In Jainism, ahimsa (non-violence) is the highest principle. Eggs are considered non-vegetarian because they involve potential life and, in practice, their production and consumption involve harming living beings (hens, chicks) in various ways. Since Jain monks and many laypeople strive to minimize harm in all forms, eggs are avoided.

Key points:

• Life is believed to begin in eggs in many Jain interpretations, so consuming eggs is seen as causing violence to a living being.
• The karmic burden (pap) of violence is why Jains typically follow a strict vegetarian diet that excludes eggs.
• Both Digambar and Śvētāmbara traditions generally teach and practice vegetarianism without eggs. Some modern individuals may differ, but the classical Jain stance is to avoid eggs.

If you’d like, I can share classic Jain scriptural references or a short summary from Digambara and Śvētāmbara perspectives.