Does brushing bugs out of the way with a broom hurt the bugs?
Yes. In Jainism, ahimsa (non-violence) extends to all living beings, including tiny insects. Brushing bugs out of the way with a broom to avoid harming them is considered a practice of ahimsa. If a bug is in your path, a Jain would gently move it aside rather than crush it.
- What you can do: use a soft broom or cloth to guide insects away, or wait until they move on your own. Some people also use natural repellents or light, careful movements to minimize injury.
- Tradition notes: Both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions emphasize non-violence toward all life. Practical customs (like muhapatti or careful walking) exist, but the core aim—avoid harming living beings—remains the same.
If you’d like, I can look for a Jain Knowledge page that discusses ahimsa and insects and share a link.