Dear Reader,

Jai Jinendra!

Food in Jainism is never just about nourishment-it is about ethics, awareness, and compassion. Jain texts remind us that even plant-based food involves some degree of violence, and so the true discipline lies in choosing food that minimizes harm. This is why Jain acharyas have guided followers to avoid certain items such as root vegetables, honey, and multi-seeded foods. These restrictions are not arbitrary, they reflect a deep concern for the lives affected in the process of obtaining them. This issue features an article that explores this very theme.

In the ISJS summer programs, participants engage in lectures, discussions, and immersive experiences that not only deepen their understanding of Jain dietary disciplines but also open up the broader dimensions of Jain philosophy—its ontology, ethics, and way of life.