Bhakshyabhakshya

This Jain text, titled "Bhakshyabhakshya" (What to Eat and What Not to Eat), authored by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah and published by Muktikamal Mohan Granthmala, is a comprehensive guide to dietary principles within Jainism, emphasizing the ethical and spiritual implications of food choices.

The book is structured into two main parts:

Part 1: Bhakshyabhakshya (What to Eat and What Not to Eat)

This section delves into the philosophical and practical aspects of food consumption from a Jain perspective. Key themes include:

• The Importance of Religion (Dharma): The book begins by highlighting the paramount importance of Dharma (religion) for attaining true happiness and success in life. It asserts that all worldly achievements like wealth, family, health, and knowledge are ultimately byproducts of righteous living and adherence to Dharma.
• Core Principles of Dharma: The text identifies Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyama (self-control), and Tapas (austerity) as the fundamental pillars of Dharma. It stresses that true wisdom and spiritual advancement lie in the practice of these principles.
• The Role of Food in Life: It explains that food holds a primary position in all aspects of life, influencing physical and mental well-being. The book references Jain scriptures that categorize basic life instincts (like sustenance, sleep, fear, and reproduction) and the processes that sustain life (like assimilation of food, development of the body, senses, breath, speech, and mind).
• Types of Food Consumption: The text outlines three types of food intake according to Jainism:
  1. Ajas Aahar: Absorption of subtle particles by the soul through yogic practices in subsequent lives.
  2. Lom Aahar: Assimilation of nourishment through pores or hairs, a continuous process.
  3. Kaval Aahar: Food consumed through the mouth, the most common form.
• Applying Religious Principles to Diet: It emphasizes that adhering to the principles of Ahimsa, Samyama, and Tapas in one's diet is crucial for a pure way of life. Without a pure diet, one cannot achieve true spiritual progress.
• Discernment in Food Choices: The book advises readers to be discerning about the information they consume, especially in the modern era where diverse and potentially misleading opinions are prevalent. It encourages critical thinking and adherence to the wisdom of venerable ascetics and learned scholars.
• The Interplay of Health and Religion: While acknowledging the importance of health for spiritual practice, the book argues that a strict adherence to Jain dietary principles naturally leads to good health. It refutes the notion that religious principles should be compromised for the sake of health, stating that adherence to Dharma is the foundation for both spiritual and physical well-being.
• Ahimsa, Samyama, and Tapas in Food: This section elaborates on how these core principles are applied to food. It discusses practices like eating moderately (Tapas), abstaining from certain desired foods (Samyama), and reducing the variety of foods consumed (Tapas). It also details the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent) and their effects on the body, urging moderation in all.
• The Story of Nipunā: A significant portion is dedicated to a narrative illustrating the power of adhering to Jain dietary rules, even in difficult circumstances. The story of Nipunā, a virtuous woman whose adherence to these principles brought about a miraculous change, serves as a powerful example. Her life journey, marked by challenges and ultimately leading to spiritual liberation, underscores the transformative impact of practicing Ahimsa and dietary discipline.

Part 2: Bāvīsh Abhakshya (Twenty-Two Forbidden Items)

This section meticulously lists and explains twenty-two categories of forbidden foods and substances according to Jainism. Each item is described with its reasons for prohibition, often referencing:

• Presence of Subtle Life Forms (Jiva): Many foods are forbidden due to the likely presence of numerous invisible life forms (Trasa Jiva) within them, such as in certain fruits, roots, and fermented items.
• Harmful Qualities: Some items are prohibited due to their detrimental effects on health, mind, or spiritual disposition (e.g., intoxicating substances, poisonous items, overly stimulating foods).
• Violation of Principles: The prohibition often stems from a violation of Ahimsa, Samyama, or Tapas (e.g., meat, alcohol, night-time eating).

The twenty-two forbidden categories include:

1. Five Types of Umber (Fig-like) Fruits: (Umber, Kachumber, Banyan figs, Pipal figs, Plaksh figs) due to the abundance of micro-organisms.
2. Four Mahavigai (Greatly Corrupted Items):
   • Honey: Forbidden due to the immense suffering caused to bees and the presence of life forms in the product.
   • Alcohol (Madira): Prohibited due to its intoxicating nature and detrimental effects on the mind, speech, and actions, leading to various sins.
   • Butter (Makhan): Forbidden after a certain period of exposure to air, as it can harbor microscopic life.
   • Meat (Mans): Universally forbidden as it involves the direct killing of sentient beings, violating the core principle of Ahimsa.
3. Ice (Him): Forbidden due to the presence of innumerable life forms in frozen water.
4. Poison (Vish): Clearly forbidden due to its harmful nature.
5. Kada: Possibly referring to very hard or stale substances.
6. All Types of Soil (Mati): Prohibited as it is a Pṛthvīkāya (earth-bodied) element containing countless life forms.
7. Night-time Eating (Ratribhojan): Discouraged due to the increased likelihood of consuming unseen micro-organisms and the disruption of natural bodily rhythms.
8. Multi-seeded Items (Bahubeej): Foods with numerous seeds packed closely together are considered forbidden due to the potential for countless life forms within them.
9. Infinite-bodied Plants (Anantkaya): This category includes vegetables and roots that, when consumed, harm an entire ecosystem of life forms within a single plant. The book provides specific criteria to identify these, such as the presence of veins, joints, or the ability to regrow from cuttings. It lists several examples like suran, ginger, garlic, radish, etc.
10. Compounded Items (Sandhan): Fermented or preserved items, especially pickles made with raw ingredients, are forbidden due to the potential for the generation of life forms.
11. Dholavada (Vadas made with raw yogurt/milk): Forbidden due to the combination of raw milk products and lentils, which can create microscopic life.
12. Eggplant (Vengan): Considered forbidden due to its multi-seeded nature and the presence of life forms in its calyx.
13. Unknown Fruits and Flowers: Any fruit or flower whose properties and safety are not known is forbidden to prevent potential harm or poisoning.
14. Tuchchh Phal (Insignificant Fruits): Fruits where the edible portion is minimal compared to the waste is prohibited, as it is seen as indulging in sensory pleasure without significant benefit.
15. Chalitra Ras (Changed Juice/Taste): Refers to stale, fermented, or spoiled food items whose taste or consistency has altered, making them unfit for consumption. The book details how different food items become stale and when they are considered forbidden.

Overall Message:

"Bhakshyabhakshya" serves as an essential guide for Jains seeking to live a life aligned with their religious principles. It emphasizes that dietary choices are not merely about physical sustenance but are deeply intertwined with ethical conduct, spiritual progress, and the fundamental Jain tenet of minimizing harm to all living beings. The book aims to educate readers on the rationale behind these dietary restrictions, encouraging a mindful and compassionate approach to food.