Namaste, we started discussing the concept of vegetarianism in relation to the first yama – Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Should a yoga practitioner be vegetarian? There are different schools of thought on this, but, generally most gurus recommend a wholesome and nourishing vegetarian diet, which assists you in deepening your sadhana as you move towards meditation. You can find a lot of literature on the Internet arguing for and against a vegetarian diet in general.
Our Guruji gives the following four important reasons on why one should choose a vegetarian diet:
1. An average vegetarian can survive (over lifetime) with 1.5 acres of land, while a non-vegetarian typically needs 12 to 15 acres of land. Why should I be such a big burden on this environment?
Couple of facts to ponder:
a) According to soil and water specialists at the University of California’s Agricultural Extension, it takes 5,214 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, but only 23 gallons to produce a pound of lettuce.
b) According to USDA, over 90% of all the grain produced in America is used to feed livestock – cows, pigs, lambs and chickens – animals that wind up on dinner tables.
2. Agrarian revolution started around 300 years ago and brought a lot of variety to vegetarian food – pulses, grains, spices and so on. If you go to a Dosa place today, you can find ~50 different types of Dosas 
:-). There has been significant amount of research and technological advancements in growing all these plants, vegetables and grains over the last couple of centuries. When I want to own the most modern car, modern phone etc built with latest research and technology, why would I not do the same for food too?
:-). There has been significant amount of research and technological advancements in growing all these plants, vegetables and grains over the last couple of centuries. When I want to own the most modern car, modern phone etc built with latest research and technology, why would I not do the same for food too?
3. The energy from sun is captured by plants and is the primary form of energy. An animal eats this plant, converting the energy to secondary form and another animal eats this animal converting it to tertiary form. The cell structure in the primary form of energy is the most simplest and easiest to digest. Why would I want to spend most of my energy towards digestion, when I can spend it efficiently towards other activities, including my meditation?
4. One of the biggest differences between plants and animals is locomotion. Anytime an animal (or human) senses any danger, the Sympathetic response is triggered and it results in production of hormones (chemicals) such as adrenaline and cortisol. An animal produces these chemicals even when it is being slaughtered. Not to mention the administration of tranquilizers, hormones and antibiotics given to these animals to keep them alive and fatten them. Why should I let all these toxic chemicals get into my body?
As mentioned earlier, you can find a lot more literature on the Internet arguing for and against a vegetarian diet. At the end of day, it’s your own choice. A number of other reasons such as your health, place where you live, your financial situation etc. might play a role in your food choices.
Standard disclaimer: Please consult your doctor or a professional before making any drastic diet changes.
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