Answer

In Jain Dharma, the main principle is ahimsa — non-violence. Eggs are usually avoided because they are directly linked with the taking of life or the potential of life.

Milk and dairy products were traditionally accepted in many Jain households because they were seen as products obtained from a living animal without directly killing the animal itself. But this acceptance is based on the older, idealized idea of milk being collected without cruelty.

Explanation

The difference is mainly this:

• Eggs: generally seen as involving life, reproduction, and harm to the animal.
• Milk: traditionally seen as a secondary product, not the body of the animal itself.

However, in practical life, dairy is not always harmless. Modern milk production often involves:

• forcing animals to produce more milk,
• separating calves from mothers,
• poor treatment of animals,
• eventual slaughter of unproductive cows.

Because of this, many Jains today feel that dairy may also involve violence and may avoid it to live more strictly by ahimsa.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches us to reduce harm as much as possible. So the important question is not only “Is this food traditionally allowed?” but also:

• How much suffering is involved?
• Can I choose a less हिंसक option?

That is why some Jains continue to use dairy in a traditional way, while others choose to avoid it completely out of deeper compassion.

Takeaway

So, in Jain tradition, milk was historically permitted, but the spiritual principle is always non-violence. If a dairy product involves harm, many Jains consider avoiding it to be more faithful to Jain ahimsa.