Dear all, As most of you will be aware, Paryushan, the Jain festival of penance and forgiveness will be starting very soon.
The Jain Vegans Working Group would like to encourage as many Jains as possible to use this Paryushan to reflect on the cruelty inflicted on cows during milk production and to consider giving up dairy products.
We would be very grateful if you could forward this email on to friends and family and/or share spread this weblink via Facebookor Twitter.
 | | |
1. Please consider giving up dairy products this Paryushan Paryushan, the Jain festival of penance and forgiveness will begin very soon. During the festival, followers of the Jain faith traditionally fast, repent, and forgive. For lay members, fasting often entails avoiding activities that are traditionally thought to cause more himsa than others, such as eating root vegetables or eating after sunset. As someone who has come across the activities of the Jain Vegans Working Group, you will be aware of how our consumption of dairy (organic or conventional) leads to the immense suffering and murder of innocent cows. - Dairy cows are forcefully impregnated by means of artificial insemination to stimulate milk production.
- Calves are immediately separated from their mothers at birth.
- Male calves are slaughtered soon after birth or sold on to be reared for veal or beef (they are of no other value to a dairy farmer)
- Dairy cows will normally get slaughtered before the age of 7, even though they could live up to 20 years if given the chance. This is because at around that age her milk yield drops, and it 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.
In light of all this, it seems reasonable that during Paryushan we as Jains should acknowledge and reflect on the suffering we have imposed on cows as a result of our consumption of dairy products. 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, why not consider giving up dairy products this Paryushan?
| | |
2. Jain Vegans Cooking Club In June, we held the first Jain Vegans Cooking Club event. It was a fantastic event where each of us tried a different recipe and brought the dish for everyone to taste. Between us we made vegan and Jain dhokri, khandvi, khichdi & kadhi and halwa. As well as sharing this tasty feast we shared many tips and ideas for vegan cooking. The next event will happen in Ruislip on 21 September. If you would like to join us, please email .
 
We are also currently in the process of compiling a crowd-sourced recipe collection to help members of Jain Vegan community in their quest be able to make vegan versions of their favourite dishes! We would like to thank everyone who has contributed recipes so far and donated food items at previous events, and would encourage you all to send in your favourite recipes to nishma@jainvegans . org and rehma@jainvegans . org. All contributors will be credited. You can find the recipe for dhokri which was tested at the last Cooking Club event here | | |
3. Upcoming UK based vegan related events | | |
4. NHS website supportive of a vegan diet | | |
5. Alternatives to dairy to help you give up It is possible to get a range of dairy free alternatives to traditionally animal based products. Normally available from free-from sections of supermarkets and also from healthfood stores. - Cow milk with Soya/Rice/Almond/Coconut Milk (Supermarket ownbrands, Alpro, Provamel, Bonsoy, So Good, Ecomil, Koko)
- Yoghurt / Dahi with plant based curds (Provamel, Alpro, Sojade)
- Butter with vegetable spreads (Pure and Vitalite are commonly available from supermarkets. Note many margarines contain butter milk and thus are not suitable for vegans)
- Cheese / Paneer with Dairy Free Cheeses (Tofu, Redwoods Cheezly,Scheese,Tofutti, Vegusto, Vegourmet)
- Ice Creams with sorbets or dairy free ice creams (Rice Dream,Swedish Glace,Tofutti, Booja Booja, Worthenshaws)
- Chocolate with dark chocolate (Plamil and Organica do specialist dairy free ‘milk chocolate’ and many brands do vegan dark chocolate)
- Eggs with egg replacement powder (baking) or tofu (scrambled)
- Honey with fruit syrup or golden syrup
| | |
6. About Jain Vegans Jain Vegans supports members of the Jain community in the transition towards a plant-based low-himsa lifestyle, and helps raise awareness about the abuse, violation and killing of cows in milk production.
You can find out more about Jain Vegans online (www . jainvegans . org) or interact with us through the following online channels:
 ..a friendly online forum where you can ask questions and exchange ideas about veganism and Jainism with other members from around the world....
...follow us on Twitter (@JainVegans) for instant news and information...
.
..'like' us on facebook for updates on our activities and invitations to events...
JAIN VEGANS
WORKING GROUP
In the UK, the Jain Vegans Working Group actively works with UK Jain organisations to deliver informative and empowering events on a plant-based lifestyle. Please us if you'd like us to help your Jain organisation/community in this way. Please also if you are interested in supporting our activities, for example by volunteering.
| | |
|
