Vegetarianism in Jain Culture follows the principle of non-violence or Ahimsa. Ahimsa in Jainism is supreme virtue, pervading all aspects of human life. Jain spiritual, ethical and moral practices are based upon this fundamental principle. Ahimsa also forms the basis of Vegetarianism hence, Jain Culinary habits are based on strict Vegetarian diet. It is a practice to support the Bhogopabhoga Vrata to minimize the violence. Bhogopabhoga Vrata is for restricting the use of the consumable and non-consumable items. It is to support the practice of Dravya Ahimsa (physical non-violence) as the consumption of food involves actual Physical act of killing. It is impossible to survive without violence. But one can survive with minimum violence to minimum number of lives, according to Jainism. Humans can have the Choice of food. So one should choose where minimum violence takes place.

Humanitarian aspect of the practice of Vegetarianism
Basic survival instincts (Samjna) common to man and animals are Ahara (food), Bhaya (fear), Maithun (desire for sex) and Parigraha (desire of acquisition). Trying to understand the pain felt by the other is a human quality. Humans can understand physical as well as emotional pain that the creature must be feeling at the time of death. The aim is also to make a commitment to let the other living beings live without fear by the practice of compassion. Practice of vegetarianism on the basis of these aspects is based on the humanitarian approach.

Spiritual aspect of the practice of Vegetarianism
The spiritual perspective is based on the principle of "Reverence for Life". All life is the same and all life forms are connected to each other. Each one has the right to survive. Harming one life form leads ultimately to the harm towards the self. The spiritual perspective is the spirit of supporting the co-existence of other life forms. Through the spiritual perspective there is a possibility of Right conduct.

Positive aspect of the practice of Vegetarianism
The practice of vegetarianism has brought about another beautiful aspect of compassion towards animal by Jain community. The practice of Jivadaya, Jivaraksha, building of animal shelters, the humane treatment towards the animals by Jain community is a very special contribution of Jainism to the world. Carefulness in all the activities and reverence for life is the practice that is followed by every Jain. The outcome of the non-violent behaviour is the spiritual ecology where every organism in the environment is taken care of.

Health aspect of the practice of Vegetarianism
A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that wholesome vegetarian diets offer distinct advantages compared to diets containing meat and other foods of animal origin. The benefits arise from lower intakes of saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein as well as higher intakes of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C and E, carotenoids and other phyto-chemicals. Well-balanced vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and competitive athletes. In most cases, vegetarian diets are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, renal disease and dementia, as well as diverticular disease, gallstones and rheumatoid arthritis.