YJA Convention 2012 07 Tampa FL Tenth 027618

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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JAINISM FAQS
4. IF VEGETABLES AND ANIMALS BOTH ARE CONSIDERED 'JEEVA' IN JAINISM, WHY IS IT OKAY TO CUT AND EAT VEGETABLES? THEY CAN'T EXPRESS THE PAIN AS ANIMALS AND WE DON'T SEE RED BLOOD BUT STILL AT MACRO LEVEL AREN'T WE KILLING SOMETHING?
Jainism FAO's
Yes, there is violence in both cases. But the violence in animals is more intense as it is brutal. Killing an animal takes a lot more emotional negativity than other wise. Key factors: you cannot survive without eating. Then you have to have a minimum number of things to eat which could be vegetarian. The next factor is Bhakshya and Abhakshya. Bhakshya means that which is edible and Abhaksya means that which is not edible; that which is forbidden. Not all ethical questions are defined by violence and nonviolence. The other criteria are whether it is healthy to eat and will it have good impact on mind-body? Vegetarian food is satvic which means it keeps you physically and emotionally healthy. Non-vegetarian food is tamsic, meaning it has a polluting impact on the mind, and causes disease production in the body which is violence on the body.
5. JAINS BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION. HOW CAN I BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION WITHOUT KNOWING I'VE HAD PREVIOUS LIVES AND WILL HAVE FUTURE LIVES?
The answer is very simple. The beings on earth are very diverse. What is the justification for that? God did it? No, why would God give sufferings to anyone? You can have an experience in this life too. You have good feelings for that, that person becomes positive towards you. What you give, you get and what you send, you receive in the same token.
6. Is DIKSHA THE ONLY PATH TO MOKSHA?
Not Diksha, but Nonviolence, Detachment, Purity, Tranquil state, Equanimous state. The reason is the values and practices are what give Moksha, not the dress code. Many incidences like Emperor Bharat received Moksha in a palace. One must be internally detached.
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iJain: Evolution of a Mind