Yogi's Dilemma - Should I Eat Meat
|
Vegetarianism has been referred to as a practice of ahimsa (non-harming), one of the yamas of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Fruits and vegetables were alive at one time as well, there were also many insects that were killed to raise and harvest these plants. Everything we eat has been alive at some point. The fact is that all of our bodies are so very different that we may need a little bit of animal protein for proper digestion. The Dalai Lama began to eat meat because his doctor recommended it for better nutrition. We can obtain protein from many other sources but sometimes that is not enough and it is taking a toll on our body, therefore not practicing ahimsa on ourselves. We need to honor the body and listen to what it needs. Our happiness is a direct reflection of our health. If we are eating what is right for our body than we have a clear mind, we are strong and vital. When considering environmental concerns, there are many reasons to avoid eating mass produced commercial meat. We are all aware that the world would benefit from eating less animal products, environmentally and nutritionally. But for those of us that wants or needs to eat some meat once in awhile we can choose wisely. Eating in moderation and choosing lean, hormone-free, antibiotic free and natural meat is a good start. Knowing where the meat came from and how it was raised should be at the top of the list of consumers’ concerns. Everyone has their own reasons for eating what they eat and it should be left at that. If we want to be better yogi’s than we can start with ourselves, by not passing judgment on others. What we choose to eat is our prerogative whether we are a vegan, vegetarian, omnivore etc. we can do our best by making mindful choices. Give thanks for the present moment, the right to choose and for all the food that was once alive that has been given to us to provide essential nutrients for our optimal well being. So to each their own- choose wisely! For additional information on meat and other protein sources see the article titled Quality of Protein |
This question has sure to have been lingering throughout a yogi’s mind at one point or another. For some of us we struggle with finding the right answer, hoping that we are making the right decision. We have been taught that in many traditions vegetarianism is considered the only way to enlightenment. When deciding what to eat you should consider what your body needs, be true to yourself and make good choices. Anyone that is going to look down at you for any reason should take a look at their self and ask if their judging of others is very “yogic”. There is no judging in yoga! Yoga means union and when we make judgments on others we are stepping of the path, creating anything but a peaceful world.