GrillMySkull

This is not a question but rather a bunch of statements I wish to write after reading most of the comments out here.

Let me make a few things clear so that there aren't any misunderstandings. I am an Indian but I am not a Jain.

Firstly, I admire the determination of the OP for coming over to my country and supporting our animal shelters. This is a tough job in India because our society is still not at the stage of taking care of our animals because a major section of our population suffers from poverty.

Secondly, if you look at the situation in here, you will realize that most Indians who can take care of pets, usually go for purebreds. Many of them despise the mutts in their localities. I think that if this improves, our situation would be slightly better. I am not saying that loving pedigreed dogs is wrong but when you are ready to take care of them, then you might as well give a home to the dog living right on your street.

Thirdly, since the OP mentioned that she worked in a Jain animal shelter, I would sincerely request all redditors to read about Jainism and their guiding philosophy. This will make to understand why they let the animals be. I know that I will be criticized for saying this, but please try to be slightly sensitive towards their belief and don't call them evil or misguided. I am saying this only because these sort of allegations usually spark religious debates. Also, I love animals a lot and something like this affects me, but staying in India and with my upbringing I have realized that you need to be sensitive towards such claims.

They definitely are causing suffering and from what I recall, Jainism draws the same philosophy from Buddhism regarding compassion for all. I think that something should be done about this, but I am not sure what. I would be more than happy to talk to people and make them aware about it, but to date I have never seen someone change another person's ideology. Though, I don't mind giving it a try.

Hi, another Indian here. What you said over here is true to the core. I have tried talking to so many of them but many of them still do not understand the point of it. The moment you start taking sides with the females, they brand you feminist in a misinformed sense. Most Indians feel that being a feminist I'd about giving females more rights and powers, as compared to the males. When I hear this, it makes me cringe. Why can't our patriarchal society understand that there has been years of injustice against them that cannot be ignored?

I don't know if you are aware of Amartya Sen's argument regarding sub-optimality when it comes to Indian households, but it worth a read. It will make you realize how deeply rooted patriarchy is.

You should read more about Jainism to understand this better. Jains do not harm another life in any way. That being said, it is obvious that they do not eat animals. Moreover, they also do not eat anything which grows below the ground as it contains microorganisms which get killed in the process of eating. Another sect of Jainism also believe in covering their mouths as they might kill microorganisms while breathing.

You can't really blame them for their ideals. After all religions are founded on beliefs and this is one of them.

I am not a Jain and I am not defending them because leaving another life to suffer is a very bad practice according to me. But then again, its close to impossible to change a religious ideology.