Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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forgiveness to all, of austerity, and of visiting neighbouring temples. On the final day (samvatsari) Jains seek forgiveness from all for any harm, which they have caused knowingly or unknowingly and forgive those who have harmed them saying 'micchami dukkadam'.
Life Style
Jains are lacto-vegetarians; they care for the environment and are involved in human and animal welfare. Strict Jains will avoid root vegetables.The guiding principle of their way of life is ahimsa (non-violence and reverence for all life) and their conviction in the phrase 'parasparopagraho jivanam' meaning interdependence of life on each other. “Live and Help to Live" is their motto. Jains will try to avoid harm to all living beings as far as possible and observe friendship to all and malice to none. The Jain way of life is not at odds with normal everyday life. It is an ethical doctrine with self-discipline as its core. Jains perform Penitential retreat (Pratikramana) daily in the morning and evening and ask for forgiveness for their transgressions, perform penance, and see that such aberrations are not repeated.
Jains will avoid professions or businesses where there is apparent violence. They are law abiding citizens with practically no criminal record.
They worship either at a temple or at home every morning, meditate and then start the day's work. They believe in simplicity, helping others, in philanthropy and live accordingly.
Marriage and divorce
Most of the Jain marriages are arranged marriages within the community. The divorce rate in the Jain community is very low. The women have equal status. The new generation of Jain couples share domestic, financial and social duties. Interfaith marriages are discouraged, but they are accepted by most families and the community.
Death
Jains believe transmigration of the soul is due to karmic bondage; after death the soul occupies a new body according its karma and hence they accept the death philosophically. They pray for the peace of the departed soul. After death the body is cremated as soon as possible.
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