[vallalargroups:3446] Vegetarianism-Deeper Truth

Vegetarianism-deeper truth

Non-violence, or ahimsa, is one of the most basic and essential virtues that we hold close to our hearts when walking a path of Spirit.  At the heart of non-violence lies humility, because we see the Truth of the Divine in all of its many forms that surround us.    When we begin to see God everywhere, then we begin to free ourselves from the bondage of ego.  We see that to serve and help others (both human and non-human) is the one of the highest forms of spiritual practice because there is no individual being; we are all manifestations of divine light.  Non-violence is one way of acting on this ideal of service and humility.    Many people understand non-violence to mean refraining from physical violence.  While this is true, there is much more to the Truth of ahimsa.  Non-violence is a compassionate and loving attitude towards all life in physical, verbal, and non-verbal actions and thoughts, including our diet.  Respecting other life while sustaining our own is one aspect of humility.  And as we remember to see the sacred in others, we should also remember the sacred within ourselves.  When we consume food, we are providing the building blocks for the temple that houses Brahman (the Supreme Absolute) within.  When we build our temple out of pain and bloodshed (i.e. eating meat), we are not providing the most appropriate place for the Divine to dwell.  This is especially important when leading a Yogic lifestyle, because we do not want our bodies and minds to be dull.    One's energy needs to be in a more subtle, refined state in order to experience the subtle vibrations of Light.  While there is no way (for most of us) to sustain our bodies without taking ANY form of life (i.e. plants), we can do this causing the least amount of pain and harm possible.  Eating foods such as all organic (OG) whole grains, OG legumes, OG vegetable, OG fruits, and organic dairy products that come from well-treated cows will help to create not only a suitable dwelling for the Divine within, but also to show compassion and humility to the other sacred beings that we share this planet with.    For those who are new to vegetarian diet, there are many great resources out there.  You can go to www.peta.org for a free vegetarian starter kit and more info on the treatment of animals in the meat industry.  For some great vegetarian recipes, you can visit vegweb.com, www.ivu.org,vegetarian.allrecipes.com, www.vrg.org, www.vegkitchen.com,www.sanatansociety.org/indian_vegetarian_recipes.htm, and www.sivananda.org/teachings/diet/recipes.html.  And, of course you can always go to your local library, favorite bookstore, local co-op or health food store and find vegetarian cookbooks, or even cookbooks for a yogic diet.   OM Shanti  Why Eat Vegetarian ? 7 Reasons for becoming vegetarian:  1. It cost more to purchase meat than it does to buy vegetarian foods.  2. Meat is associated with a higher rate of heart ailments, deadly brain diseases, etc.  3. There are so many chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, etc. in animals  4. There are so many animals with diseases - living under poor conditions  5. Mad cow and foot & mouth diseases  6. The vast environmental and food used to produce a tiny amount of beef.  7. Its bad karma - to kill an animal if you don't need it to survive causes such harsh actions to come back to you at some point. How to become a vegetarian:  1. First go slow! Rushing into anything - even healthy things - can cause more harm than good. For example an abrupt and complete switch to vegetarianism can cause the toxins to be expelled too quickly, thus causing great discomfort and possible illness or harm.  2. Start with red meat and pork: If you eat either or both of these each week, eat one meal less a week. So for example if you eat beef 3 times a week, have it twice a week. Substitute a high protein vegetarian meal. If you eat these products only one a month, then reduce to once in two months. Next look to your poultry, eggs and fish and follow the same formula. Eat poultry, eggs and fish portions according to your dosha.  3. At the end of a month if you feel better or the same, repeat step #2. If you feel weaker during the month, make sure you  A) Have enough vegetarian protein.  B) Are not overextending yourself at work, in exercise or in your overall lifestyle.  C) Are doing some form of exercise, yoga, etc.  D) If all else fails, add poultry meals until you feel strong again. Then remain at that limit. 4. This way you gradually reduce meat intake and let the body adjust. Further, your mind and body will tell you if you are going too fast. FYI: The environmental cost of a burger (source: Time Magazine)  To make 1 4-oz. hamburger it takes:  A) 2 lbs of grain feed  B) 55 sq. feet of grazing land (depleting tropical rain forests)  C) 210 gal. water To Veg or Not to Veg  All said, Ayurveda does not insist or force anything. The above information is "food" for thought (pardon the pun). Vegetarianism is an ideal theory and lifestyle, but one should not force anything. Ayurveda recognizes that it is more important to develop one's spiritual life. Gradually in time, harmful activities and habits will naturally fall away.   This article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe. It in no way is intended to substitute for care from duly licensed health professionals. Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, D.Sc., may be contacted through the International Vedic Institute - School of Ayurveda.

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