Vegetarianism and religion: Encyclopedia II - Vegetarianism and religion - Hinduism

Vegetarianism and religion - Hinduism

Hindus believe that food shapes the personality, mood and mind. They believe that meat promotes aggressiveness and a mental state of turmoil known as "rajas". On the other hand, a vegetarian diet is considered to promote sattwic qualities, calm the mind, and essential for spiritual progress. They also believe that animals have souls and killing animals have karmic repurcussions that are bound to be reaped later by oneself. Most of the secular motivations for vegetarianism such as ethical considerations and nutrition apply to Hindu motivations as well.

Orthodox Hindus, abstain from consuming anything gained at the expense of an animal's suffering, the reason why many abstain from eating eggs, and follow a Lacto vegetarian diet. The milk of cows, buffalo, and goats as well as dairy products (other than cheese containing rennet) are acceptable, as milk is traditionally given willingly. Leather from animals who have died of natural causes is acceptable for some Hindus. The diet of the orthodox Hindu excludes animal products (apart from milk products), alcohol, the rajasic foods - onions and garlic, as well as mushrooms, which are a form of fungus.

The Indian cuisine and diet is primarily vegetarian and most Hindus are semi-vegetarians, refraining from beef and eating meat/seafood only occasionally. Most non-vegetarian practising Hindus maintain a vegetarian diet on religious days.

Members of the Hare Krishna, Brahmakumaris and other such movements follow a strict lacto-vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, fish & eggs. Both Brahmakumaris and Followers of the Hare Krishna movement eliminate onions and garlic as well from their diet. Followers of the Hare Krishna movement also offer all food first to Krishna and then take the remnants, known as prasadam, which literally means mercy.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Hinduism", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki