A typical Jain lifestyle is guided by principles like ahimsa and karma. The "Jains" believe that harming any living being is an act of violence. In fear of the consequences of such violence, they adopt a lifestyle wherein they follow a strict vegetarian diet, devoid of any form of meat or seafood as well as any plants growing under the soil, since uprooting them could kill the insects growing in that ecosystem.
Besides this philosophical aspect of Jainism, it is believed that Vegan theory is the closest to Jain ideals and hence, Jain cuisine also possesses a lot of nutritional benefits. The intake of food rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and low in fat contributes to improved digestion and prevents digestive disorders such as constipation. The consumption of food which is low in calories and fat helps in weight management, obesity prevention and reduces the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer.
By avoiding stimulants like coffee and alcohol that can impair brain functions, people following a Jain diet are able to improve their memory, learning, concentration abilities and mental clarity. Such a diet helps boost one's immune system. In addition to health benefits, such a diet is also more economically sustainable for the world.
Jainism has existed even before Buddhism and originated in northern India between 5th to 7th century BCE. It is true that Indians eat way less meat on an average as compared to non vegetarians in the rest of the world. However, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2021, only 39% people within the Indian population claim to be fully vegetarian out of which a miniscule of 0.4% are actual Jains. Some statistics even suggest that the actual ratio of non vegetarians to vegetarians in India is 80-20%.
Day after day we are increasingly moving towards non vegetarianism ignoring all the benefits of a Jain diet. People tend to run away from a Jain diet because they believe that it would fail to satisfy their taste preferences, cravings and wouldn't provide them with a well balanced diet since the lack of meat would reduce their protein intake. However, this isn't true because a Jain diet has all the necessary protein, fats, fiber, nutrients and carbohydrates to provide you with a wholesome diet.
Vegetarians today also have more varied choices in terms of dining out. Burma Burma Restaurant and Tea Room in Saket is a no-meat, no-alcohol, vegetarian Paradise serving authentic Burmese Cuisine. Haldiram is a crowd favourite for all Jains since it serves food without onion or garlic making it the ideal eatery for Jains. Sagar Ratna, famous for its South Indian cuisine is also among the top choices for Vegetarians. It offers flavorful dishes prepared without onion and garlic and even has separate Navratri items on the menu. Sattvik in Saket is also known for its extensive Jain menu. It’s USP is that it serves only vegetarian food.
These restaurant suggestions could be a starting point for you to adopt a more healthy and sustainable diet and lifestyle. Following Jain principles such as non violence and karma could become a new trend and lead to better quality of life.
As you celebrate each of the nine nights, consider carrying forward these practices of compassion and self-improvement into your daily life. After all, in the spirit of both Navratri and Jainism, every small step towards mindful living is a victory worth celebrating, not just for nine nights, but throughout the year.
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