Is smoking allowed in jainism
Short answer: No. In Jainism, smoking is not considered acceptable.
Why:
- Ahimsa (non-violence)_target: Smoking harms one's own body and can affect others through secondhand smoke. Jain ethics emphasize harmlessness to all living beings, including oneself.
- Purity and self-discipline: Jain practice emphasizes control over senses and avoidance of intoxicants or substances that cloud the mind and body. Smoking contradicts this restraint.
- Health and clarity of mind: A clean body and clear mind are valued for spiritual progress; tobacco use undermines both.
Both major Jain traditions (Digambar and Shwetambar) encourage restraint from intoxicants and substances that harm the body. While the exact phrasing may vary, the guiding principle is consistent: smoking is discouraged for a Jain.
If you’d like, I can cite specific Jain scriptures or provide a brief, simple arth (meaning) from authentic sources.