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Originally Posted by babuji  We're all very much focused on the physical benefits of a non-vegetarian diet, however, you should realize that eating meat offers no spiritual benefits.
I don't think anyone here has talked about the spiritual benefits of a vegetarian diet. Keeping away from flesh has great increased my ability to meditate and keep my mind clear of unwanted thoughts (less disturbance). Not to mention I am able to sit still without any movement/pain in meditation for nearly an hour.. (which I'm practicing to increase)
If you're a believer in the idea that our purpose while on earth should be God-realization, then it's pretty obvious by experimentation with your own body that certain foods inhibit further stages of meditation.
We can talk and debate all we want on the physical benefits.. to which I would agree that eating meat would probably give you a more muscular body.. but that's all meaningless if you realize that YOU are NOT the physical body.. but YOU are actually the soul within that body...
Ultimately, my view is that you should decide what diet is best for you based on your ultimate goal..
If your goal is to have a great physique.. then by all means go for the meat diet..
If your goal is to realize your true potential (soul).. then a vegetarian diet is ideal.. |
Very well put....except that I know plenty of vegetarians (myself included) with great physiques. I'm a lot more accepting of differing opinions, but I know plenty of boxers and MMA fighters that are vegetarians or vegans and if you suggested that they were "unhealthy" you might be tempted to reconsider once you regained consciousness. If you eat well, exercise and take care of yourself the presence or absence of meat alone will not make you healthy or unhealthy. When I was a meat eater I was 208 pounds and in great shape. Now I'm 188 in great shape. Unless its of critical importance to fight as a heavyweight, I see no detriment from a vegetarian diet. Obviously if your physical goal is bulk the meat might be necessary, but otherwise suggesting that vegetarians are categorically unhealthy is absurd. There's plenty of other upsides to a vegetarian diet--I have more energy, for one. I also have a lot more flexibility at my lower weight and suffer fewer muscle strains and similar injuries. Again, your millage may vary but I know quite a few former meat eaters with similar experiences. The notion that everyone who eliminates meat from their diet automatically defaults to eating nothing but french fries and tater tots borders on ridiculous. I wouldn't go so far as suggest that you can't eat meat and be healthy, but I'd also suggest that on balance the average vegetarian is likely to have a higher degree of awareness about what he or she puts into their body than the average meat eater.
I'd agree with the assertion that vegetarianism, veganism or, for that matter, a meat-eating diet isn't for everyone. What I wouldn't agree with is trying to extrapolate your personal experience to some sort of universal truth. Personally, trying to rationalize your own experience in this manner is not only intellectually dishonest but a huge waste of time.
If I remember correctly our associate Mr. Pavlina did a blog entry about health studies that suggested that it was pretty much pointless to base your health decisions on them. In addition to other considerations, "everyone has an agenda". I'd extend this to include dietary matters. It doesn't matter how much research and study you do on the subject when you've already made up your mind one way or the other going in.
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/200...-about-health/