Compassion (kāruṇya) toward animals is a core value in Jainism, deeply rooted in the philosophy of nonharming/nonviolence, or ahiṃsā. The Jain tradition teaches that all living beings, whether human, animal, or plant, possess a soul and are part of a vast, interconnected web of life. This belief underscores the importance of extending compassion to all forms of life, promoting an ethical lifestyle based on nonharming. 

 

In this article, I will explore the concept of ahiṃsā in Jainism, how it is conveyed in the story of Neminatha’s compassion toward animals, and the practice of caring for animals in Jain communities through the establishment of panjrapoles and contemporary sanctuaries like Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Eerie, Colorado.

 

At the heart of Jain philosophy lies the principle of ahiṃsā, which translates to nonviolence or nonharming. However, this goes beyond the simple avoidance of physical violence; it extends to all forms of harm—whether through thought, speech, or action. Jainism teaches that every living being is a soul (jīva) on its journey through countless cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. As such, all beings, from humans to the smallest insect, are seen as deserving of respect, care, and compassion.

 

The doctrine of ahiṃsā is the cornerstone of Jain ethics and guides the behavior of adherents in all aspects of life. To live in accordance with ahiṃsā, Jains follow a strict vegetarian (and increasingly vegan) diet, avoid causing harm to animals, and take steps to minimize their impact on the environment. Jain monks and nuns, in particular, go to great lengths to ensure that they do not harm any living being. They wear masks to prevent accidentally inhaling insects, sweep the ground before walking to avoid stepping on small creatures, and practice careful mindfulness in all their actions.

 

Jains believe that violence, whether intentional or unintentional, leads to the accumulation of unmeritorious karma and delays spiritual liberation. Therefore, cultivating compassion and avoiding harm is essential for the purification of the soul. This commitment to nonviolence extends to all creatures, emphasizing that the ethical treatment of animals is a vital aspect of spiritual practice.

 

One of the most poignant stories illustrating Jain compassion toward animals comes from the Uttarādhyayana-sūtra, a sacred text in Jainism. The story concerns Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara, who is revered for his deep compassion and commitment to nonviolence.

 

As the story goes, Neminatha was on his way to his wedding, accompanied by a large procession. On the way, he passed an enclosure where many animals were being held captive for slaughter to be consumed in his wedding feast. The sound of these animals, in captivity and clearly suffering, deeply disturbed Neminatha. 

 

Rather than proceeding with his wedding, Neminatha decided to act out of compassion. Instead of consuming them, he freed all the animals who were being held captive for the purpose of slaughter. By liberating them, Neminatha demonstrated not only his profound compassion, but also his commitment to the principle of ahiṃsā. The story serves as a vivid reminder of the Jain commitment to animal welfare, showing that true compassion requires action to alleviate suffering, regardless of the social or cultural norms of the time.

 

The story of Neminatha continues to inspire Jains to engage in compassionate acts toward animals, fostering a culture of care and protection.

 

One of the most tangible expressions of Jain compassion toward animals is the establishment of panjrapoles, traditional animal shelters that have been a cornerstone of Jain charitable work for centuries. 

 

Panjrapoles have a rich history in India, where Jains have long been known for their charitable works. These sanctuaries offer refuge to animals that have been abandoned, injured, or are otherwise in need of care. Animals such as cows from the dairy industry, donkeys, elephants, dogs, and birds are typically sheltered in these facilities. The care provided at panjrapoles is not merely about providing food and shelter; it also involves treating the animals with the same level of respect and compassion that Jains extend to fellow humans.

 

In recent years, the Jain commitment to animal welfare has found a modern expression in the establishment of sanctuaries like Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, located in Erie, Colorado. Founded by a Jain family, Luvin Arms provides a safe haven for animals that have been rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This sanctuary is a contemporary example of the Jain principle of ahiṃsā in action, offering care to a wide variety of animals, including cows, pigs, chickens, and goats.

 

The sanctuary’s work is a powerful reminder that Jain values of nonviolence and compassion are not confined to ancient texts or practices but are alive and relevant in today’s world. 

 

In the Jain tradition, compassion toward animals is not just a moral ideal—it is a lived practice that permeates the daily lives of its followers. Through the core principle of ahiṃsā, the story of Neminatha’s compassion for the animals, the tradition of panjrapoles, and the work of contemporary sanctuaries, Jains continue to uphold their timeless commitment to nonviolence and compassion toward all living beings. This rich tradition offers a profound example of how compassion can transcend time and place, creating a more just and harmonious world for all creatures.

 

The latest commitment to compassion and nonviolence in the Jain community is emerging in its transition away from the consumption of dairy, since dairy is connected with unfathomable and irreparable violence towards cows (this violence is rated worse than the meat industry itself). Groups such as Jain Vegans in the UK and the global Jain Vegan Initiative have taken the charge to educate the global Jain community on the harms of dairy so that they too may lead a life aligned with the Jain commitment to compassion toward animals.

 

To learn more about how you can better incorporate the Jain principles of nonviolence and compassion into our daily life, learn more at arihantainstitute.org/vegan-studies.