Posted by
Does Jainism teaches refrain from eating onion and garlic so one doesn't get attached to joy of flavour or does it do it to not harm the plant or the insect living underground because while harvesting one might harm insects which is against the ahimsa phi
In Jainism, both reasons are understood, but the main reason is Ahimsa.
Why onion and garlic are avoided in Jainism:
- Ahimsa toward living beings
- Onion and garlic are root vegetables. - When they are pulled out, many small living beings in the soil may be harmed. - More importantly, uprooting the whole plant is considered to involve greater violence than taking a fruit or grain.
- Avoidance of root vegetables
- Jain tradition generally avoids kand-mool and other underground vegetables because the plant, its roots, and the surrounding soil life may be disturbed. - This is based on the principle of minimizing harm as much as possible.
- Effect on mind and passions
- Onion and garlic are also avoided because they are believed to stimulate passions, such as desire, anger, or restlessness. - Jain diet aims to support calmness, self-control, and detachment, which helps spiritual practice.
So which is the main reason?
If we speak carefully, Ahimsa is the primary foundation. The concern about flavour attachment is a supporting spiritual reason, but the deeper basis is not causing harm to living beings, especially in the process of harvesting underground vegetables.So, in Jainism, the practice is connected to both non-violence and restraint of the senses, with Ahimsa being the central principle.
