About the Jain Ahimsa Initiative

What is the Jain Ahimsa Initiative?

The Jain Ahimsa Initiative is a global collective of like-minded Jains. We all share the same mission: to push the needle towards veganism in the global Jain community.

With an increasing awareness of how our food systems tie to the mass exploitation of animals, our planet, and our health, we believe that the collective shift towards veganism is the single biggest and most important moment in contemporary Jain culture.

Why was it formed?

In the 21st century, we believe there is a severe disconnect between Jain principles and modern-day practice. As Professor Gary Francione observed:

Most Jains are vegetarians; relatively few are vegans. They consume dairy products, such as milk, ghee, and butter. They use dairy, wool, and silk in pooja events. They wear leather products or use items that contain animal products.

This social acceptance of the use and exploitation of five-sensed animals in the Jain community is in complete contrast to Jain principles due to the violence inflicted on the animals involved. Jainism prescribes that we should minimise the suffering we cause to all beings. Jainism insists that the truth must always be viewed based on the transforming elements of Dravya (matter), Kshetra (location), Kaal (time), and Bhav (inclination), and we believe it is our imperative as Jains that our community reacts and adjusts as new information becomes available.

What is our aim?

Our vision is to create spaces and content to facilitate social discussions related to all facets of veganism through a Jain lens. There are many facets of veganism that should be explored, including animal rights, its interconnectedness with social justice issues, sustainability, Jain dharma, supporting cooking, fitness, and the lifestyle transition.

Our long-term goal is to initiate systematic change to the existing social structure through a diversified top-down (organisational) and bottom-up (grassroots) approach. Our ultimate mission is total animal liberation, which is in alignment with fundamental Jain values.

About this cookbook

Ahimsa, the Jain Vegan Paryushan / Das Lakshan Community Cookbook, is the first cookbook of Jain Paryushan and Das Lakshan recipes made entirely without dairy. Over 60% of the recipes were contributed by non-Jains who adapted their own cooking to the cookbook's guidelines, which we think says something hopeful about how far this message travels.

The cookbook was sponsored by Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary and produced in association with the Global Jain Network and JAINA.

How you can help

We welcome all the help we can get. To achieve our mission, we need volunteers of all levels of knowledge and expertise: areas of opportunity include graphic design, social media strategy, becoming a community ambassador, managing online discussions, creating literature, and developing communication channels with administration, Jain organisations, and those who have left worldly life. We also need support in creating funding structures and individual funding.

Get in touch to see where you fit.

Micchami Dukkadam

It is not our intention to hurt anyone's feelings or beliefs. If we have unknowingly hurt anyone in any way, shape or form by our words, actions or thoughts, we ask for your forgiveness.