Here is a concise, tradition-based outline of how dairy is viewed in the two main Jain traditions, with caveats about internal variation.

• Core principle across Jainism

- Ahimsa (non-violence) and the aim to minimize harm to all beings. - Many Jains also follow austerities that avoid or minimize animal exploitation, including dairy production, due to concerns about the welfare of cows and the karmic results of harming animals.

• Shvetambar (Śvetāmbara) views on dairy

- Generally more permissive than Digambar in some dietary matters, but still under strong influence of ahimsa. - Many Śvetāmbara lay followers and communities consume dairy products (milk, ghee, curd) as part of regular diets, provided no obvious harm or cruelty is involved. Variations exist: - Some Śvetāmbara groups advocate for dairy that is produced humanely, with cows cared for and milk obtained without causing suffering. - Some Śvetāmbara ascetics and stricter households may choose to minimize or avoid dairy, citing ahimsa and the karmic upliftment associated with animal exploitation. - Some manuscripts emphasize that dairy, as a form of animal product, should be minimized for spiritual progress, especially during austerities or fasting periods.

• Digambar (Digambara) views on dairy

- Historically, Digambar monks emphasize extreme asceticism and non-attachment to worldly comforts, which has led many Digambar communities to reduce or avoid all animal products, including dairy. - Some Digambar lay practitioners may still use dairy, but there is a stronger tradition of limiting animal-derived foods in line with ahimsa and ascetic ideals. - There is greater emphasis on self-control and renunciation; dairy consumption is often discouraged or avoided in more orthodox Digambar circles, especially among ascetics. - As with Śvetāmbara, there is variation: some Digambar followers advocate humane, cruelty-free dairy practices for those who do consume dairy, while others prefer a dairy-free or mostly vegan Jain lifestyle.

• Practical distinctions to keep in mind

- The main shared concern is whether dairy involves causing harm to cows and whether its production aligns with ahimsa and karmic consequences. - Even within a tradition, households and communities differ: some permit dairy with conditions (humane treatment, no exploitation), while others avoid dairy entirely. - During periods of intensified practice (fasts, vrata), many Jains—across both traditions—reduce or eliminate dairy to deepen non-violence and purity.

• How to apply this for a practitioner

- If you follow a specific Jain tradition or sub-tradition, check with your local guru or community authority about their stance on dairy. - If you are unsure, a cautious approach is to minimize dairy and prefer plant-based alternatives, especially in times of strict observance.

If you’d like, I can tailor this outline to a particular sub-tradition (e.g., specific Śvetāmbara or Digambara groups) or provide brief practical guidance for a dairy-free Jain diet.