Jain Vegans

During the festival of Paryushan, members of the Jain faith traditionally fast and participate in pratikaman.  For lay members, fasting typically entails avoiding activities considered to cause more himsa than others, such as eating root vegetables.

As noted here, the process of milk production causes far more suffering and killing than first meets the eye.

Dairy cows are forcefully impregnated by means of artificial insemination to stimulate milk production. They are immediately separated from their offspring at birth. Male calves are killed within hours of birth or sold on to be reared for veal or beef (they are of no other value to a dairy farmer), and their sisters are forced to go through the same agony and suffering as their mothers. A dairy cow will normally get killed before the age of 7, even though she could live up to 20 years if given the chance. This is because her milk yield drops after about 5 lactations, and it is not does not make financial sense for a farmer to keep her alive when he is able to obtain milk from her younger (and more productive) daughters.

It is an unfortunate truth that our consumption of dairy products leads to the immense suffering and killing of innocent cows.  In light of this, it seems reasonable that Jains should acknowledge and consider the suffering caused to cows in the milk production process when undertaking pratikaman. 

Paryushan offers a perfect time to reflect on the actions we undertake in our daily lives and to make changes to our dietary habits. 

So, in addition to the other activities you undertake this Paryushan, why not also consider giving up dairy products?