The Peaceful Nature of Jainism in Mumbai, India
One aspect of the culture in India that one notices immediately when traveling and staying in the Mumbai hotels, walking around the city and interacting with the people, is that many of the religions in the country are based on the concept of non-violence and anti-cruel living. One such group that follows these ideas in an extremely rigid manner are the Jains. Jainism was a religion that was developing during the same time as Buddhism was, more than two thousand years ago. One belief the Jains hold is the all humans are entirely responsible for their own actions, and that every living thing, human, plants and animals have a soul that will continue on throughout eternity. All aspects of the religion dictate that practitioners and followers act and think and live with this in mind in a respectful manner to all forms of life, the knowledge that the nature of all things is spiritual. God is viewed as that of pureness of the souls of all living creatures. They believe that God is within, not without, not an all knowing creator or being of supremacy, but each and all of us. The Jains are consistent in their beliefs to the extent that all viewpoints are considered, all perspectives are valid.
The Jains are compassionate, to all forms of life, those that are human, and those that are not. This is the central driving force behind the prayers, the rituals, and daily ways of being. Killing of humans is always considered abhorrent and unimaginable. There is not ever a reason that is valid, no reason that is justifiable. This is the one religion that requires all those practicing, to be a vegetarian. The Hindus and the Buddhists have been influenced by this aspect of Jainism and most practice this now days as well. Many of the shelters for animals are run by people of this culture throughout the country. Many veterinary hospitals as well, are run by the Jains. Most are vegans, as some of the dairy industries use practices that while the animals are not killed, they are often times guilty of cruel methods. Some sects even go to the extent of not eating any vegetables that are roots, such as potatoes, onions and garlic. As the root of the plant is the is what gives life to the plants. Many of those most devout, will not drink, eat or travel once the sun sets.
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