Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, located in Erie, Colorado, is a contemporary diasporic manifestation of the traditional Jain animal sanctuary (panjrapole/pinjrapole). Founded in 2015 by Shaleen and Shilpi Shah, the sanctuary’s evolution from a modest family project to a dynamic, community-driven institution underscores its interweaving of influences old and new, traditional and progressive, and religious and secular. 

The Inception and Expansion of Luvin Arms

The founding of Luvin Arms was both unexpected and transformative. Shaleen and Shilpi Shah, a Gujarati Jain couple with no background in animal caregiving, initially envisioned a small-scale family project focused on rescuing horses. They had earlier acquired an Arabian mare named Jale for Shaleen and their children to ride, but Shaleen’s experiences with Jale soon brought him to a significant realization: animals, like humans, possess their own agency and deserve to live on their own terms. This moment of clarity marked a shift from viewing animals as objects of use to recognizing them as autonomous individuals deserving of freedom and care.

The original focus on horses was dramatically broadened after a visit to a livestock auction, where Shaleen witnessed the systemic suffering of other farmed animals, specifically cows, pigs, goats, and sheep. The experience profoundly affected the Shahs, challenging their earlier, narrower plans and propelling them toward a vision of a multispecies sanctuary. The unexpected availability of a 23-acre property near their home, perceived as a sign from the universe, catalyzed their decision to expand their efforts. They later moved the sanctuary to an even larger site. In short, what began as a small family endeavor soon transformed into a large-scale sanctuary project, supported by a growing community of volunteers who resonated with the sanctuary’s mission.

Navigating Cultural and Ethical Complexities

Luvin Arms’s guiding principle is the core Jain ethic of ahiṃsā (nonviolence), yet the sanctuary navigates a delicate balance between honoring its Jain roots while engaging with a predominantly American audience unfamiliar with Jain traditions. Shaleen’s upbringing, split between India and the United States, informed his initial approach to framing the sanctuary’s mission in terms of universal values rather than explicitly “Indian” ones. This choice was significantly influenced by the ethnocentric perceptions prevalent in American society, which often exoticize or marginalize non-Western religious ideas and practices. By emphasizing the broader, secular acceptance of nonviolence and compassion, the sanctuary managed to cultivate a wide base of support.

A notable shift in the sanctuary’s public messaging came with the hiring of its first executive director, who encouraged the Shahs to foreground the “Jain-ness” of the values of ahiṃsā (nonviolence) and karuṇā (compassion). This pivot more explicitly connected the sanctuary to Jainism while still appealing to the broader, ecumenical ideals that resonate with the sanctuary’s diverse visitors and supporters. Today, the sanctuary proudly advertises its Jain-inspired values, even as it continues to frame these principles in a way that is immediately accessible to all.

Enrichment and Active Ahiṃsā

In practice, the sanctuary shares the foundational commitments shared by many farmed animal sanctuaries, as articulated by scholars like Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka: a duty of care, support for species-typical flourishing, recognition of individuality, non-exploitation, non-perpetuation, and a commitment to advocacy. Moreover, at Luvin Arms the ethic of ahiṃsā extends beyond merely providing a safe haven for rescued animals; it encompasses a holistic approach to their well-being, emphasizing enrichment and active caregiving. The sanctuary prioritizes animal-centered design, which includes rotating pastures, species-appropriate toys, and opportunities for interspecies interactions, all aimed at fostering the animals’ physical, emotional, and social flourishing. This approach reflects a continuation of the traditional Jain ethos of proactive compassion, adapted to the context of a modern farmed animal sanctuary.

The use of “clicker play,” a positive reinforcement technique, exemplifies the sanctuary’s commitment to respectful, consent-based caregiving. This method establishes a shared language between human caregivers and animal residents, allowing the animals to express their needs and preferences. Such practices embody the spirit of active ahiṃsā, ensuring that the animals are not only protected from harm but are also empowered to live fulfilling lives free from coercion.

Legacy and Broader Impact

Since its founding, Luvin Arms has rescued over 850 animals, providing a “forever home” where they can live out their lives in peace. The sanctuary’s commitment to vegan advocacy, informed by a rethinking of traditional lacto-vegetarianism, reflects a broader movement within the Jain diaspora toward more consistent applications of nonviolence. By challenging conventional views on animal use and emphasizing the shared experiences of all sentient beings, Luvin Arms serves as a model of Engaged Jainism and an innovative reimagining of the traditional panjrapole. Luvin Arms continues to thrive as a site of convergence between ancient traditions and contemporary ethical practices, embodying the fluidity and complexity of its diasporic context. Through its dedication to ahiṃsā, the sanctuary has become a living testament to the enduring relevance of Jain values in the modern world, offering a space where compassion is not only preached but practiced in tangible, transformative ways.

Learn more about Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary founder Shaleen Shah and his lifelong commitment to ahimsa and his passion for animal rights at the Voices in Vegan Studies speaker session on Dec 16, 2024 | 9a.m. PST. In this talk, Shaleen will discuss the advantages and challenges of teaching about veganism from Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, a place where thousands of humans come in direct contact with rescued farmed animals. Shaleen will share his perspective on the difference between a vegan way of living and an “ahimsic” way of living, and how Luvin Arms’s approach to education and advocacy can help people on their paths to both. RSVP Here.

Jonathan Dickstein, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute, completed his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He specializes  in South Asian Religions, Animals and Religion, and Comparative Ethics. His current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, extending into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. 

Professor Dickstein's recent course 1014 | Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion, co-taught with Professor Christopher Jain Miller, PhD is available now for self-study. 

Check out all Arihanta Institute courses here:

arihantainstitute.org/courses

Related articles by Professor Dickstein:

• Panjrapole: The Jain Animal Sanctuary
• The Kaṣāyas
• What is the Purpose of Jain Pūjā?
• The Jain Diaspora
• The Threefold Test for Nonviolence
• Understanding Saṃsāra
• The “Intellectualization” of Jain Ethics