Many people, including Jains, mistake vegetarianism for non-violence. This perspective is both true and false. It is true, since vegetarianism may be viewed as the external manifestation of inner non-violence. However, it is false, since, vegetarianism by itself does not convey the essence of non-violence.
How does one define non-violence?
Non-violence is the external manifestation of confidence, inner purity and wholeness.
A person who is strong, complete and whole from the inside, and confident in his or her outlook is most likely to respect the rights of others. She or he will not knowingly trample upon another person's rights, nor will she or he injure her or his self-respect. He or she will behave at all times with dignity and consideration. She or he will consider other people's needs, with reason and empathy.
Someone who is insecure, biased, afraid, and not willing to think for him or herself, therefore lacking in self-respect, will never respect another person's rights, and will behave in a prejudiced and immoral way.
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