/Jain vegetarianism 

is the diet of the Jains, the followers of Jainism. It is the most strict form
of religiously-motivated diet regulation in the Indian subcontinent.

Like in Hinduism and Buddhism, Jain objections to the eating of meat and fish are based on
the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa, literally "non-injuring"). Every act by which a person
directly or indirectly supports killing or injury is seen as violence (himsa), which creates
harmful karma. The aim of ahimsa is to prevent the accumulation of such karma.[1] The extent
to which this intention is put into effect varies greatly among Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
Jains consider nonviolence to be the most essential religious duty for everyone (ahinsā
paramo dharmaḥ, a statement often inscribed on Jain temples).[2] It is an indispensable
condition for liberation from the cycle of reincarnation,[3] which is the ultimate goal of all Jain
activities. Jains share this goal with Hindus and Buddhists, but their approach is particularly
rigorous and comprehensive. Their scrupulous and thorough way of applying nonviolence to
everyday activities, and especially to food, shapes their entire lives and is the most significant
hallmark of Jain identity.[4] A side effect of this strict discipline is the exercise of asceticism,
which is strongly encouraged in Jainism for lay people as well as for monks and nuns.[5]
Contents
 [hide]

1 Practice
2 Influence on vegetarian cuisines in
India
3 Historical background
4 References
5 See also
[edit]Practice

 For Jains, lacto-vegetarianism (generally known simply as vegetarianism in India) is

mandatory. Food which contains even small particles of the bodies of dead animals or
eggs is absolutely unacceptable.[6] Some Jain scholars and activists support veganism, as
the production of dairy products involves significant violence (himsa) against cows.
 Jains go out of their way so as not to hurt even small insects and other tiny animals,
[7]
 because they are convinced that harm caused by carelessness is as reprehensible as
harm caused by deliberate action.[8] Hence they take great pains to make sure that no
minuscule animals are injured by the preparation of their meals and in the process of
eating and drinking.[9]
 Traditionally Jains have been prohibited from drinking unfiltered water. In the past,
when wells or baolis were used for the water source, the cloth used for filtering used to be
 reversed and some filtered water was poured over it to return the organisms to the original
body of water. This practice termed as 'jivani' or 'bilchhavani', is no longer possible
because of the use of pipes for water supply.
Jains today may also filter faucet water in the traditional fashion, and a few Jains continue to
follow the filtering process even with commercial mineral or bottled drinking water.

 Jains make considerable efforts not to injure plants in everyday life as far as possible.
They admit that plants must be destroyed for the sake of food, but they only accept such
violence inasmuch as it is indispensable for human survival, and there are special
instructions for preventing unnecessary violence against plants.[10] Jains don’t eat root
vegetablessuch as potatoes, onions, roots and tubers, because tiny life forms are injured
when the plant is pulled up and because the bulb is seen as a living being, as it is able to
sprout.[11] Also, consumption of most root vegetables involves uprooting & killing the
entire plant. Whereas consumption of most terrestrial vegetables doesn't kill the plant (it
lives on after plucking the vegetables or it was seasonally supposed to wither away
anyway).
 Honey is forbidden, as its collection would amount to violence against the bees.[12]
 Food items that have started to decay are prohibited.
 Traditionally cooking or eating at night was discouraged because insects are attracted
to the lamps or fire at night. Strict Jains take the vow (called anastamita or anthau) of not
eating after sunset.
 Strict Jains do not consume food which has been stored overnight, as it possesses a
higher concentration of micro-organisms (for example, bacteria yeast etc) as compared to
food prepared and consumed the same day. Hence, they do not
consume yogurt or dhokla & idli batter unless they've been freshly set on the same day.
 Jains do not consume fermented foods (beer, wine and other alcohols) to avoid killing
of a large number of microorganisms associated with the fermenting process.
 During some specific fasting periods in the Jain religious 'Panchang' calendar, Jains
refrain from consuming any green coloured vegetables (which have chlorophyll pigment)
such as okra, leafy vegetables, etc.
[edit]Influence on vegetarian cuisines in India

The vegetarian cuisines of some of the regions has been strongly influenced by Jainism.
These include

 Gujarati Jain cuisine[13]
 Marwari Jain cuisine of Rajasthan
 Bundelkhandi Jain cuisine of central India
 Agrawal Jain cuisine of Delhi/UP
In India, vegetarian food is regarded to be appropriate for everyone for all occasions. This
makes vegetarian restaurants quite popular. Many of the vegetarian restaurants
and Mishtanna (sweet)shops (for example the legendary Ghantewala sweets in Delhi [14] or
Jamna Mithya in Sagar ) in India are run by Jains.

Some restaurants in India serve strict Jain version of vegetarian dishes that leave out carrots,
potatoes, onions and garlic. A few airlines also serve Jain vegetarian dishes[15] upon prior
request.

The Japanese Shojin Ryori is similar to Jain cuisine in leaving out onions and garlic. The
term satvika often implies Indian cuisine without onions and garlic, the strict Jain cuisine also
excludes other root vegetables like potatoes.[16]

Some Rajasthani dishes[17] such as gatte ki sabzi (or gatte ki kadhi [18]) and papd ki sabzi were

invented for Jain festivals during which the orthodox may avoid eating green vegetables.

[edit]Historical background

When Mahavira revived and reorganized the Jain movement in the 6th or 5th century BCE,
[19]
 ahimsa was already an established, strictly observed rule.[20] Parshva, a famous Jain leader
(Tirthankar) whom modern Western historians consider to be a historical figure,[21] lived in
about the 8th century BCE[22] and founded a community to which Mahavira’s parents
belonged.[23] Parshva’s followers vowed to observe ahimsa; this obligation was part of their
"Fourfold Restraint" (caujjama dhamma).[24] Mahavira adopted it into his code of conduct.

In the times of Mahavira and in the following centuries, Jains criticized Buddhists and
followers of the Vedic religion or Hindus for negligence and inconsistency in the
implementation of ahimsa. In particular, they strongly objected to the Vedic tradition
of animal sacrifice with subsequent meat eating and to the hunting.[25]

The early Buddhism discouraged eating animals that were slaughtered for the purpose of
eating. The Buddha declared that

... meat should not be eaten under three circumstances: when it is seen or heard or suspected
(that a living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); these, Jivaka, are the three
circumstances in which meat should not be eaten, Jivaka! I declare there are three
circumstances in which meat can be eaten: when it is not seen or heard or suspected (that a
living being has been purposely slaughtered for the eater); Jivaka, I say these are the three
circumstances in which meat can be eaten.

—Jivaka Sutta, MN 55 [26]

In the Tamil classic Tirukkural, Valluvar, who is regarded to be a Jain by some scholars,
criticizes the Buddhists for accepting the same of meat:
 256 If the world did not purchase and consume meat, no one would slaughter and
offer meat for sale[27]
Some Brahmins, Kashmiri Pandit, Bengali Brahmin, Saraswat Brahmin, have
traditionally eaten meat (mostly sea food). However in regions with strong Jain
influence such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, or strong Jain influence in the past such
as Tamil Nadu, the Brahmins are strictly vegetarian. Bal Gangadhar Tilak has described
Jainism as the originator of Ahimsa. He wrote in a letter:[28] "In ancient times,
innumerable animals were butchered in sacrifices. Evidence in support of this is found in
various poetic compositions such as the Meghaduta. But the credit for the disappearance
of this terrible massacre from the Brahminical religion goes to Jainism."

Some Western authors have interpreted the texts in different way to show that ancient
Jain ascetics accepted meat as alms if the animal had not been specifically killed for
them.[29] If this is correct then they applied the same standard as early Buddhists. Some
passages in two of the earliest Svetambara Jain texts, the Acaranga Sutra and
the Dasaveyaliya, have been interpreted as regulations for specific types of meat and
bones which were considered to be acceptable alms.[30] This can also be interpreted at
references to fruits and seeds. Another Svetambara text, the Viyahapannatti, tells a story
where Mahavira himself eats the "Kukutmansa" which may be interpreted as meat of a
cock.[31] Kutkutmansa is also interpreted as a fleshy fruit of a plant. Medieval Jain
commentators of these passages interpreted them in the literal meaning (meat eating),
but also mentioned the opinion that the offensive words had different meanings, some of
which did not refer to animals, and hence the contents were compatible with
vegetarianism.[32] Jains point out the absurdity of such interpretations which are totally
inconsistent with the ancient texts and practices. Jains, who are strict vegetarians, do not
accept the interpretations of Western scholars.[33]

No onion, no garlic in this food

a vegetarian specialty restaurant in Karol Bagh adds a traditional untampered flavour to the
palate of all those who love their vegetables. Specialising in traditional Rajasthani and
Gujarati thalis, and Bombay specialties, the restaurant is hosting a Jain Food Festival till this
coming Monday to celebrate the festival of Pajjusan, the most important festival of the Jain
community. This festival boasts of a number of traditional Jain dishes like Mung Masala,
Mung Ugela, Mung Chana, Mung Ki Dal, Mung Ka Pani, Kaju Vaal Dal, Maught Ugela, Dal
Dhokli, Vatanna Green, Vatanna White, Papad Meethi, Veg. Rajastani Robodi, Kersangri,
Gunda, Kumuthiya, Gutta Ki Subzi, and snacks like Dal Samosa, Dal Vada, Mung Dal
Kachori, Bati Dhokla, and Barfi Dhokla, and each one of them being anything but drab,
pretty impressive especially when they're not allowed to use onion, garlic, potato, or green
vegetables.

With more and more people making a beeline for vegetarian and thus supposedly healthy
food, "the response that we've got over the past year has been very good," asserts Kamlesh
Parekh, director of Suruchi as well as Hotel Swati and Shuddh - vegetarian food court, which
are sister ventures. This traditional eat-out at Ajmal Khan Road with its exclusive Rajasthani
kitchen crew, also offers lucrative enticements to its customers in the form of a
complimentary Mehendiwala who sits there every evening and valet parking, and customised
bangles and earthen pots at a reasonable price. The food itself is priced at Rs.115 per thali
with a special children's thali for Rs.60 for kids below 12 years.

Step into Suruchi and you will immediately warm up to the homelike ambience of the place
with simply but tastefully decorated walls and Gujarati ceilings. Served by traditionally
attired people, with an express service, take care never to leave any of your bowls empty,
because that is an indication that you need a re-fill

Jain cuisine

All living beings require food for their survival. Jains practice strict vegetarianism. The
practice of vegetarianism is instrumental for the practice of non-violence and peaceful co-
operative co-existence. They do not consumeroot vegetables such
as potatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, radishes, cassava, sweet potatoes, turnips, etc., as the plant
needed to be killed in the process of accessing these prior to their end of life cycle. In
addition, the root vegetables interact with soil and therefore contain far more micro-
organisms than other vegetables. However, they consume rhizomes such as
dried turmeric and dried ginger. Brinjals are also not consumed by some Jains owing to the
large number of seeds in the vegetable, as a seed is a form of life. Strict Jains do not consume
food which has been left overnight, such as yogurt because it contains large amounts
of bacteria. Most Jain recipes substitute potato with Plantain.[43]

[edit] Jain fasting

Fasting is one of the main tools for practicing external austerity. It helps the demands of the
body under check and assists in the focus on the upliftment of the soul. Depending on the
capacity of an individual, there are several types of fasting:

 Complete fasting: giving up food and water completely for a period

 Partial fasting: eating less than you need to avoid hunger
 Vruti Sankshepa: limiting the number of items of food eaten
  Rasa Parityaga: giving up favourite foods

During fasting one immerses oneself in religious activities (worshiping, serving the saints &
be in their proximity, reading scriptures, meditating, and donating to the right candidates).
However, before starting the fast Jains take a small vow known as pachkaan. A person taking
the vow is bound to it and breaking it is considered to be a bad practice.

Most Jains fast at special times, such as during festivals (known as Parva. Paryushana and
Ashthanhika are the main Parvas which occurs 3 times in a year) and on holy days (eighth &
fourteenth days of the moon cycle). Paryushana is the most prominent festiva (lasting eight
days for Svetambara Jains and ten days for Digambars) during the monsoon. The monsoon is
considered the best time of fasting due to lenient weather. However, a Jain may fast at any
time, especially if he/she feels some mistake (negative karma generally known as paap) has
been committed. Variations in fasts encourage Jains to do whatever they can to maintain self-
control.

A unique ritual in this religion involves a holy fasting until death called sallekhana. Through
this one achieves a death with dignity and dispassion as well as no more negative karma.
[44]
 When a person is aware of approaching death, and feels that s/he has completed all duties,
s/he willingly ceases to eat or drink gradually. This form of dying is also called Santhara /
Samaadhi. It can be as long as 12 years with gradual reduction in food intake. Considered
extremely spiritual and creditable, with all awareness of the transitory nature of human
experience, it has recently led to a controversy. In Rajasthan, a lawyer petitioned the High
Court of Rajasthan to declare santhara illegal. Jains see santhara as spiritual detachment, a
declaration that a person has finished with this world and now chooses to leave. This choice
however requires a great deal of spiritual accomplishment and maturity as a pre-requisite.

TYPES Of FASTING 1. Aathai: A person practising this form of fasting will not eat anything
for eight days. During this period, they live only by drinking previously boiled water (8 hours
ago at the maximum). They drink water after going to temple or after prayer that is done after
11'o clock and before sunset. Normally on 8th day of fasting, the success is celebrated by the
community by organising a procession to the temple. On the 9th day, the person will stop
fasting. The relatives and friends will come and help the person to break the fast.
2. Masskhaman: A person practising this form of fasting will not eat any thing for thirty days.
During this period, they live by drinking previously boiled water. Normally on 30th day of
fasting their successful completion is celebrated.
3. Aorie: In this practice, for 9 days food taken without any one of important additive that
provide taste such as Ghee (clarified butter), Spices, Salt, etc.
4. Varshitap: This is a difficult form of fasting and demands a high level of skill and
discipline. Lord Rishabh did not eat or drink water for 400 days. It is possible for people to
try a variation of Varshitap by eating every alternate days, in general. They can eat only twice
in every alternate days, but in between during some special calendar events, they may have to
fast longer periods.