Hinduism, Tantra, Vegetarianism

[Guest guest]

Hi Yvonne:

 

I'm glad to hear that our explanations were a bit clearer the

second time around.

 

*** Are you guys vegetarian? I was told when I was little that all

Hindus were vegetarian, but then I learned that that is not true.***

 

An awful lot of Hindus are vegetarian. An awful lot of Hindus are

not.

 

Part of the reason for the disparity is the sheer range and

diversity of belief systems that are broadly lumped under the

label, "Hinduism." Another element is the cultural differences

between different peoples of the Indian subcontinent, where Hinduism

originated, which vary at least as widely as the cultures of Europe.

 

For example, you can accurately say that the English, the Russians,

the Spanish, the Swedes, and the Greeks are all very similar in that

they represent predominantly lighter-complexioned, European,

Christian cultures. But once you actually study these cultures more

closely, you realize that their languages, traditions, social

practices, cuisines, religious rituals, physical appearance and so

on, are so diverse that your "white, European, Christian"

generalization is next to useless for gaining any practical

understanding of reality.

 

It's the same with Mother India. You can accurately say that Indians

are similar in that they are all represent predominantly darker-

complexioned, subcontinental, Hindu cultures. But upon closer

inspection you quickly realize that the Bengali, Rajasthani,

Malayali, Tamil, and Kashmiri cultures -- much like European

nationalities -- also have their own, hugely diverse array of

languages, traditions, social practices, cuisines, religious

rituals, physical appearances and so on.

 

Now, having said that, the Hindu faith -- that is, its primary

tenets, its epics, goddesses and gods, and its broad message -- can

be broadly considered as the common bond that holds all of these

many cultures together. But there is still much diversity of

practice within this religious unity:

 

"Hinduism ... encompasses a broad spectrum of philosophies ranging

from pluralistic theism to absolute monism. It is a family of myriad

faiths with four primary denominations: Saivism, Vaishnavism,

Shaktism and Smartism. These four hold such divergent beliefs that

each is a complete and independent religion. Yet, they share a vast

heritage of culture and belief." (A Hindu Lexicon; the Himalayan

Academy)

 

So. Whether or not you are a vegetarian depends largely upon your

ethnic culture (e.g. if you're Kashmiri, you are less likely to be

one; if you're Tamil you're mosre likely to be one); the brand of

Hinduism you practice; the particular teacher or guru you follow

(some insist on vegetarianism, some couldn't care less); your

personal ethical beliefs (yes, there are "lifestyle" vegans and

vegetarians in India, too) -- and this still does not take into

consideration socio-economic elements; for example, if you're poor

and vegetables are all you can afford, you're vegetarian; if you're

very hungry, and meat is all that's available, you're a meat eater.

 

*** Tantrics eat meat as part of their ceremonies ***

 

Again, some do; some don't. There are certain famous (or infamous,

depending on your perspective) rituals such as the "5 M's" that

prescribe a ceremonial partaking of meat. But there are some

approaches, even to the 5 M's, that say no "real" meat is required;

that the term "meat" is intended symbolically.

 

Not to go on and on, but maybe another brief explanation is

required: Tantra -- derived from a Sanskrit root suggesting both a

loom (with the suggestion of the many threads of existence

intersecting to form a single whole), and a methodology. More

specifically, Tantra denotes a specific method, technique

or spiritual practice within the Saiva and Shakta (and sometimes,

Vaishnava) traditions.

 

Hinduism does not have to be Tantric (although some Tantric

techniques and ideas have permeated even the most mainstream forms

of the religion). And Tantra does not have to be Hindu (though in

the case of Shakta approaches to Hinduism, it very often is).

 

*** the Hindus on Bali eat pork but not beef. ***

 

That's what I hear.

 

*** One book I read said that vegetarianism is basically a Jainist

idea tht has spread to many Hindus, but that it is not intrinsic to

Hinduism. Is this right? ***

 

Could be. You could find decent arguments both for and against the

idea.

 

*** Thanx again for helping educate a poor ignorant American girl

just trying to learn. ***

 

Thanks again for stopping in. Just about everyone in this group is

ignorant to one degree or another (myself *definitely* included),

and part of the fun (and benefit) of the group is in educating one

another as we go along. As for being American, you are also not

alone here; I think just about every nationality on Earth is

represented somewhere in our membership. So don't sweat it. Y'all

come back now, y'hear?

 

Aum Maatangyai Namahe

[Guest guest]

Dear Devi Bhakta,

Thanx again. Are you and Nora and the other ringleaders of this

group vegetarian?

 

Sister Yvonne

[Guest guest]

Hi Yvonne ...

 

Oh no, now we are ringleaders?! *lol*

 

I am not personally a strict vegetarian; but I don't eat much meat.

I believe that's true of the other Mods too, but I'll let them

answer for themselves; I'm not sure. For what it's worth, my own

reasons for prefering vegetarian food are more social, political,

and humane rather than strictly religious If indeed that is a valid

distinction).

 

DB