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Why Do Jains Avoid Eating Garlic?
Asked as: “Why do jains not eat garlic”
Quick Answer
Jains avoid eating garlic because it is believed to contain more life units than fruits like apples, leading to greater intake of karmons. This strict vegetarianism aims to minimize harm and karmic accumulation.
Detailed Answer
According to Jain philosophy, the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) extends to all living beings, including plants. Foods like garlic and onions are avoided because they are thought to have more life units compared to fruits such as apples. For example, one onion grows into another onion, implying a higher concentration of life forms, whereas an apple tree produces many apples, each with fewer life units. Consuming garlic or onions is therefore seen as causing more harm and leading to the intake of more karmons, which obscure knowledge and spiritual progress.
Related: What foods can Jains not eat · can jains eat shrimp · can jains eat zucchini
Source References
This answer is generated by JainGPT and grounded in primary Jain scriptures, commentaries and scholarly texts from our digitised library. See the cited references below and our editorial standards.
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