Jainism [Gleanings]

Summary

The “Gleanings” section reproduces a letter written in response to a query from the Secretary of the Vegan Society about the principles of Jainism. The writer, Malini Mehta of Bombay, explains that Jainism derives its name from Jina, one who has conquered the self, and notes that there are twenty‑four Jinas, the last being Mahāvīra. She emphasises the universality of Jain ethics: all living beings love life and fear pain, so it is the duty of humans to minimise harm. Jainism teaches that non‑violence (ahimsā) should be practised in thought, speech and action, and that harm done directly, caused indirectly or condoned is equally sinful. The doctrine of karma is compared to the English proverb “reap as you sow.” Mehta outlines the Jain classification of living beings according to the number of senses they possess. One‑sensed beings (vegetation) have only touch; two‑sensed beings (worms) have touch and taste; three‑sensed beings (bugs, ants) add smell; four‑sensed beings (butterflies, spiders) add vision; and five‑sensed beings (birds, animals and humans) add hearing. Humans are superior because they can distinguish good from bad and choose to act compassionately. The letter stresses aparigraha, non‑possessiveness: it does not require absolute renunciation of belongings but insists that one should not be attached to possessions or let them become chains. Mehta reminds readers that Jainism advocates periodic abstention from even vegetables to allow plants to regenerate and insists that water should be boiled before drinking to avoid harming micro‑organisms. She cautions against using products whose ingredients or manufacturing process involve hidden cruelty and recounts how she stopped eating jelly after learning it contained gelatine. Throughout, she underscores that Jain principles have a scientific basis and promote health and hygiene.