Being Vegetarian
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Since I am a vegetarian, I am asked this question again and again "Don't you eat any meat? How do you get any protein? Do you eat fish? Do you eat tofu"?
I wonder as to where in Hinduism (or in Upanishads or Geeta or Ved) does it says that a Brahmin has to practice vegetarianism. I know that Hinduism does not object to eating meat. So when did Brahmins stop eating meat?
Also, where can I find references about ban on beef eating? Is vegetarianism a religious concept, or is it a cultural value imposed upon us?
I know that Buddha died from eating a poisoned pork. Also, Kshatriyas are known to eat meat. Vegetarianism is mostly practiced in Gujarat. Do you think it might be a Jain influence? In that case, do non-Gujarati Brahmins eat meat?
Meghal 
Location: Ottawa (Now in Bangalore)
Posted on: 28-12-04 22:19:33
Yes they do..Bengali Brahmins being the prime examples... During durga pooja, (esp maha ashtami)..its meat time 
But Meghal how come today the topic changed from Films to being vegetarian ?
I too wonder where is it written in the Hindu holy scriptures that eating meat is bad and immoral ?
If eating meat is bad then eating vegetables and leaves/fruits are also bad. Just cos these things cant speak or express themselves, it doesnt mean that we can cut and chop and eat them ? So what can we do 
?
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Quote:One theory that I have read about is that the practice of vegetarianism became common when it became more worthwhile to nurse and maintain cows and goats for the sake of their milk rather than their meat.
Orginally posted by meghal
I wonder as to where in Hinduism (or in Upanishads or Geeta or Ved) does it says that a Brahmin has to practice vegetarianism. I know that Hinduism does not object to eating meat. So when did Brahmins stop eating meat?
It was more economical and worthwhile to feed grass to cows and goats and then use their milk, rather than slaughter them for the meat.
As you probably know, both cow and goat milk are highly nutritious.
Of course, the milk in those days was a far cry from the pasteurised, homogenised, demonised stuff they sell in grocery stores now-a-days called "milk" !
Quote:Both - culture is simply a superstructure for the religion.
Also, where can I find references about ban on beef eating? Is vegetarianism a religious concept, or is it a cultural value imposed upon us?
Quote:Yes, as ON pointed out, Bengali Brahmins are a good example.
In that case, do non-Gujarati Brahmins eat meat?
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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."
-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"
At times I feel that the theory is debatable but here goes my understanding .
Vegetarianism in India isnt restricted 2 Gujrat -- I m sure its as prevalent in the North aka UP / MP / Raj if not more . I feel majority of Indians are veggies unlike any other part of the world -- a fact which is bemused abroad and lands them in uncomfortable situations frequently .
Belief in vegetarianism stems from the premise of non violence and blood --' if u cant give life y take it ?? ' . Especially the kindness shown to animal and to avoid killing as far as possible. Since Brahmins were the learners and the most spirtually inclined amongst the 4 varnas probably abstained from non veg .
I know all these points are shreddable esp the plant animal equation . However upon the killing of a fruit / vegetable the thing regrows . Plus the pain if any is not perciptible in case of plants . Weak explanations eh ??
Cow in considered 2 b a holy animal amongst Hindus worth worshipping for its nature of 'giving everything' from milk 2 hide . Hence the doctrine of beef abstinence .
I have peronally nt been able 2 find explanations 2 a lot of these points but feel as per conscience that killing shd b avoided for the sake of eating as far as possible.
Wish others 2 discuss it more please .
Manasvi .
Quote:
Orginally posted by meghal
Since I am a vegetarian, I am asked this question again and again "Don't you eat any meat? How do you get any protein? Do you eat fish? Do you eat tofu"?
I am a vegetarian as well and I am being asked the same Qs every now and then...and many more as to is it coz of religious purpose and so on.....I don't get irritated by these Qs....coz when I think from their point of view I can understand why they would ask these Qs....we vegetarians get lot of protein from beans / pulses / lentils / milk etc. So I explain the same to them. Abt why I don't eat, my ans is that when I was a kid, it was taught to me that our religion do not allow eating meat and I never questioned those views, but as I grew up, I read lot of books including the ones on hinduism...wch explains why one should avoid eating meat...and I completly agree with it....
Quote:
Orginally posted by meghal
I wonder as to where in Hinduism (or in Upanishads or Geeta or Ved) does it says that a Brahmin has to practice vegetarianism. I know that Hinduism does not object to eating meat. So when did Brahmins stop eating meat?
Also, where can I find references about ban on beef eating? Is vegetarianism a religious concept, or is it a cultural value imposed upon us?
Geeta very clearly says not to eat meat....in actual words, it says no for "masanhar"....none of the hindu litterature specifies this for only Brahmins...it is for all human beings who believes in Ahinsa
Infact I have come across many Canadians who are vegetarians coz of these reasons. The values and basis of hinduism are just like any other religion...we just need to understand the significance behind the principle
I hope this explains....
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Quote:
Orginally posted by Ottawa_Nerd
I too wonder where is it written in the Hindu holy scriptures that eating meat is bad and immoral ?
It is very clearly explained in Geeta that "masanhar" is not a good practice. I am not an expert on this sub but I do understand the concept. I strongly suggest you borrow Bhagwad Geeta from library and read it in detail.
Quote:
Orginally posted by Ottawa_Nerd
If eating meat is bad then eating vegetables and leaves/fruits are also bad. Just cos these things cant speak or express themselves, it doesnt mean that we can cut and chop and eat them ? So what can we do
as per hinduism we should very strongly believe in Ahinsa...I am sure other religions also preaches non-violence. To be able to follow non-violence and other great values of hinduism you have to have "SATVIK" aahar...eating meat and drinking liquor is considered to be "NON SATVIK" or in other words "TAMSIK". These practices cultivate bad thoughts in our minds and makes you do wrong things. If you develop the habit of eating vegetables and fruits wch is considered "SATVIK" you can follow the principles of non-violence much easily.
I am waiting for your reply buddy !!!!!!
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Hi all,
I am also strictly vegetarian, not religiously but due to my own belief. I am healthy, fit and fine. Although I am Jain by birth but practically I am not practicing Jainism. If I am not wrong, according to Jainism, it is one of the oldest religions in the world.
Jainism focuses on 5 Sutras; Ahimsa/Ahinsa is one of them. I try to sum up some of the reasons which could lead the theory of Vegetarianism.
1.Dif. between “Satwik” and “Tamsik” food, Achar and Vichar.
2.Satwik food will help develop Satwik Vichar therefore one would tend towards God.
3.It is really cruel and heinous to slaughter innocent animals/fish etc., whatever it is just for taste.
4.One can live more then 100 yrs being vegetarian. Plants/ vegetables /grains etc are necessary to eat for survival.
5.Scientifically human body is not fit for non-veg.
6.Non-veg could be a reason of thousands of illness. Science has proved it.
7.Animals products are more valuable and precious then their meat.
8.In my opinion, in early Vedic era, cow could be the only animal available which was so precious coz milk, cow dung, use in agriculture etc so that those peoples worshiped it being a part of life and its slaughter and eating beef was banned.
Statements of Reachash, Manasvi and Practickm are not simple opinions but based on great theories which were propounded by our Rishi/Munis.
In western and European world lot of people are converting to vegetarian. It is a good really a good and relevant issue. More opinions are welcome.
"LIVE AND LET LIVE" - The theory of Jainism is the foundation of Non-violence/Ahinsa.
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