By Dr AK Srivastava
“I have no doubt that it is a part of the destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals, as surely as the savage tribes have left off eating each other when they came in contact with the more civilised.” – Henry David Thoreau.
In our country vegetarianism has always been very popular and a large number of people, spiritual leaders, sages and saints prefer a vegetarian diet as a matter of choice. They avoid non-vegetarian food willingly and for certain reasons. In India, Sanatan Dharma has always motivated people to practice vegetarianism or a diet free from meat. Similarly, Buddhism and Jainism also preached vegetarianism and strongly avoided non-vegetarian food.
In modern times, researchers have also favoured vegetarianism as it is good for health. Many diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and skin problems are caused by the consumption of too much red meat and seafood. It has also been established that a vegetarian diet can provide us with optimum nutrients and keep our bodies light and fit.
Not only in India but in the Western world, also, vegetarianism is becoming very popular. Medical practitioners, dieticians and sportspersons are advocating vegetarian food to the common people. Plant-based food, grains, nuts, dairy products, lentils, beans, peanuts and vegetables are well received by a health-conscious society. Here it is significant to note that there are many types of vegetarians.
- Lacto-Vegetarians – Theydon’t eat meat, seafood, poultry and eggs. They consume milk, cheese, butter and curd.
- Ovo-Vegetarians – Theyavoid meat, seafood, dairy products and poultry but they consume eggs.
- Lacto-ovo-vegetarian – They avoid meat, seafood and poultry but consume eggs and dairy products.
- Pescatarian -Eat fish only and avoid the rest of the items.
- Vegan -Exclude meat, fish, poultry, eggs and diary-products and any other food that contains these products.
Education and the mass media play a pertinent role in changing the behaviour of the masses. Now people are constantly reading about the negative impact of non-vegetarian food on the human body. Public opinion is shifting in favour of vegetarianism.
There are many other reasons why people wish to consume only a vegetarian diet. Many people believe that there is a superpower or God that has created this magnificent universe. We may give different names to that superpower according to our religious faith and wisdom but it is difficult to deny the presence of God or Almighty. God created human beings and all other living creatures in this universe. Hence, we can perceive the light of God in all living beings. It is difficult to accept that the creator of animals, birds and reptiles is different from our creator. Not only in living beings, the presence of God can also be felt or perceived in nature. Hence, it is our duty to respect all living beings and protect them.
It is advocated that every creature has a purpose or role to play in the scheme of nature and human beings have no right to disturb it. All living creatures experience the same love, emotions and sentiments that we human beings have in our lives. It is our duty to be compassionate and gentle to all creatures. Spiritual people see a relationship or connection between all living beings and God through the consciousness of their souls. By killing animals, birds and sea creatures, we try to break the equilibrium of the universe.
Many scholars, poets, artists and thinkers have expressed their opinion or raised their voice against non-violence and cruelty to animals. In our country Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Buddha and Jain scholars have always raised their concerns about this subject. It is said that our existence in this universe is like a bubble in the sea. By any stretch of imagination, we are not the proprietor or owner of this world. We are tenants and it is our responsibility to protect it for posterity. We just cannot disturb the creation of God and the essence of spirituality in maintaining a balance in the scheme of things.
“Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” – Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist.
In India our religious books, scriptures and epics have always propagated non-violence. Sanatan Dharma, Jainism, Buddhism preach us to share the wealth of this world and believe in the philosophy of co-existence. The very fact that all these religions continue to impress and provide us peace of mind for so many centuries, proves that their teachings guide us to the growth of spirituality.
Many researchers have established that animals experience utter distress, suffering and anguish when they are slaughtered. Their bodies emit very poisonous enzymes and hormones when they go through the process of slaughtering. During their lifetime also, they are given many types of medications. Sometimes, they are given steroids for faster growth. All this goes into our bodies when we eat it. A non-vegetarian dish may look very attractive but it may be fatal to our health as it carries all harmful elements and plenty of negative energy. Non-Vegetarian food is certainly against the designs or will of our creator.
“As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love.” (Pythagoras)
In conclusion, we can say that vegetarianism is instrumental in attaining spiritual growth and serenity of mind. Non-violence and compassion for all fellow creatures is the essence of spirituality. We don’t become great by killing fellow creatures; we become great by protecting them. The music of life is not in defeating others, it is in co-existence and love for all.
(The author is Principal, DAV Intermediate College, Dehradun)
