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Re: Any validation for vegetarianism in Hinduism
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To: alt-hindu@mail.uu.net
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Subject: Re: Any validation for vegetarianism in Hinduism
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From: Hari Krishna Susarla <susarla@owlnet.rice.edu>
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Date: Wed, 07 Jun 95 09:01:50 -0700
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From susarla@owlnet.rice.edu Wed Jun 7 09: 51:31 1995
> On reading Hindu texts such as the Geeta, Mahabarat, and Ramayan I have
> not seen anything against eating meat. In fact I saw ony one against
> eating beef. On the contrary, the latter 2 refer to several instances of
> famous characters eating meat.
>
> Does anyone disagree with my interpretation above ? Also, does anyone
> know where this idea of not eating meat came from ?
>
> Regards.
>
The Bhagavad-Gita actually contains clear prohibitions against the eating
of meat. In verse 3.13, it is stated that we should only eat food that
has been offered as prasadam, and to eat any other foodstuff is sinful.
>From information in Srimad-Bhagavatam, we know that Krishna accepts
different kinds of fruits, vegetables, milk, and butter, but nowhere is
He shown accepting meat. In fact, in Gita 9.26 He clearly gives examples
of the kinds of things He accepts-- fruits, flowers, leaves, and water.
Thus, meat-eating is not supported. Actually, Gita also specifically
mentions that meat is tamasa, in the mode of darkness.
Despite these clear cut prohibitions against meat-eating, there is an
unfortunate tendency among many Hindu swamijis to gloss over these
prohibitions so they can make lots of followers. Consequently, so many
Hindus are engaged in the merciless habit of eating animals. I know
atheists who have enough compassion in their hearts to refrain from
consuming animals, so why is there so much problem among Hindus? The
problem, I think, is a combination of the drive towards Westernization,
sense gratification, and unqualified people posing as great swamis who do
not teach their followers to refraing from sin.
-- HKS
