Answer

In Jain tradition, the peacock-feather whisk used by Digambar saints is understood to be collected without harming the peacock. If feathers are taken from the ground, fields, or places where they naturally fall, that is considered acceptable because no violence is done to the living bird.

Explanation

The important Jain principle is ahimsa — non-violence.

So the point is not whether the feathers came from a field or another place, but whether any living being was harmed in the process.

Traditionally:

• feathers may be collected when they fall naturally,
• they are not supposed to be taken by killing or injuring peacocks,
• the whisk is used to gently avoid hurting small living beings.

If someone says “they were collected from the field,” that usually means they were found naturally and gathered, not forcibly taken from the bird.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, even a small act must be examined through the lens of compassion and non-violence.

So:

• natural collection is acceptable,
• harmful collection would not be in harmony with Jain vows.

This is why Jain tradition emphasizes purity of intention and minimal harm in every item used by monks.

Takeaway

The Jain view is simple: if the feather is obtained without violence, it is acceptable; if it involves harm, it is not. The field is mentioned only as a place where naturally fallen feathers may be found.