World religions vary greatly in their views of non-human animals.  Arguably, the faith which holds animals in highest regard is Jainism (pronounced JANE-ism), an Indian religion.  Most scholars believe Jainism developed between 700 and 500 B.C.E., making it one of the oldest religions still being practiced.  Currently, there are more than four million Jains in the world, and approximately 150,000 of those live in the United States.  The Jainist Society of Northeast Florida meets in the facilities of the Hindu Society of Northeast Florida, on Greenland Road in Jacksonville

The most basic, fundamental principle of Jainism is ahimsa, also known as non-harm.  The extent of Jains’ devotion to ahimsa is reflected in some of their day-to-day practices.  For example, Jains typically wear face masks, to prevent them from accidently inhaling, and thereby killing, any tiny organisms that may be in the air.  To avoid harming ants and other crawling insects, Jains typically carry a broom, with which they sweep the path into which they are about to walk.  While no Jains eat animals, some take the principle of ahimsa even further, refusing to eat root vegetables for two reasons:  first, because of the concern that small creatures may be harmed in the growing and harvesting of those foods; and second, because harvesting a root vegetable kills the plant.

Those who wish to contemplate Jainism may choose to meditate on this Jain prayer.   “I forgive all living beings; may all living beings forgive me.  All in this world are my friends; I have no enemies.”