Jainism, as I have been introduced to it, appears to have a lot of rules. The ones I plan to abide by this month are based on the Twelve Vows of Layperson. Here’s how I intend to interpret them:

1. Veganism (with additional restrictions)
2. Ahimsa - Nonviolence in thought, word and deed
3. Truthfulness
4. Limiting possession and use of worldly goods
5. Daily prayer, meditation, and/or study of religious texts

You’ll notice I left chastity out, despite it being one of the five major vows of Jainism. The suggestion was vetoed by my significant other, leaving me again with a dilemma between my temporary faith and my not-so-temporary real life. Real life has won this round, unless I can argue that a month really isn’t all that long, nevermind the number of religions that will have similar requirements this year.

And now, to elaborate on my choices

1. Veganism (with additional restrictions)

The text only specifies vegetarianism, but I decided to make things hard for myself. Vegans often take the stance that even dairy cows are treated poorly, and given some of the interesting eating restrictions in Jain text, veganism is probably the ideal. I will admit to not being pure with this; my home-baked bread has honey in it, which I found out yesterday can be considered a boycotted animal product by true vegans. Dairy and eggs are off the menu, however.

The additional restrictions

Jainism forbids the eating of garlic and onion, as they are believed to cause negative emotions. In addition, our research implies Jains should not eat root vegetables, because killing a plant contravenes the non-violence vow. It’s possible that laity are not required to be this strict, but it doesn’t seem too much of a hardship as yet. No potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables in which the entire plant is killed for food.

The counter, of course, is that I do not personally grow and harvest my own produce, so I cannot be sure every plant survives. In fact, it’s almost a certainty they do not, since I buy everything at the grocery store. Even organic, fair-trade co-op farmers are probably not concerned with the right of each plant to die from natural causes. In my mind, it’s the intention that counts: my food does not require death to reach my plate.

2. Nonviolence in thought, word and deed

Nonviolence in deed seems simple enough: don’t hit anyone and you’re good. The reality is more complex, but luckily this is a rule that appeals to my natural instincts.

I’m the girl who goes after spiders, not with a shoe, but with a jar to coax them into so I can release them outside. I can’t even swat a mosquito without feeling sick to my stomach–I usually just bat them gently in the hopes they’ll get confused and fly away. Physical nonviolence is not going to be very difficult for me, even to the extent of not walking on the grass unnecessarily.

Nonviolence In Word

The “word” means controlling speech: not arguing, insulting, or saying words that could hurt someone. This is not going to be easy, but I’m hoping that my natural tendency to think before I speak will help me here. Hopefully I will remember to think a little bit longer this month.

Nonviolence In Thought

This level of thought-control seems preposterous for a novice, but I’m going to try. Anger, pride, deceit and greed are all to be avoided. I have no illusions about never having a negative thought. I am, however, already showing improvement in recognizing injurious thoughts and attempting to counter them immediately.

3. Truthfulness

The texts call for complete straightforwardness and honesty, except in cases where an honest answer would hurt someone, thus violating ahimsa. In these situations one should respond with silence. I am also enfolding the vow of non-stealing in this heading, because to me it is another aspect of honesty.

I thought this one would be simple for me, because I am a very honest person to begin with. As it turns out I have already broken this vow–as part of a joke at work, when I gave a false answer to a question. Joking and friendly situations are actually the biggest threat to this vow, and that of nonviolence as well; I do not often lie or inflict violence out of anger or malice, but it’s very common in good fun with my friends. One more reason to think before I speak this month.

4. Limiting worldly goods

The vow of non-attachment suggests giving up material things and getting rid of all but what I need to survive, but that’s a bit much to do in one month. I’m pretty sentimental about my stuff, and it would take longer than 28 days to convince myself to part with most of it.

To represent this, I am at least not going to buy unnecessary things. I am going to buy a few items for projects that I’m working on, which does feel like violating the spirit of the vow, but I’m maintaining that these projects are essential things for my household. I am considering following Andrew’s lead and getting rid of a few of my unwanted possessions, but I haven’t yet decided what to include in that category.

I intend to also limit some unproductive entertainments such as extended web surfing and movies. I meant to give up webcomics and have thus far failed spectacularly, although I may reinstate that one. The time that I would have spent will be used by productive chores or religious study. Which brings me to the final point…

5. Daily religious study

The limited meditation vow specifies sitting at one place for at least 48 minutes each day concentrating on religious activities. This one I failed at for the first few days of the month, but I hope to improve. It is difficult to find an hour in an already busy day in order to contemplate religion, especially when meditation has thus far proved unrewarding. Today at least I got my 48 minutes in, so perhaps there is hope for me yet.

In Conclusion

This is a lot clearer than any plans I had for Discordianism, and is certainly a lot more work. I hope to keep track of how well I am holding to my chosen tenets, and will at least summarize at the end of the month how faithful I managed to be. Wish me luck.