Hindu vegetarianism

All you want to know about Hindu vegetarianism

Most major paths of Hinduism hold vegetarianism as an ideal. There are three main reasons for this: the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa) applied to animals;[1] the intention to offer only "pure" (vegetarian) food to a deity and then to receive it back as prasad;[2] and the conviction that non-vegetarian food is detrimental for the mind and for spiritual development. Nonviolence is a common concern of all the vegetarian traditions in Hinduism; the other two aspects are relevant for those who follow special spiritual paths.

Many Vaishnavas, especially Gaudiya Vaishnavas follow a strict vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, fish and eggs. They also abstain from garlic and onions, because these foods stimulate the central nervous system and disturbe meditation.

However, the food habits of Hindus vary according to their community and according to regional traditions. Hindu vegetarians usually eschew eggs but consume milk and dairy products, so they are lacto-vegetarians. Milk and milk products are vital in the traditional food habits of India. Many coastal habitants of India are also fish eaters.

References

  1. ^ Tähtinen, Unto: Ahimsa. Non-Violence in Indian Tradition, London 1976, p. 107-109.
  2. ^ Mahabharata 12.257 (note that Mahabharata 12.257 is 12.265 according to another count); Bhagavad Gita 9.26; Bhagavata Purana 7.15.7.


v • d • e
Vegetarianism
Vegetarian diets
Semi-vegetarian diets
Information
Issues
Food
Beverages
Organizations
Literature
Events
Religion
Other
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism_in_Hinduism"

No comments have been added.



Your name:

City:

Country:

Your comments:

Security check *
(Please enter the number into adjoining box)

 

  • Ads

           
eXTReMe Tracker