Tag: Non violence

Despite his strong lifelong advocacy for vegetarianism and the principle of non-violence (*ahimsa*), Mahatma Gandhi had a complex and evolving relationship with dairy, and the answer to 'Did Gandhi eat dairy?' is a nuanced one that changed over time. Initially, he vowed to abstain from all animal milk, but a life-threatening illness forced a painful reconsideration.

Approximately 67% of Jains in India abstain from root vegetables, including potatoes, as part of their dietary practices. This tradition, which also excludes onions, garlic, and other underground vegetables, is a direct application of the ancient Jain principle of *ahimsa*, or non-violence. The seemingly simple rule to not eat potatoes is rooted in profound spiritual and ethical considerations concerning the minimization of harm to all living beings, including microorganisms.

According to a Pew Research Center study, two-thirds of Jains in India abstain from root vegetables like onions and potatoes, but dietary practices regarding leafy greens like palak are more nuanced and depend on seasonal and spiritual factors. The answer lies in the profound commitment to *ahimsa*, or non-violence.

Based on the core principle of non-violence (ahimsa), Jains can eat chickpeas and other legumes that grow above ground. This is because the harvesting process does not cause harm to the plant's entire life or to the many microorganisms in the soil, unlike root vegetables which are prohibited.

The ancient Indian religion of Jainism, which is over 2,500 years old, has a deeply rooted principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. While a casual observer might wonder, "are all Jains vegetables?", the answer reveals a complex and rigorous dietary practice that goes far beyond standard vegetarianism.

Approximately 25% of all Jains observe strict food regulations during the festival of Paryushan, with the goal of spiritual purification and non-violence (ahimsa). So, what are the food restrictions for Jain Paryushan? The dietary guidelines require participants to avoid root vegetables, fermented foods, leafy greens, and eating after sunset, with stricter fasts involving limited or no food intake.

Jainism, a religion with a profound commitment to non-violence (ahimsa), extends its ethical considerations to food, and it is a common sight to find certain vegetables, like broccoli, absent from a traditional Jain plate. This practice is based on deeply rooted philosophical beliefs designed to minimize harm to all living beings, even microscopic organisms.

Adhering to the principle of *ahimsa* (non-violence), Jains traditionally exclude root vegetables from their diet because uprooting them kills the plant and harms numerous microorganisms in the soil. This comprehensive guide details the specific vegetables that can Jains not eat and the spiritual reasons behind these food choices.

According to Jain principles, which emphasize non-violence (ahimsa), many followers avoid root vegetables like garlic and onion because harvesting them harms small organisms in the soil. In Jain cuisine, the pungent and savory flavor of garlic is skillfully replaced by a powerful spice known as asafoetida, or hing. This substitution allows for the creation of flavorful dishes while adhering to strict dietary guidelines.

According to ancient Jain doctrine, a single drop of unfiltered water can contain an infinite number of one-sensed living beings, known as 'nigodas'. This deep-rooted belief is the primary reason why Jains drink boiled water, a practice that serves to minimize harm to these microscopic life forms, upholding the core tenet of Ahimsa (non-violence).