Jainism beyond Jainism: Jain Contributions to Animals Ethics and Ecology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12794/journals.sujjs.v1i2.302

Keywords:

Jainism, animal ethics, ecology, veganism

Abstract

Jainism’s core value of non-harm is undeniably rooted in its ascetic philosophy. Its asceticism is, in turn, rooted in its specific metaphysical, cosmological, and religious doctrines regarding the nature of souls, karmic bondage, and liberation. The benefits of non-harm, however, are widely relevant to all people. This essay argues that Jainism contributes significantly to secular discourses on animal ethics and ecological sustainability. Its ability to communicate its core message in both religious and secular contexts is part of its strength.

Author Biography

  • Nick Lombardi, University of North Texas

    Nick Lombardi studies philosophy at UNT and wrote this article for PHIL 3630 Jainism in the spring of 2025.

References

Aristarkhova, Irina. “Thou Shall Not Harm All Living Beings: Feminism, Jainism, and Animals.” Hypatia 27, no. 3 (2012): 636–50. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23254845.

Chapple, Christopher Key. “The Living Cosmos of Jainism: A Traditional Science Grounded in Environmental Ethics.” Daedalus 130, no. 4 (2001): 207–24. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20027724.

Cort, John E. “Singing the Glory of Asceticism: Devotion of Asceticism in Jainism.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion 70, no. 4 (2002): 719–42. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1466397.

Pániker, Agustín. 2010. Jainism: History, Society, Philosophy, and Practice. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

Flügel, Peter. “Jainism and Society.” Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London 69, no. 1 (2006): 91–112. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20181991.

“2025 U.S. Animal Kill Clock.” Animal Clock. 2025. https://animalclock.org/.

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Published

2025-10-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

“Jainism Beyond Jainism: Jain Contributions to Animals Ethics and Ecology”. 2025. Samyak: An Undergraduate Journal of Jain Studies 1 (2): 22-28. https://doi.org/10.12794/journals.sujjs.v1i2.302.