Why are we vegetarian and don't eat egg

In Jain Dharma we are vegetarian and do not eat eggs mainly because of Ahimsā – non‑violence and sāttvik (pure) food.

1. Why vegetarian?

1. Every jīva (living being) has a soul

Animals and birds are pañcendriya jīva (five‑sensed beings) like us – they feel pain, fear, attachment, etc. Killing or supporting killing them for taste is a very heavy himsā (violence).

1. Ahimsā is the heart of Jainism

Mahāvrat (great vow) and Anuvrat (small vow for laypeople) of Ahimsā clearly guide us to: - Not kill directly - Not ask others to kill - Not support killing in any way (money, demand, business, etc.)

Eating meat, fish, chicken etc. means: - A life was taken - We are supporting that killing with our demand

1. Food affects our mind and karma

Food made from killing creates: - More kaṣāyas (anger, pride, deceit, greed) - Stronger bandh (bondage) of karma A simple vegetarian Jain diet helps the mind become calm, compassionate and suitable for spiritual progress.

You can read more about Jain food rules here:

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2. Why Jains do not eat eggs?

In Jainism, all eggs are avoided – fertilized or unfertilized.

1. Potential for life

- An egg is considered source of life. - Even if someone says “this egg is unfertilized”, for Jain practice it is not practical to check or guarantee. - So, to fully follow Ahimsā, Jains leave all types of eggs.

1. Animal‑origin food

- Eggs come from birds (hens, ducks, etc.), who are five‑sensed beings. - Industrial egg production involves: - Breeding and caging hens - Killing male chicks - Great physical and mental suffering - So eggs are clearly against the Jain principle of dayā (compassion).

1. Not sāttvik

- Traditional Jain view: eggs are not sāttvik / shuddha (pure) food. - They are considered to increase passion and restlessness and disturb the mind needed for samayik, pratikraman, dhyān.

1. Same rule in both traditions

- Digambar and Shvetāmbara – both teach: - Strict vegetarian (lacto‑vegetarian) diet for householders - No eggs at all - Monks/nuns are even more strict.

You can see a related discussion here:

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3. Simple way to remember

• If it comes from killing an animal → Jains do not eat it.
• If it is an egg (any type) → Jains do not eat it.
• We choose food that causes the least harm to living beings and keeps our mind pure for spiritual growth.

If you want, I can also explain why we avoid some other things like onion, garlic, root vegetables, honey, etc., in the same simple way.