In traditional Jain practice, drinking tea is generally discouraged, not encouraged.
Very simply:
Jain monks and nuns: Do not drink tea (or coffee, alcohol, etc.). Their rules are strict – no stimulants, no addictions, maximum ahimsa and self-control. ( jainknowledge.com)
Serious/orthodox Jain householders: Many also avoid tea for these reasons:
- Tea has caffeine, a stimulant that can disturb calmness and increase attachment (habit/addiction). ( jainknowledge.com)
- In Jain thinking, we try to reduce hiṁsā (violence) to tiny living beings; tea leaves and standing liquids can involve more microscopic life. ( jainknowledge.com)
Today, in practice:
- Some Jains still drink tea daily – this is a lenient, modern practice of laypeople.
- Many others are trying to reduce or give up tea, at least during Paryushan/Das Lakshan, fasts, or special vows, as part of extra discipline. ( jainknowledge.com)
So:
“Did Jain people drink tea?”
- Ideal Jain conduct (especially for monks/nuns and strict laypeople): No, they avoid tea.
- Many ordinary Jains today: Some do drink tea, but it is not considered spiritually ideal, and many teachers advise gradually leaving it.
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