why cant they have alcohol

In Jainism, alcohol is avoided very strictly. The main reasons are:

1. Himsa (violence) to tiny beings

- Many types of alcohol are produced by fermentation, where countless tiny living beings (nigod, bacteria, yeast, etc.) are harmed or destroyed. - Jains try to reduce violence at every level, even microscopic.

1. Loss of control over mind

- Alcohol makes the mind unsteady and careless. - In that state, a person easily does more violence, lies, theft, sexual misconduct, anger, pride, greed, etc. - Jain Dharma teaches that a peaceful, alert mind is necessary for right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

1. Breaks small and big vows

- For sadhus / sadhvis (monks & nuns), alcohol is totally forbidden as part of their mahavratas (great vows). - For shravaks / shravikas (lay followers), avoiding intoxicants (like alcohol, drugs) is part of aṇuvratas and other supplementary vows. - Drinking makes it harder to follow ahimsa, satya, brahmacharya, aparigraha in daily life.

1. Increases karma bondage

- When under the influence of alcohol, people often do actions with more passion (kashaya): anger, greed, deceit, pride. - These strong emotions attract heavier karma, which is opposite of the Jain goal of purifying the soul.

1. Spoils spiritual progress

- Jainism focuses on self-awareness, discipline, and inner purity. - Alcohol pulls the mind outward, towards carelessness and sensual enjoyment, and away from samyak darshan (right faith) and meditation.

So, in Jain view, alcohol is not just a “bad habit”; it directly blocks spiritual growth and leads to more himsa and more karma. That is why sincere Jains — especially those keeping vows seriously — do not take alcohol at all.