The Jain Vegans Working Group issue a compelling plea based on the suffering and death involved in dairy product consumption. Please give up dairy products during this time that Jains traditionally fast, introspect, repent for past misdeeds, and make vows for spiritual purification.
Paryushan, the Jain festival of penance and forgiveness will begin very soon. During the festival, followers of the Jain faith traditionally fast, repent, and forgive. For lay members, fasting often entails avoiding activities that are traditionally thought to cause more himsa than others, such as eating root vegetables or eating after sunset.
As someone who has come across the activities of the Jain Vegans Working Group, you will be aware of how our consumption of dairy (organic or conventional) leads to the immense suffering and murder of innocent cows.
- Dairy cows are forcefully impregnated by means of artificial insemination to stimulate milk production.
- Calves are immediately separated from their mothers at birth.
- Male calves are slaughtered soon after birth or sold on to be reared for veal or beef (they are of no other value to a dairy farmer)
- Dairy cows will normally get slaughtered before the age of 7, even though they could live up to 20 years if given the chance. This is because at around that age her milk yield drops, and it does not make financial sense for a farmer to keep her alive when he is able to obtain milk from her younger (and more productive) daughters.
In light of all this, it seems reasonable that during Paryushan we as Jains should acknowledge and reflect on the suffering we have imposed on cows as a result of our consumption of dairy products.
Paryushan offers a perfect time to reflect on the actions we undertake in our daily lives and to make changes to our dietary habits. So, in addition to the other activities you undertake, why not consider giving up dairy products this Paryushan
Vegan Jains 