Vegeterianism

D.K. Dass (Purkayastha) Former Principal of Teacher’sTrg. Institute Govt, of Sikkim, former Princ

Vegeterianism—is an extension of the principles of –Ashimsa (Non-voiolence)

Sahakar insanskriti, vagetus in Latin, EIME HORTOFAGOSKhor-Toh-gon in Greek, Vegetarien in French (masculine) vegetarienne (feminine)

AlbertEinstein Supported Vegetarianism in principle. He believed Vegetarian Would positively impacthumanity’sSurvival & evolution'

Leo Tolstoy Said vegetarianism as a moral imperative, arguing that Killing animals for food is unnecessarily erodes human empathy, Mr. Henry Salt’s remark on vegetarianism “Meat eating was a strangerelic of ignorance & barbarism & that a bloodless diet was a moral necessaryfor a civilized society” He is often Called as ” father of animals rights."

The term vegetarismwas Coined in 1839 from vegetabitis-- - meaning Lively, Vigorous, & healthy. Sometimes it is translated in Neo-Latin  asvegetarianus . Another descriptive opinion is Herbivorous.

Vegetarianism was originated in ancient India & Greece around 1^stmillennium  B.C.E primarily driven by ethical & philosophical belief‘Ahimsa'-non-Violence.First Vegetarian Society was in 1847. In India Vegetarismwas developed around 8^th-6^th Centuries BCE With Jainism, Buddhism &Hinduism. Saint Mahavira born around 540 BCE in present Bihar - a Contemporary of Buddha thought—the principles of non-Violence, truth & asceticism--strict Self-discipline & abstinence from worldly pleasure &often  fasting.. It emphasizes renouncing material Comfort such as food & luxury & advocates Ahimsha.

Brahmins transitioned to Vegetarianism primarily who are devoted to worship Bramha. For example. Palitara city in Gujrat is widely recognized as the World's first Vegetarian city. The City enforced a legal ban or Sale, Consumption & Slaughter of animals to protect the sancity of holy site Sharnagar hills.

In India Vegetarianism was closely linked to the idea of ashimsa Non-Violence towards animals promoted by Jainism Specially founded by Parsvanatha in the 9^thCentury BCE. Greek’s great Philosopher Pythagoras is oftenConsidered the “Father of ethical Vegetarian” With his followers, following a Pythagoreandiet which was the practice for vegetarianism before 19th Century, popularized by the formation of Vegetarian Society in Manchester in 1847.The Sanatonies in Vedic period were never Vegetarians. They Were opportunistic meat eaters.

The daily diet was vegetables, fruits & legume based but on occasions meat would be Consumed. In India Brahmis were Commanded to eat meat that was offered to Ceremonies to Gods. The animals that were sacrificed during festivalswere eaten by the priests.

The Indus Valley Civilization is Significantly Older than Ramayana approximately 3300 BCE Basically the Indian Civilization dates back 10,000 Years & beyond. At that period the inhabitants Were plants based food & avoid all animal products. Peoples were highly Spiritualist.They Sacrificed all their evil emotions at the alter of the Almighty. Sacrificing ‘RIPUS’--internalenemies or vices of the mind in hindu

philosophy - Lust, Krodha, Lobha,  Ercha. Hohangkar, Moha. They cut a fruit or a pumkin, symbolizing their determination of their vows. But it is the irony of fact in later period the Conception of Sacrifice was degenerated .They startedSacrificing animals Symbolizing   the Views &started meat eating. Who knows in near future a great socio religious reformer like Raja Ram Mohan Roy may appear, aiming to eradicate the evils of our Society.

Lord Krishna – Was a vegetarian. According loBhagavad Gita, he accept offering of leaf, flowers, fruit or water. Devotees offer sugar, Kheer,rice  pudding.

In Vaishnava tradition Lord Krishina is Considered a Vegetarian promotes ahimsa. Lord Krishna is revered as a promoter of Compassionates is Vegetarian living.

Lord Rama being incarnation of LordVishnu did not Consume Non-Vegetarian Bhog. Lord Rama is always offered Vegetarian food & non-alcoholicacross India & abroad.Lord Rama a Kshatriyan always moved with bows & arrows Since he was to protect his subjects from  evilforces - Rakshasas - demon of men eaters.

Types of vegetarians

1 Pure vegetarians who are Strictly Consume only plants based food, fruits, Vegetable grains &not even honey , milk & milk products.

2. Can eat egg but not Chicken (an eggetarian)

3. Can eat Cake but not omlette.

4. Can eat gravy but not pieces.

5. Can eat non-veg. outside the home.

6. Can eat vegetables only when drinking.

7. Eat non-veg only forced by Someone

& Pure Vegetarian on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Stalwarts of Vegetarianism

1. Mahtma Gandhi was a strict vegetarian by Conviction. He was much influenced by Hanry Salts Vegetarian book, published in 1886 by vegetarian Society - ethical & humanitarian frame Work. Henry Salt - plea for vegetarianism& essays in 1886. He advocated Vegetarianismfor health or religions Custom.

2. Albert Einstein adopted vegetarian diettowards the end of life. Hebelieved (Vegetarianism would positively humanity’s Survival & evolution.

3. Dr. AP. J. Abdul Kalam the then President of India despite being muslim was a vegetarian. He realized that non-veg diet was notConduciveto good health. A Vegetarian diet (Stative) is Considered pure & promotes inner peace.

4. The Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Das Modi is a staunch  Vegetarian.

5. Mr. Virat Kohli the cricketer is a Vegetarian

6. Several Sufis including Suhrawardi, HamiddinMuhaiyadden& other in north African are practicing a strict vegan diet. Now V-Label (Called the leaf) has been promoted as an international Symbol for Vegetarian.

Benefit of Sattvic diets are pure balanced & Serene. It enhances Calm & emotional Stability. Further it improves health & boosts immunity & promotes easy digestion.

Excluding meat Can lead to an inadequate intake of Several essential Vitamins & minerals Vitamin B12 Primarily found in animal products but a vegetarian diet offers Significant health benefits including a lower risk of heart diseases, diabeties, obesity & even Certain Cancers. A vegetarian diet is a healthy & sustainable choice can lead to  improvedlongevity. It is seen as an act of Compassion &Cullinantes Love, empathy& Service towards all forms of life.

Mr. Prishenis a vegetarian body builder Mr. P.Sivenarain  of name &fame is international body builder. Mr. Varinder Singh & Mr. Bhaskar all are vegetarian.India to-day is the largest Vegetarian Country in the world. But it is disheartening to note that Dr. Zakir Naik, a radial muslim's remark that Sanatonics are not vegetarians in true sense since they eat plants. A Scientist of reputeJagadish Chandra Bose discovered thatplants have life but Dr. Zakir Naik does not Know that plants have no’ Central nerve  system’ Nerversare Cables that carry  electrical impulses between one’s brain & the rest of ones body. The Centre near nerve system is missing in plants. Cut a branch of a tree but it grows again.

It is not out of context to mention that Mahatma Gandhi did not Visit Sikkim but his Vegetarian philosophy& principles are deeply intertwined with the region. Sikkim is now declared as India's first 100% organic State.

Vegetarian as a way to promote Compassion.

Now Sikkim Govt Catchy Slogan “Be kind to Animals”

Admirable, indeed.!