Vijyanandsuri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth

Author(s): Navinchandra Vijaymuni, Ramanlal C Shah, Shripal Jain
Publisher: Vijayanand Suri Sahitya Prakashan Foundation Pavagadh

Page 883

which is not possible without jeopardising the survival of man.
1. Jaina attitude as influenced by non-violent vow reflected in their food habits:
Influenced by the philosophy of Ahimsa, the Jaina community in India is completely vegetarian. Use of wine, meat, honey and such fruits which contain germs or insects is totally prohibited. The Jainas observe eating only in the day as they believe that eating in the night may inadvertently lead to killing of imperceptible insects. Some people are so strict that they do not even drink water during night. In case of illness they do not accept medicines after sunset. The 8th and 14th day of each fortnight according to Jaina Calendar are considered pious and on these days, even green vegetables are not eaten for they believe that these vegetables have one sensed Jivas. There are many Jainas who even go to the extent of not consuming eatable which are dug out from the soil such as potatoes, carrots, groundnuts, etc., for the simple reason that the process involved in taking them out involves destruction of millions of tiny insects. Many householders cover their mouths with a piece of cloth during nights so as to avoid any possibility of invisible insects entering their mouths inadvertently. Killing of animals is forbidden not only for the entertainment of guests but even for adoration of Gods. In Jain households drinking water attracts special attention. The water pitchers are cleaned every day and kept in clean place in the house. The unfiltered water is never used either for drinking or preparing food.
2. Jaina Attitude influenced by Ahimsanuvrata towards animals.
The philosophy of non-injury to any living being has influenced the attitude of Jainas towards the use of animals. They believe that tying up the living beings is nothing sort of putting external pressure on their freedom to move and therefore this is considered as undesirable. Similarly beating an animal is considered as entering into the realm of Himsa as it is a reflection of one's anger leading to causing injury to the animal by beating him. Overloading or putting excessive weight over an animal is also forbidden in Jainism. Even withholding of food and drink to the animals is considered as highly undesirable as it causes pain to them. Mutilating or sterilising of animals is also completely forbidden in Jainism. All these are considered as excesses (Aticara) which are considered as contrary to the principle of Ahimsa.
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Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth