal organs for transplants for humans?
Entertainment
What are the Jain views on circuses, zoos, etc. entertainments? What is the Jain view on hunting and fishing?
Views on Philosophy
What is the Jain definition of the term "Ahimsa?"
Of course, 'Ahimsa' means non-harming to all living beings. But for Jainism, Ahimsa is as wide as the whole universe. All living beings are protected under the broad definition of Ahimsa. May it be a drop of water, grass blade, insects, birds, all of sea life, animals, human beings, or any beings in between, they all are protected under the Jain principle of 'Ahimsa'. The wide definition goes far beyond. 'Ahimsa' does not stop at physical actions, it extends to thought and speech, to complete the whole 'AHIMSA'.
Chandubhai Morbia
The word 'Ahimsa' means a harmless way of living, with emphasis on minimizing any possible harm. Take an example from
Jain Education International 2010_03
the Jain scriptures. Suppose you are hungry, and you see a tree full of oranges. Hopefully, you would not consider cutting the whole tree for just a few oranges. That would be a gross himsa. But what if you cut only a branch from which you are going to eat the fruits? Naturally, this is better. However, wouldn't it be preferable to pluck only the oranges, and leave the branch alone? But, it's still better to look on the ground, and pick the oranges which had already ripened, and fallen there. That is the way of living that Jainism teaches us. That is 'Ahimsa', harmlessness.
Narendra Sheth
Just like a human, all living beings whether animals, fish, birds, bugs or plants, etc., have vitality power in variable degrees. This
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