In Jain Dharma, eating pyaaz (onion) is against Jain food principles, but it does not automatically mean the person is “not Jain”.

Two points need to be understood separately:

1. Who is a Jain?

- A Jain is someone who has shraddha (faith) in Jain Tirthankars, Jain scriptures, and Jain principles like ahimsa, aparigraha, etc. - Many Jains are on the path, learning slowly, and may not yet follow all rules perfectly.

1. Is eating onion according to Jain dharma?

- Traditionally, both Shwetambar and Digambar maryada say: - Do not eat kand-mool (root vegetables) like onion, garlic, potato, etc., because uprooting them kills the whole plant and many tiny lives. - Onion is also considered to disturb mental shanti and increase passions. ( jainknowledge.com) - So, from the dharma point of view, eating onion is wrong (against Jain aahar niyam).

So how to see a Jain who eats onion?

• Such a person is still Jain by faith, but:

- They are not following complete Jain food discipline. - You can say they are a Jain who is breaking a Jain rule, not “non‑Jain”.

• Many acharyas say:

- First build right faith and understanding, - Then slowly improve aachar (conduct) like food rules.

Best way to look at it:

• Don’t judge the person, correct the practice.
• Encourage them lovingly to avoid onion/garlic and other root vegetables, explain ahimsa behind it, and improve step by step.

If you want to read more on why Jains don’t eat onion/garlic, you can see this explanation here: