Vegetarianism Scientific And Spiritual Basis

Author(s): Jashwant B Mehta
Publisher: Jashwant B Mehta

Page 35

Of all the religions in India, Jainism among the most ancient religions in the World is undoubtedly the most emphatic and forthright in preaching ahimsa (non-violence) and reverence for all life including that of all animals, birds and insects. Jainism teaches that life has same sacred quality in all creatures right down to the tiny ant and vegetarianism finds explicit mention in the Jain religion. For more than a thousand years till the ninth century A.D., Jainism had a very large following in several parts of India and undoubtedly it is the influence and impact of Jainism which has resulted in vegetarian diet being lot more common and popular in many regions and communities in India among the Hindu population. In fact, in a State like Gujarat where Jain population is still significant, almost the entire Hindu community is predominantly vegetarian. Similarly, in Rajasthan too where there is sizeable Jain population, the Brahmins and Vaishnav communities in Hindus are strictly vegetarian. Special mention must also be made of Bishnoi sect in this state who are not only strict vegetarians but do their utmost to protect the birds and animals considering it their sacred duty. They also avoid cutting a tree. The popular 'Udippi' vegetarian restaurants which are so well-known in serving authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine are owned and operated by Shetty community who are themselves strict vegetarians hailing from the State of Karnataka which is known for the famous Jain temple of Shravan Belgola. This State too had a large Jain population in the past. While fully appreciating the fact that principle of vegetarianism is most emphatic in Jainism than any other religion, in author's personal opinion the unfortunate part of this great religion is that the principal of non-killing or sanctity of life has been extended to the extreme and is supposed to cover all living organisms including those not visible to the naked eyes. Jain monks do not even use the vehicle and walk bare-footed even in extreme heat or cold. They refrain even from the use of electricity. Normal Jain food excludes even root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, carrot, ginger, garlic etc. as they are supposed to contain micro organisms not visible with naked eyes. Because of these severe restrictions and the extreme austerity practiced especially by the monks, this religion whose basic doctrines have been applauded even by the followers of other religions including eminent philosophers from Western world has remained confined to a few million followers in India only.
It should be mentioned in support of root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic etc. that they are the best value for money for a common man as compared to other vegetables as far as 'energy aspect' is concerned. Besides value for money, the root vegetables like carrot, garlic, ginger and onions have also lot of medicinal properties and it is certainly preferable to include them in regular diet rather than having allopathy or homeopathy medicines many of which are made out of nonvegetarian products. It is also possible to store them for a long time in normal temperature unlike other green vegetables whose shelf life is limited to a day or two unless refrigerated.