Question 1

Why are women on periods not allowed inside temple

Accepted Answer

Jain temples restrict entry during menstruation on grounds of ritual purity (shuddhi), not spiritual worth. Temple worship involves direct contact with the consecrated image, and the tradition treats any discharge from the body as a state in which that contact would be an ashatana — a lapse in the reverence owed to the idol. The rule is a custom of temple discipline rather than a doctrine about women's capacity, and Jain sects apply it differently.

Question 2

Why do jains not eat garlic

Accepted 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.

Question 3

why are potatoes non jain

Accepted Answer

Potatoes are kandmool — underground root vegetables — which Jain doctrine classifies as anantkay or sadharan vanaspatikaya: a single body inhabited by infinite souls sharing one set of life functions. Eating one destroys innumerable jivas at once rather than one, and harvesting it also kills the whole plant and the organisms in the soil. The rule follows from ahimsa arithmetic, not from taste or custom.

Question 4

What foods can Jains not eat

Accepted Answer

Jains commonly avoid all meat, eggs, and root vegetables like onions and garlic to minimize harm to living beings. Some Jains also exclude dairy products and items like silver leaf (varakh) due to concerns about violence in their production.

Question 5

Are jains allowed to use things that are underground, like a metro or a basement parking

Accepted Answer

Jains generally avoid causing harm to any living beings, including those underground, so using underground facilities like metros or basement parking is approached with caution but not strictly prohibited. There is mild variation depending on individual or sect interpretation regarding indirect harm.

Question 6

what are these types of tap called: ekashana behashana upvaas ayambil

Accepted Answer

All four are forms of tap (austerity) undertaken as a pachchakkhan, a formal vow. They are not one scale but two: ekasana (eka-bhakta, one meal in the day) and beasana (dvi-bhakta, two meals) curtail how much is eaten, while ayambil restricts taste rather than quantity — a single bland meal. Upvaas is the fast proper, no food for the day.

Question 7

What is Jainism’s stand on Veganism

Accepted Answer

Jainism advocates for strict non-violence (ahiṃsā) which extends to all living beings, leading many Jains to adopt vegetarianism and often veganism to minimize harm. However, classical Jain texts primarily emphasize vegetarianism and avoidance of harm rather than explicitly prescribing veganism.

Question 8

if i eat chicken but no root veggies is it still jail

Accepted Answer

In Jain practice, eating chicken is generally considered a violation of the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) and is not permitted, regardless of whether root vegetables are consumed. Avoiding root vegetables is a separate practice aimed at minimizing harm to plants, but it does not justify eating meat like chicken.

Question 9

can jains eat peanuts

Accepted Answer

Jains commonly eat peanuts as part of their strict vegetarian diet, avoiding root vegetables like onions and garlic. However, some very strict Jains may avoid peanuts during certain fasting periods or due to concerns about harming small life forms.

Question 10

Why is honey not Jain

Accepted Answer

Honey is not considered Jain because it involves harm to living beings and is classified under Ghātiyā substances, which are to be avoided.

Question 11

why can jains eat plants but not animals

Accepted Answer

Jains eat plants but not animals because plants are considered less sentient and involve less harm, whereas animals possess higher consciousness and killing them causes greater violence (himsa).

Question 12

What does jainism say about periods for women and their day to day conduct. Should they not enter the kitchen? And not touch anyone

Accepted Answer

Jainism does not explicitly prohibit women from entering the kitchen or touching others during their menstrual periods, but it emphasizes purity and self-discipline in daily conduct for all practitioners.

Question 13

Is there kanyadan in Jainism

Accepted Answer

In Jainism, kanyadan (the ritual of giving away the bride) is generally not a prescribed or emphasized practice as in Hinduism, though some communities may observe a mild variation of it culturally. The focus remains more on ethical conduct and spiritual compatibility rather than ritualistic ceremonies.

Question 14

why can't we eat root vegetables?

Accepted Answer

Root vegetables are avoided in Jainism because uprooting them causes harm to the entire plant and disturbs numerous microorganisms in the soil, violating the principle of non-violence (ahiṃsā).

Question 15

can i wear gold since it is grown underground

Accepted Answer

Traditions vary regarding wearing gold in Jainism. Some Jains avoid gold due to its association with attachment and violence in mining, while others may permit it since it is found underground.

Question 16

Explain satvik foods

Accepted Answer

Satvik foods are pure, wholesome, and promote clarity and calmness of mind, supporting spiritual growth in Jain philosophy. They are typically fresh, natural, and free from violence or harm to living beings.

Question 17

Explain ratri bhojan dosh

Accepted Answer

Rātri bhojana doṣa refers to the fault or negative effect caused by eating at night in Jainism, which is discouraged due to its impact on spiritual purity and discipline.

Question 18

can jains swear

Accepted Answer

Jains generally avoid swearing as it goes against their principle of right speech and non-violence. However, mild variations exist where some may use soft expressions without harmful intent.

Question 19

can jains eat shrimp

Accepted Answer

Jains generally do not eat shrimp as it is considered a form of animal life, violating their principle of non-violence (ahimsa). However, some mild variations exist in strictness, with all avoiding meat including seafood.

Question 20

Is intercaste marriage with OBC girl not allowed under Jain scripture? I’m not talking about what is said by saints and social thinking, truly the religion perspective with reference

Accepted Answer

Jain scriptures do not explicitly prohibit intercaste marriage, including with an OBC girl; the religion primarily emphasizes conduct, vows, and adherence to Jain principles rather than caste distinctions in marriage.

Question 21

Can I have milk the day before choviar upvaas at around 11 pm

Accepted Answer

The provided context does not contain specific information about the consumption of milk before Choviar Upvaas or related fasting rules in Jainism.

Question 22

can jains eat zucchini

Accepted Answer

Jains commonly eat zucchini as it is a vegetable that aligns with their strict vegetarian principles. However, some Jains avoid root vegetables and those with many life forms, so mild variations in dietary restrictions may exist.

Question 23

Explain jain wedding rituals

Accepted Answer

Jain wedding rituals center around sacred ceremonies such as the Kanyadaan (giving away the bride), Mangal Pheras (circumambulation of the sacred fire), and Samvatsari Pratikraman, emphasizing spiritual purity, non-violence, and lifelong commitment.

Question 24

Why can’t Jains touch during periods

Accepted Answer

Jainism traditionally restricts women from touching sacred objects or participating in rituals during menstruation due to concepts of bodily purity and non-violence (Ahimsa), as bleeding is seen as a form of injury and impurity.

Question 25

How many times do digambar sadhu eat food in a day?

Accepted Answer

Digambar sadhu typically eat only once a day. They follow strict ascetic practices, including limited food intake to minimize attachment and promote spiritual discipline.

Question 26

Can Jains get tattoos?

Accepted Answer

Jainism generally discourages tattoos because they involve harm to the body, which goes against the principle of non-violence (ahimsa). Therefore, most Jains avoid getting tattoos.

Question 27

Food to be taken by what time in the evening

Accepted Answer

**According to Jain tradition, food must be consumed before sunset, typically finishing the evening meal by around 6:30 p.m. or earlier to avoid night-time eating.**

Question 28

Can I eat chicken

Accepted Answer

**According to Jain dietary principles, eating chicken is prohibited as Jains follow a strict vegetarian (vegan) diet avoiding all forms of meat and animal products. Jainism emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and forbids consumption of any food that involves harm to living beings.**

Question 29

Tap kitne oralar ke aur sabse important tap konsa he

Accepted Answer

**Tap in Jainism is generally categorized into three main types: Āstikāya Tap (body austerities), Bhāvanā Tap (mental austerities), and Sāmāyika Tap (periodic austerities). The most important Tap is often considered to be Samayika, which is the practice of equanimity and meditation.**

Question 30

What are some plant goods jains cant have

Accepted Answer

Jains avoid consuming root vegetables such as onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots, as these are considered to cause harm to the plant and microorganisms in the soil.

Diet & Lifestyle in Jainism

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