In Jainism, the central principle is ahimsa (non-violence) toward all living beings. Whether Jains drink milk depends on how their community understands ahimsa, karuna (compassion), and the balance between dietary needs and harm to beings.

• Why many Jains drink milk: Milk is considered a dairy product and not flesh. Many Śvetāmbara Jains and many lay practitioners take milk and dairy products (like yogurt and ghee) as part of a vegetarian diet because, when obtained without harming animals or calves, it is seen as a relatively non-violent source of nutrition. Dairy can help meet nutritional needs in a non-flesh diet.

• Why some avoid dairy (or restrict it): Some Jains, especially among stricter segments or certain Digambara traditions, argue that dairy farming involves exploitation of cows and calves and may entail distress or harm to animals. From that perspective, they prefer plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat, etc.) or avoid dairy altogether.

• Practical guidance in practice: Most Jain households follow a vegetarian diet that may include dairy, particularly in Śvetāmbara communities. If a person follows a more stringent ahimsa practice, they might choose dairy-free or plant-based options. Jain teachers emphasize mindful consumption, reducing harm, and choosing foods that cause the least possible injury.

• Important caveat across traditions: There are differences between Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions in ritual practices and dietary norms. The core Jain aim remains non-violence and compassion, but the specifics of dairy use can vary by community and family.

If you’d like, I can explain this with exact references from Jain scriptures or provide guidance aligned with a particular Jain tradition (Digambar or Śvetāmbara).