A Westerner Finds Jainism as Her Faith

Summary

1. A Westerner’s Journey to Jainism By Michael McAteer, Toronto Star This section presents the story of Irena Upenieks, a Latvian-born Canadian who, after exploring multiple religious paths (Christian mysticism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Sufism), found spiritual fulfillment in Jainism. She admired the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence toward all living beings), which she felt was missing in other religions. Key highlights: i) She turned away from Christianity after witnessing wartime violence. ii) A spiritual awakening led her to vegetarianism and Jain texts. iii) She resonated deeply with Jain values, including compassion, truthfulness, and detachment. iv) Despite being in the minority in Toronto, she practiced and promoted Jain meditation and strict vegetarianism. v) She believed cruelty toward animals was connected to violence among humans. vi) Her personal transformation serves as a testament to the universal and inclusive appeal of Jain values. 2. Dietary Rules in Jainism By Prof. Pushpendra K. Jain, Botswana This comprehensive essay outlines the philosophical, ethical, and practical reasons behind Jain dietary practices, grounded in the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa). Key points include: A) Vegetarianism and Life Classification i) All beings, including plants, have life. ii) Life forms are categorized based on the number of senses they possess—from one-sensed (plants) to five-sensed (humans, animals). iii) Jains minimize harm by eating only plant-based foods, preferably those that do not kill the plant when harvested. B) General & Specific Food Restrictions i) Root vegetables (e.g., potatoes, onions, garlic) are discouraged or forbidden because their harvest destroys entire plants. ii) Certain fruits, like figs and brinjals, are avoided due to potential insect life inside. iii) Mushrooms, honey, vinegar, and fermented foods are taboo. iv) Strict rules exist for the timing (only daylight), freshness, and preparation of food. C) Water and Dairy i) Water must be triple-filtered through cotton to avoid harming microorganisms. ii) Dairy is allowed under specific conditions—e.g., calves must feed first; milk should be boiled within 48 minutes. D) Occupations i) Jains avoid professions related to violence (e.g., meat, silk, ivory trade). ii) Non-violent trades like grain, textiles, and gems are acceptable. iii) Farming and defense are permitted in the interest of the nation, but slaughter-related industries are strictly banned. E) Modern Context i) While globalization has changed some practices, vegetarianism remains central. ii) A world environmental conference recognized Jainism as the most eco-friendly religion for its reverence for all life forms.