Monks

Jain monastics are spiritual practitioners who have renounced all worldly possessions, family relationships, and modern comforts. They walk barefoot, never use vehicles, do not cook or own money, and eat only once a day from cupped hands (standing). They dedicate their lives to meditation, study, and practicing complete non-violence (Ahimsa).

Travel by foot (known as Vihar) is a vow that ensures monastics do not own vehicles or cause environmental harm by using fuel. Walking slowly allows them to inspect the path to avoid stepping on insects or micro-organisms, upholding the highest standards of non-violence.

Chaturmas is a four-month monsoon retreat (typically July to October) during which monastics stop traveling and stay in a single town. Because rain triggers the rapid growth of plants and insects, traveling would cause accidental harm to these lifeforms. Staying in one place minimizes contact and lets monastics conduct scriptural discourses for the local community.