JAIN FOOD EXPLAINED - WHAT TO EAT ACCORDING TO JAIN DHARM?

In a world where dietary preferences are evolving rapidly, Jain food stands out for its deep spiritual and ethical foundation. Rooted in the principles of Jain Dharm, this cuisine follows strict guidelines to ensure no or minimal harm to living beings, both seen and unseen.

Whether you are looking to understand about Jainism or wanting to switch to a more sattvik lifestyle, this article will help you explore what foods are considered Jain-friendly and the reason behind it.

About Jainism

Jainism, also known as Jain Dharm, is one of the oldest religions in the world, rooted in India over 2500 years ago. Unlike many other faiths that are associated with a Creator or God, Jainism focuses on personal liberation through right conduct, right knowledge, and right faith.

One of the most revered figures in Jainism is Bhagwaan Mahavir (born to the name Vardhamana), the 24th and the last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher), who played a pivotal role in shaping the religion’s ethical and philosophical framework. He preached for a life of minimal harm to all living beings - humans, animals, plants, and even microorganisms. 

Any being which has been given a life by nature should be allowed to live.

Around 9 in 10 (92%) Indian Jains identify themselves as vegetarian, and 2 in 3 (67%) Jains go further by abstaining from root vegetables such as onion, garlic, potatoes, etc. These practices are extended outside the home too; more than 8 in 10 (84%) Jain vegetarians also say they would not eat food in the home of a friend who was non vegetarian or in a restaurant that serves non-vegetarian food.

 Data Source - Pew Research

The philosophy behind Jain Cuisine

To understand the Jain tradition, we first have to know that they give a lot of importance to these three things - satya (truthfulness), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and most importantly ahimsa (non-violence).

Any food which involves harm to any living being is considered unfit for consumption by Jains.

This deep respect for all life forms is what gives rise to the unique dietary code. It is a conscious and compassionate way of eating that aligns with spiritual beliefs.

One more practice which Jains follow is not eating or drinking after sunset. The reason for this is both spiritual and scientific. The spiritual reason behind this is that there are some organisms that take shelter on our food after the sunset. Eating this food would hinder their health and also the spiritual journey. Thus, Jains follow a cycle from sunrise to sunset to eat their meals. The scientific reason is that a research in Hong Kong has proved that people who eat their food by early morning are less prone to heart diseases.

 Data Source - Jain Knowledge

But these restrictions do not make Jain dishes less tasteful or any less than normal meals. As a replacement of potatoes, they use raw bananas and pumpkins (kaddu) and as a replacement of onions and garlic in gravy, they use cashew and tomatoes which gives a similar taste to their dishes.

What food can be considered Jain-friendly?

Jain food is a form of vegetarianism practiced by the followers of Bhagwaan Mahavir. It is one of the most non-violent cuisines in the world, aligned with the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). For any food to be called Jain-friendly (sattvik food), it should have these characteristics:

1. Strictly vegetarian: No meat, eggs, or seafood.
2. No root-vegetables: These include onion, garlic, potatoes, carrot, ginger, and any food that is grown under the ground.
3. No honey - As it involves harm to honey bees.
4. Filtered water only - Jains only drink filtered water. They either use the method of boiling or filtering to avoid killing microorganisms.
5. Turmeric Powder and peanuts (exceptions) - A small exception that Jainism allows is eating turmeric powder (not whole turmeric) and peanuts. The reason behind this is that these foods belong to the single plant kingdom: home to one soul, while other root vegetables belong to the ordinary plant kingdom: home to infinite souls. Thus, consuming these two foods is considered less violent when compared to other root vegetables.

Data Source - Jaina

What did we learn?

Preached by Lord Mahavir, Jainism is a culture that has deep love for living beings. They are people who trust more on karmic actions to get salvation than to look upon a deity. Following Jainism and committing to its core principles is more than something that you are born with. It is a conscious commitment to non-violence and purity that they display through their actions (karma).

At FarmDidi, we respect and celebrate diverse food cultures rooted in values. Explore our Jain-friendly collection of ethically prepared, clean-label foods that complement a conscious lifestyle.