To mark Paryushan, Shruti Jain reflects on how Jain values shape her veganism, and why mindful living, rooted in sustainability and compassion, is more urgent than ever
Growing up in a devout Jain family in India, I learned that true wealth does not lie in how much we accumulate, but in how gracefully we can live with less and how much care and reverence we can extend to every living being we share this planet with. I’ve also learned that happiness does not come from material possessions, but from within.
In today’s world, where material possessions, instant gratification and disregard for the planet and its beings often take centre stage, I find myself constantly circling back to the values I grew up with. The values of ahimsa (non-violence) and aparigrah (mindful living and non-possessiveness) – that stem from the timeless wisdom of Jain philosophy. Simplicity, non-violence and deep respect for all living beings are not just ideals spoken about in sermons – but it is a way of living for a true Jain.
These principles, when applied to our modern world, calls for a deeper reflection on our choices – especially concerning food, fashion, lifestyle and sustainability.
Non-violence beyond humans and animals
For most, the concept of non-violence stops at humans, and some extend it to animals.
But in Jainism, the understanding of ahimsa goes even deeper. It is not confined to humans or animals alone; it extends to plants, to water, to fire, even to the earth itself.
Jain philosophy teaches that life exists in the tiniest of forms –in every drop of water, in every plant, in every flicker of flame. To live with ahimsa, then, is to cultivate reverence for all these forms of existence. All living beings desire to live.
This is why Jains don’t consume root vegetables. As a child, I loved potatoes. But during Paryushan we did not eat onion, garlic, potato or any root vegetables for 10 days. I remember asking my mom why we don’t eat them, and she gently explained, “Even plants have life. When you pull a root vegetable, you destroy the whole plant. Why cause harm when you can live without it?”
That moment I learned it wasn’t about rules but reverence for every life form. The principle is simple yet profound – while complete non-harm is impossible in this world, we can live a life focusing on minimizing violence.
Yet today, I feel most Jains are disconnected from the very principle of ahimsa. While we refrain from eating root vegetables, we do not see a problem with consuming milk. The argument that our ancestors drank milk simply doesn't hold up in the face of this modern reality. The spirit of ahimsa demands we evolve.
Dairy: the dark reality we cannot ignore
The dairy industry today is nothing short of cruel – it is a system built on exploitation that begins in suffering and ends in violence. From the separation of calves from their mothers to the forced insemination of cows, selling of male cows to the meat industry to the cruelty of factory farming – dairy has become an industry of violence.
When I first learnt about the cruelty involved in the dairy industry, through a YouTube video on how cows are treated for milk, I felt an internal conflict. Could I continue to consume dairy and still claim to follow the path of non-violence?
The teachings of tirthankars (enlightened souls) urge us to extend compassion to every living being. If we hold that principle sacred, then our choices must reflect it and be aligned with modern realities. As a true Jain, whose spiritual journey involves minimising harm, it's only natural we should eliminate dairy and dairy products from our lives.
Veganism is not a fad, not a western trend, not a sacrifice. It is simply the fullest expression of the Jain truth we already hold so close: that no being deserves suffering for our comfort.
Aparigraha and sustainability are interconnected
While sustainability and eco-consciousness have gained traction in the last decade, Jainism has practiced these principles for eternity. It’s been an inherent part of Jainism.
Among the five great vows in Jainism is 'Aparigraha' – mindful living and non-possessiveness. Aparigraha is a call for minimalism and conscious consumption. It teaches us that our endless desire for more is a root cause of suffering, both for ourselves and for the world. It’s the spiritual antidote to consumerism, urging us to live with only what’s necessary and loosening our attachment to material things.
A Jain lifestyle is inherently minimalist. It’s about using less, wasting less, and being grateful for what we have. It’s about a deep respect for natural resources, recognising that water, energy, and air are not ours to exploit but gifts to be cherished.
Excess consumption has brought our planet to the brink: deforestation for animal feed, rivers drained to support livestock, massive greenhouse gas emissions heating the Earth. Every extra possession, every unnecessary indulgence leaves behind a footprint heavier than we realize. Veganism, in this sense, is not deprivation –it is an act of aparigraha. It is choosing not to cling to foods or products that bring harm.
The Jain concept of Jiva Daya (compassion for all living beings) compels us to protect our environment. It makes us see the connection between the plastic we discard, the pollution it causes, and the harm it inflicts on marine life. It forces us to acknowledge that climate change is an act of violence against the planet and all its inhabitants.
Then comes our wardrobes. While Jains do not use silk, leather, fur or wool because of the obvious cruelty associated with these materials – we need to think deeper about our lifestyles. Do we really need a closet full of clothes? Are we buying to fill a void, or are we choosing with intention and purpose?
End note: Paryushan – a time for deeper reflection
As I write this during Paryushan, I am reminded of the forgiveness day that concludes the eight (for Swetambars) or ten day (for Digambers) Jain festival of spiritual reflection and renunciation. Every year, we reach out to our friends, family and ourselves with 'Micchami Dukkadam' or 'Uttam Kshama' – seeking forgiveness for any thought , action or deed that might have hurt them (or any other soul). But forgiveness alone is not enough if we continue to perpetuate harm. The truest form of atonement is transformation.
Our tirthankars and acharyas taught us to see life even in water, in fire, in the smallest nigod. Can we then close our eyes to the pain of a mother cow or the cries of her calf?
So, this year, I invite my fellow Jains to reflect more deeply. When you fast, let it also be a fast from violence hidden in our daily choices. And when you seek forgiveness, let it also be a commitment to live differently going forward.
Pause to contemplate alternatives before going for a glass of milk or a dollop of ghee on your rotis. Choose to wear what you have rather than buying new. Support brands that treat their people and planet well over fast fashion that exploits people, animals and the planet. Consume only what you need – whether its food, fashion or any other aspect of your lifestyle.
Because to be Jain is to walk the path of compassion. And today, that path – clear, urgent, undeniable – leads us to veganism and mindful living.
Shruti Jain, founder of StyleDestino is the founder of India and the UAE's first cruelty-free blog and is the world’s first Jain vegan blogger. She writes about the intersection of Jain philosophy, compassion, and sustainability and shows how true style doesn't come at the cost of ethics.
Follow Shruti on Instagram or visit the StyleDestino website for more information.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
