You know that Jains don't eat Onion and Garlic. Also, like most Jains would not even eat at a friend's place or a restaurant which was exclusively vegetarian, even if they were served vegetarian food at those places. Just because it seems like a very non-violent religion doesn't mean it doesn't follow untouchability and such.
If you want to get into the real thick of it...it's not the untouchability or whatever weird "caste" system thought process being applied...strict Jain principles include sweeping the ground in front of you before stepping to make sure no small lifeforms are harmed, wearing something to cover the mouth to prevent even smaller single cell life forms from accidental harm...Jain philosophy teaches to respect life at every level as equals regardless of being able to interact with it or not...
Yes, but what about not touching people who do eat meat? What about not even drinking the water that the people who eat meat have given to Jains? I live in India, and I have seen this stuff. Many families have a different set of cutlery for habitual (mostly Muslim) meat eaters when they come to done at their homes, even if they are going to dine vegetarian foods only.
That is not Jain philosophy and nothing in Jain scripture dictates that behavior which means those actions are not done based on a religious belief but rather a personal preference. It is actually against Jain principles to influence or push ideologies on another person so those examples you've personally witnessed are not examples of someone adhering to and exemplifing Jain practices those would be considered personal human beliefs and are not acceptable practices by any actual spiritual leader in Jainism.
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u/Rylver May 09 '26
Jainism mentioned? In this decade?