To: K-list
Recieved: 1999/12/08 07:06
Subject: [K-list] vegetarian diet
From: Harsha (Dr. Harsh K. Luthar)

Because of recent tension on the issue of diet on various lists, I make the following comments.

Hindu and Jaina Yogic scriptures recommend a moderate sattvic diet as being helpful in the spiritual path. Sattvic diet typically means freshly prepared or raw foods consisting of grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, vegetables, milk, etc. Jains avoid root vegetables. Vegans avoid milk as well. My teacher is a life long vegetarian. Some yogis avoid onions and garlic also.

 I am a vegetarian but eat onions and garlic (just in case you want to cook something up for me:--).

A few yogis subsist on raw fruits and/or vegetables for extended periods. In some meditative and yogic traditions meat is taken. It is said that Buddha died of eating contaminated pork. So if we look at various cultures and traditions, there is a wide variety of opinions about what the right or correct diet is for human beings.

Since diet is such a personal and individual decision based on many factors, many of which are not obvious, prolonged arguments on it invariably lead to some level of hostility. Many vegetarians take a very militant stance on food based on the notion of Ahimsa or non-violence. However, it seems to me, that imposing absolute standards when it comes to diet and judging others in that manner involves violence. I think those of us who are vegetarians can be advocates for this way of life by our behavior and sharing of information. That is a positive way. Criticizing others or making fun of others or adopting a superior spiritual stance due to one's diet seems to me to be inconsistent with the philosophy of nonharm and nonviolence. That is just my point of view and I apologize in advance if anyone's feelings are hurt by what I said. Thanks for listening.

Harsha

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