Rigid and fluid boundaries – exploring two dimensions of the non-edible in Jainism

Abstract

Food is one of the most fundamental needs in human life, and for Jain people it is no different. Based on the salient ethical value of non-harming (ahiṃsā), Jain tradition clearly defines what can or cannot be consumed. As all plants and animals in Jainism are regarded as living beings, possessing the soul (jīva), the topic of edibility plays a very important role in Jain life. It is subject to many regulations, making Jain diet a very distinctive and strict one. Another contributory factor to the intricacies of the matter are the different sets of rules for Jain lay-people and mendicants, for the latter such rules being much stricter. In this presentation, drawing on the Jain texts of the right conduct (Puruṣārthasiddhyupāya, Ācārasara), I propose to analyze the non-edible in Jainism in two dimensions. The first one takes into account the so-called rigid boundaries of food and non-food that are very clear and ought to never be crossed (e.g. meat and its derivatives being permanently proscribed for Jains). The second aspect explores the more fluid boundaries which, being more nuanced and subject to interpretation, under very much detailed circumstances such as time, people, intentions, presence of other foods, ways of preparation etc., can change perfectly edible food into a prohibited one. This presentation aims to bring some clarity to the topic of the boundaries of edibility and prohibitions with regards to Jain ontology and ethics.