Is vegetarianism supported by the Gita - Yes, I believe so

[Guest guest]

We would all agree that for a Self-Realized person, the diet does not

make a difference. Certainly, you are right that one should not feel

special in being a vegetarian. However, if one is not inclined to eat

meat, why should one force oneself just so that others can be happy,

and less troubled, etc. If we do things which are not natural for us in

order to be accepted by others and to appear in the mainstream, we

create an inner conflict. There is no point in that. I am not a pure

vegetarian (eat eggs once in a while) but do understand the value of

sattvic diet. Yogic texts are very clear on various types of foods and

their effect on the body and the mind. If one has gone beyond all that,

it is wonderful indeed.

 

In Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna states, "If one offers Me with love and

devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water,

I will accept it:' (Bg. 9.26). To me this seems to suggest that

Bhagavan is sanctioning a diet based on leaves and fruits and water as

the best one for spiritual growth. My liberal interpretation would

include all or most vegetables (spinach, broccoli, etc as well as

fruits and nuts). Because Sri Krishna is known to favor butter and

dairy products, one could argue that Bhagavan is sanctioning the use of

yogurt and milk and dairy products as long as the animals are treated

well.

 

Of course, all the food taken has to be in moderation.

Sri Krishna is very clear about that and states, "There is no

possibility of one's becoming a yogi, O

Arjuna, if one eats too much, or eats too little....."

 

Anyway, that is my homespun wisdom for today.

 

Namaste and love to all

Harsha

 

advaitarules wrote:

 

Hello Tony,

If one sees all meat/vegetables/fruit/grain as the same material as that from which the BMI is composed, does it matter whether one eats meat as opposed to other types of food? If all phenomena is just movement in the one, what difference does it make?

I don't eat meat but frequently I question whether this is necessary. If anything, particularly in the west, it seems to make one stand out as different, friends and relatives go to special trouble to meet your dietary preferences when eating at their homes, it can lead to a feeling of being more special, better than, and if anything can strengthen the idea of being separate.

regards,

Dot.