should a complete new learner in a meat eating environment with no values like in India, go against family and practice Jainism to the t?
From a Jain point of view, do not fight with family or create hatred. Jain Dharma is rooted in ahimsa, samyag darshan, and restraint, not in anger or rebellion.
For a complete beginner in a meat-eating environment, the better approach is:
- Start sincerely, but gradually
- Adopt vegetarianism first, if possible
- Avoid violence in thought, speech, and action
- Practice vows according to your capacity
- Respect family while staying firm in your own discipline
A new learner should not feel forced to do everything perfectly at once. In Jainism, inner sincerity is more important than outward display. If “to the t” means following every rule with full purity, that is an ideal, but it is usually reached step by step.
So the Jain answer is:
- Yes, follow Jainism seriously
- No, do not go against family with bitterness
- Practice with patience, humility, and firmness
A wise path is to live Jain values quietly and consistently, so that your conduct itself becomes the example.