In Vighai Tyag what food items to quit and why
Vighai Tyag means renouncing foods that disturb inner peace and generate violence (ahiṁsā) or unwholesome mental states. The traditional list of vigai (perversions) is:
- The nine vigai (nav vigai): milk, curd/yogurt, butter/fresh butter, ghee, oil, jaggery/solid sugar, honey, alcohol, and meat.
- In many Jain traditions these are grouped as two levels:
- Laghu vigai (lighter ones): milk, curd, butter, ghee, oil, jaggery, and sometimes fried foods.
- Maha vigai (stronger ones): butter, honey, eggs/meat/fish, and alcohol.
The aim of quitting these items is to prevent agitation of the mind, promote ahimsa, and support spiritual progress. The exact wording and the inclusion of some items can vary slightly between Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions, but the core idea remains the same: avoid foods that can inflame passions (kashāy) and involve living beings.
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