Answer

In Jain Dharma, it is not generally prohibited to touch family members in normal, respectful family life.

However, Jain teachings encourage self-restraint, modesty, purity of conduct, and control over attachment and passions. So the concern is not ordinary respectful touch, but touch that increases attachment, sensual desire, possessiveness, or lack of self-control.

Explanation

For householders, normal family affection and care are part of worldly life. For example:

• Touching parents’ feet respectfully
• Caring for children
• Helping an elderly or sick family member
• Normal respectful interaction within the family

These are not considered wrong when done with proper intention and modesty.

But Jain Dharma teaches that one should avoid actions that strengthen:

• Rāga — attachment
• Kāma — sensual desire
• Moha — delusion or possessiveness
• Asaṃyama — lack of restraint

For monks and nuns, the discipline is much stricter. They follow complete celibacy and very careful bodily restraint, so physical contact is generally avoided as part of their vows.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma does not teach hatred or coldness toward family. It teaches love with detachment, compassion with discipline, and care without possessiveness.

A householder should live with family responsibly, but gradually reduce excessive attachment and passions.

Takeaway

Touching family members respectfully is not forbidden for Jain householders. What Jain Dharma asks us to avoid is touch or behavior that increases attachment, sensuality, or loss of self-control.