Page "Ahimsa" Paragraph 44

In Jainism, the understanding and implementation of ahimsa is more radical, scrupulous, and comprehensive than in any other religion.

Non-violence is seen as the most essential religious duty for everyone (, a statement often inscribed on Jain temples ).

Like in Hinduism, the aim is to prevent the accumulation of harmful karma.

When Mahavira revived and reorganized the Jain movement in the 6th or 5th century BCE, ahimsa was already an established, strictly observed rule.

Parshva, the earliest Jain Tirthankara, whom modern Western historians consider to be a historical figure, lived in about the 8th century BCE.

He founded the community to which Mahavira ’ s parents belonged.

Ahimsa was already part of the " Fourfold Restraint " ( Caujjama ), the vows taken by Parshva ’ s followers.

In the times of Mahavira and in the following centuries, Jains were at odds with both Buddhists and followers of the Vedic religion or Hindus, whom they accused of negligence and inconsistency in the implementation of ahimsa.

There is some evidence, however, that ancient Jain ascetics accepted meat as alms if the animal had not been specifically killed for them.

Modern Jains deny this vehemently, especially with regard to Mahavira himself.

According to the Jain tradition either lacto vegetarianism or veganism is mandatory.