• Core Jain principle: Ahimsa (non-violence) is the highest ethic. Jains believe all living beings have a jiva (life) and karma is bound by harming them, even at microscopic levels.

• Bacteria are considered life forms with purposes and consequences of actions. Killing them is seen as violence and increases karmic bondage.

• Practical stance:

- Ideally, one should avoid killing bacteria as part of practicing ahimsa in daily life (e.g., careful hygiene, sanitation, and using methods that minimize harm whenever possible). - In situations of genuine necessity (e.g., severe infection where delaying treatment harms a person), many Jain authorities acknowledge the principle allows for necessary medical intervention, while striving to minimize harm and to act with mindfulness and compassion.

• Universal across traditions: Both Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions uphold non-violence toward all living beings, including microorganisms. They emphasize intention (samyak sankalpa) and the karmic weight of actions, rather than simply the outward outcome.

• Key nuance: While the letter of ahimsa calls for non-violence to all life, Jain scholars recognize real-world needs and advocate minimizing harm as much as possible, while never glorifying harm. The emphasis remains on reducing violence, cultivating mercy (karuṇā), and practicing disciplined conduct (śīla).