if jainism is so much about non violence ahimsa and all then why do overwhelmingly percentage of jain vote for hatefl extremist terrorist rss ideology bjp party who dehumanise and attacks minorities especially muslims christians and sikhs in india
Answer
Jain Dharma teaches Ahimsa not only in physical action, but also in speech, thought, intention, and social conduct. Any ideology, speech, or action that promotes hatred, dehumanization, cruelty, revenge, or violence toward any community is not aligned with Jain principles.
At the same time, it would not be accurate to say that all or every Jain supports one political party or ideology. Jains, like all communities, have diverse political views. But if any Jain supports hatred or violence against Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, or any living beings, that support conflicts with the spirit of Jain Dharma.
Explanation
In Jainism, Ahimsa Paramo Dharma means non-violence is the highest dharma. This includes:
- Physical non-violence — not harming living beings.
- Verbal non-violence — not using abusive, hateful, or divisive speech.
- Mental non-violence — not cultivating hatred, anger, superiority, or contempt.
- Social non-violence — not supporting injustice, cruelty, oppression, or discrimination.
Jain teachings also emphasize:
- Anekantavada — recognizing many-sidedness of truth and avoiding fanaticism.
- Aparigraha — reducing attachment, greed, possessiveness, and ego.
- Kshama — forgiveness and humility.
- Maitri bhavana — friendship toward all living beings.
- Pramoda, Karuna, Madhyastha — appreciation of the virtuous, compassion for the suffering, and equanimity.
Therefore, a Jain way of political thinking should be guided by compassion, restraint, truthfulness, non-harm, and fairness toward all communities.
Spiritual Understanding
From a Jain perspective, the problem is not only which party a person votes for. The deeper question is:
- Is my vote influenced by fear, hatred, anger, greed, or group pride?
- Am I ignoring suffering because the victims belong to another religion or community?
- Am I supporting speech or policies that increase violence?
- Am I practicing Ahimsa only in food, but not in thought and society?
If a Jain avoids root vegetables but spreads hatred, supports cruelty, or rejoices in the suffering of others, that is a serious contradiction. Jain Dharma is not only about diet. It is about purification of the soul through non-violence, self-restraint, compassion, and detachment.
Takeaway
A Jain should not support hatred toward any community. Jain Dharma calls for compassion toward all beings and careful self-examination in every area of life, including politics. Political choices may differ, but hatred, dehumanization, and violence are never Jain values.