Jain Way Of Life And Ethical Living And Environment - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "Jain Way of Life and Ethical Living and Environment" by Pravin K. Shah:

This Jain text emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the profound ethical responsibility humans have towards the environment, drawing heavily on the core principles of Jainism: Ahimsa (Non-violence), Aparigraha (Non-possession), and Anekäntaväda (Non-one-sidedness).

Jain Ethics and Environmental Harmony:

Jainism recognizes that all elements of the environment – earth, water, fire, air, and vegetation – possess life, albeit with a single sense (touch). Animals and humans possess all five senses and a mind, with humans having advanced thinking capabilities.
This understanding places a responsibility on humanity to achieve harmony with all living beings and the environment through compassion and disciplined behavior.
Lord Mahavir's life exemplified this by living in perfect harmony with nature and showing utmost respect for the environment.
Key scriptural aphorisms highlight this: "All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence," and "One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation, disregards his own existence."
Greed and possessiveness are identified as the primary causes of violence and environmental imbalance, leading to harm to all living beings.

Survival and Ethical Living:

Jainism acknowledges that absolute non-violence and non-possession are impossible for human survival, as sustenance requires consuming organic food (which is considered life) and minimal possession for shelter.
The goal of Jainism is to minimize the negative impact of human existence on other living beings and the environment.
The text differentiates the violence associated with harming different life forms:
- Harming or destroying five-sensed beings (animals, birds, fish) causes maximum pain, greater violence, and a larger negative environmental impact.
- Harming or destroying one-sensed beings (plants, vegetables) causes minimum pain, minimum violence, and a minimal negative environmental impact.
This principle underpins Jainism's advocacy for vegetarianism, opposing the raising of animals for food for ethical, spiritual, and environmental reasons.

Ethical Living and Dairy Products:

While most Jains are vegetarian, the consumption of dairy products is a point of discussion. Historically, dairy consumption was justified as part of a symbiotic relationship where cows were treated as family and only excess milk was taken.
However, the text argues that the modern, commercialized dairy industry operates differently. Cows are treated as "milk producing machines" to maximize output. This leads to immense cruelty:
- Continuous Pregnancy: Cows are kept pregnant through artificial insemination to maximize milk production.
- Calf Disposal: Approximately 95% of male calves and 65% of female calves are sold to the veal or beef industry for slaughter.
- Early Slaughter: Cows are slaughtered after five to six years when their milk production declines, despite a natural lifespan of 15-20 years. In India, this happens in 80-90% of cases, often through illegal slaughterhouses.
- Hormones and Antibiotics: Cows are regularly injected with hormones and antibiotics to artificially increase milk yield, leading to a roughly six to sevenfold increase compared to natural production.
- Stress and Breakdown: This intensive process stresses the cows' bodies, causing them to break down and their milk production to drop after about five years.

Ecological Impact of the Dairy Industry:

The text presents compelling data on the environmental consequences of the dairy industry:

Waste: The meat and dairy industries contribute massive amounts of waste, polluting land, air, and water.
Greenhouse Effect: Cows produce significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Water Consumption: Livestock production consumes over half of the water in the USA, with meat production requiring significantly more water than plant-based foods.
Land Usage: A large portion of land is used for grazing and growing livestock feed, contributing to deforestation.
Health Impact: Consumption of meat and dairy products is linked to major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Studies also suggest increased milk consumption might correlate with increased fractures, contradicting marketing claims about calcium protection.

Re-evaluating Dairy in Jain Rituals:

The text argues that the Jain way of life, rooted in ethical living and environmental respect, necessitates a re-evaluation of using dairy products in temple rituals (like ghee for arati or milk for puja).
While it's an ancient tradition, scriptures emphasize adapting practices to the current time, place, and environment, and not following traditions blindly.
The core principle of Ahimsa should not be compromised. Using dairy products derived from cruel practices in rituals contradicts the spiritual growth and reduction of ego, greed, and attachments that rituals aim to achieve.
The author suggests substituting dairy products with non-violent alternatives like water, soya or almond milk, vegetable oil for ghee, dry nuts for sweets, and serving only plant-based vegan meals during religious functions.
The sin of using dairy products in rituals is considered a community sin, unlike personal consumption. The text points out that Jain youth are generally aware of and accept the cruelty in the dairy industry, urging for changes in religious practices to align with Jain principles.

In essence, the book advocates for a conscious shift towards a more compassionate and environmentally responsible lifestyle, urging Jains to extend their core principles of non-violence and non-possession to their consumption habits, particularly concerning dairy products, and to reflect these values in their religious practices.