Does Hinduism require vegetarianism?
115041
I know that where I live in the Silicon Valley of California there's a lot of Hindus from India who work in the high tech industry. probably more than 60% of their restaurants are strictly vegetarian. I think it may depend also on what sect of Hinduism is most prominent in the specific region of India they come from.
142878
Well, because Hinduism is not an extension of Judaism which introduces a bordeline personality as "the" god. Monotheism of the Judeo Christian and Muslim tradition is an intolerant God who hates competition and preached for and against intolerance . \n\nSo the moral duty of the believers are dependent on their moods, if they don't feel like being tolerant or understanding of others they declare a jihad on you, form crusades, become zealots. \n\nBut when they're in the "wise" mood, they turn the other cheek. When they turn the other cheek make sure you hit them so hard that they drop the fale act and show who they are. An a hole pretending to be kind should not be tolerated under no circumstances.
698052
You really think so? Read more on hinduism and make your judgement-\n\n\nHinduism:  can be best defined as Sanatana Dharma... something which exists from times immemorial. Hinduism does not have a beginning... it exists ever since Humanity came into existence. The bane of Hinduism is Dharma... which also forms the base of all Religions existing on Mother Earth. No Religion can ever survive without a Dharma. Dharma is the root of all Religions. Why?\n\nTalking of Jainism we cannot understand the basics without delving into the Life of the 24th Tirthankara Bhagwan Mahavira. It was only in the time of the 24th Tirthankara Bhagwan Mahavira that Jainism rightly came into existence. Whatever form of Jainism existed before the 24th Tirthankara was limited to the Spiritual Masters only. All that was knowable to these Spiritual Masters was not available to the masses for the prime reason that the intellect of a common man was not as developed as was required to fathom the depths of the Sacred Wisdom we know as jaina doctrines.\n\nDuring the times of Bhagwan Mahavira... the common masses came to understand what was being taught by the masters of the era. Gradually as the momentum picked up... the followers of Jaina doctrine came to be known as Jains and the following Jainism. Before Bhagwan Mahavira the existence of Jainism as such did not hold good as it was only limited to the Spiritual Masters of the day.\n\n\nSimilarly, the Teachings of Gautama Buddha came to be known as Buddhism and its followers Buddhists. Buddhism is also known as the eightfold path. Gautama Buddha advocated the eightfold path also known as the middle path for he realized that not while living in the family and nor while attempting the Life of the dense forests could one gain knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures. He advocated maintaining a balance between the two and advised the common man to take the middle path. Neither getting totally immersed in family Life nor practicing austere practices to its extreme.\n\nWe need to understand that before the advent of Gautama Buddha... there was nothing we can call as Buddhism. The Teachings of Gautama Buddha primarily form the core Teachings of Buddhism. The existence of Buddhism Religion... the following of Gautama Buddha came into being only after the advent of Gautama Buddha.\n\nIn Christianity also, the core Teachings of the Bible contain the Essence of the Teachings of Jesus Christ and his trusted followers. Before the advent of Jesus Christ nothing existed on Mother Earth we could call as Christianity. The following of Jesus Christ is known as Christianity and the followers Christians.\n\n\nSimilarly, before the advent of Prophet Mohammed there existed nothing we could call as Islam. The advent of Islamic Dharma came into being after Prophet Mohammed and his Teachings came into the scene. The followers of the Islamic Dharma are called Islamists and also Muslims and the Teachings of Prophet Mohammed are contained in the sacred book of Islamic Dharma, the Koran. More on hinduism here- http://www.godrealized.com/Hinduism.html
1147349
Eastern thought in general has enhanced the lives of millions of Americans whether they realize it or not.\n\nSometimes the lines between buddhism and hinduism can be blurry.\n\nI find that Hindu culture has made a big contribution to the vegetarian and healthy eating movement. The idea that cows are sacred has steered millions away from red meat. \nAlso, the concept of peace being a virtue is something that Western society was sadly lacking. Both Hinduism and Buddhism made a wonderful difference to us in the late 60's... affecting our music, art, politics and culture.\n\nMeditation, yoga, natural foods, and spiritual healing are all traceable back to Hinduism.
679393
There are no health reasons which has kept me vegetarian. Earlier it used to be the insistence of my parents to be vegan, since in our religion it is necessary. Also, I feel that "If I do not have the power to give life to a animal whenever I desire, I do not have the right to kill the same for my existence". This belief has kept me vegan ever since I have come to my proper senses (i.e., after I was 16 and partially independant to make my decisions on certain issues). I do not regret any moment, niether do I intend to change the people around to switch to being veggie, because its their choice anyway. So thats my reason of being a veggie, and by the way, I AM LOVING IT !!!!
1008736
Yeah I m vegetarian and completely understand ur dilemma in this world.\nIt's a hard decision but I am sure there are good number of humane guys over there (well i know as I m one of them ;))
713893
Hinduism (real name Sanatan Dharma- Eternal Relgion), is basically a way of life.\n\nAnybody worshipping the God by any name or by any ritual is a Hindu in broad terms.\n\nAll the religions in the world are sub-sets of Santan Dharma for example christians follow the Bhakti Yoga path of hinduism and muslims follow the Karma Yoga path..with some deviations.\n\nThe main soul of hinduism is its deep philosophy which mainly deals with the mysteries of the Universe, creation, evolution, life, Death and God.\n\nThe philosophy of hinduism is found in Upanishadas and Gita with no fairy tales but concrete logics to show the truth
82410
We wouldn't eat meat if we weren't meateaters. Vegetarians are following a fad, not their instincts. \nWhat is the Indian word for bad hunter? Vegetarian!
323557
well, there are differant types of vegetarianism...\n\nfor example, i eat fish and other types of seafood, but no other type of meat\n\nsome people eat fish, chicken, turkey.. basically healthy, white meat, but no red meat\n\nand some vegetarians eat no meat at all..\n\nand then there are vegans who don't eat any animal products (no meat or dairy like milk, eggs, etc.)\n\nhope this helps!
1022280
sunamwal hinduism was not started by manusmriti !! this is entirely wrong.\n\nAs per hindu philosophy, any one who believe in god, and himself and who is ever searching for Truth is a Hindu.\n\nSo any one searching for Truth is a hindu in broader terms.\n\nAs far as ritual part of hinduism is concerned, there are 100s of different cults going on in India, and it is not necessary that they represent true hinduism.\n\nThe only authentic scriptures of hinduism are vedas, upanishadas and Gita (which is a gist of all upanishadas).\n\n   Hinduism can not be bound into narrow definitions.  So anyone on the path of Truth, anyone who is not a blind follower, anyone who is humane,  is a Hindu
1113388
Dalai Lama has said: “When I say that Buddhism is part of Hinduism, certain people criticize me. But if I were to say that Hinduism and Buddhism are totally different, it would not be in conformity with truth.”  \n\nsource: Who is a Hindu? – By Koenraad Elst p\n\nThe Hindu religious system can be divided into two major systems. The Orthodox system (called astika in Sanskrit) accepts the authority of the Vedas.\n\n1. Sankhya - founder Sage Kapila\n2. Yoga  -  Sage Patanjali\n3. Mimamsa  - Sage Vyasa / Sage Jaimini\n4. Vedanta  - Shankaracharya, Ramanuja/Chaitanya/ Madhava/Vallabha\n5. Nyaya  - Sage Gautama (not Buddha)\n6. Vaisheshika - Sage Kanda\n\nThe Heterdox (Nastika) system rejects the authority of the Vedas. This system includes\n\n1. Jainism, \n2. Buddhism and \n3. Carvaka (materialism). \n\nHinduism is way older than Judaism. Hinduism is among the oldest of the world's faiths. It is a total way of life. It is a dharma or way of life evolved by the great sages and seers of ancient India. Its traditions extend back before recorded history. The early phase of the Vedic tradition in India is dated between 10,000 - 7,000 BCE. Yet, in spite of the fact that it first evolved more than 5,000 years ago, Hinduism  is also very much a living tradition. \n        \nFor thousands of years India has been a veritable laboratory of religion: everything imaginable has been tried out, and nothing ever has completely been rejected.\n\nHinduism is not a religion in Western sence. It is a vast collection of varried philosophies.
1102003
As a Hindu I believe that it is very important to ask questions. Asking a question is sometimes more important than seeking the answer, because atleast the question has been asked. Hindus are taught to never just accept anything, but to try it and experience it. Hinduism isn't really a religion of "believe it or else" it's like a lot of other eastern religions that say "try it, experience it, if it doesn't work for you, move on." When it comes to spiritual things, the same goes. Hinduism has the Ten Commitments which aren't meant to condemn you, they are meant to help improve your spiritual practices in life (meditation, etc). The same with dietary rules. They vary from person to person because each person is told to try different foods and then see how the react in meditation. The foods that disrupt meditation or cause your mind and body to not be calm should be avoided, the foods that calm the mind and body and help you meditate should continue being eaten. But each of us is different so the foods we eat will vary. The same goes with our experiences and approaches to God. If you do not ask questions, how can you know if your approach and experience to God is reflected in the spiritual practices you follow?
799001
I like veggies. I don't believe God really cares about you being a vegetarian. As for the dominion we have it without slaughtering animals. Adam and Eve never ate meat in the garden of eden only afterwards did God say that you could. So having dominion is control of them(Which we still do).
357584
no. i am a vegetarian.
1161188
Cow was very important in ancient hindu civilisation. As per true Hindu spirit, hindus gave special respect to cow as it gave them milk, her offsprings used in farming.  So besides respecting rivers to give them water, and trees to give them fruits, hindus gave a special status to cow and forbade its killing for eating purpose.\n\nMany westerners spread the rumour that hindus worship cow as God, is not correct.  Hindus respect cows as angles...for obvious reasons and protected her to protect the old hindu civilisation
323481
I am a Mormon, and I am not a vegetarian.\n\nAs far as if it is ALLOWED... I think that some Mormons DO choose to be vegetarians.  There really isn't anything in Mormon doctrine that says anything AGAINST being a vegetarian.  \n\nHowever, I believe that part of the reason animals were put here on this Earth, is to be food for us.  If they die, and they weren't sick, then I think it's a good thing to eat the animals, so the meat isn't needlessly wasted.
777087
Anyone put out of business could and would go into another business.  Killing animals does not require a skill.  It requires insensitivity and  lack of empathy. It requires an indifference to what the Creator tells all people with the commandment, "Thou Shalt  Not  Kill."It would reduce need for churches because many more people would be practicing His commandments.  When meat eating stops war will stop. People who cannot bring themselves to kill animals can even less get themselves to kill people. Fewer doctors would be needed. Vegetarians don't cultivate the same diseases.  It would result in better national health if a widespread practice. If vegetarianism were practiced world wide people would know they are brothers and no law would get them to kill each other.  There would be more food, and India now has stocks totaling  into upwards of about 14 million tons . Another blessing it is impossible to calculate the extent of outcome on is money spent on food which would save a great deal and which sums could be put into endless education, and helping each other and building a genuine civilization The Great Spirit intendid and consequently over time more money spent on education, on inventions,  and on peacetime progress.  The last  you may note is that instead of needing so much ammunition we could lead other countries in Peace that is lived and shared.