On Hinduism

Non-violence (ahimsa) is one of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism. Killing another life form to service their dietary existence is, therefore, considered sacrilege. That being the foundation, most Hindu’s journey towards divinity is only complete when he or she takes care of all other beings. There are, however, situations in which eating animals becomes a necessity for various reasons–topography, climate, famines, etc. In those cases, Hindus do consume non-vegetarian foods. However, for reasons related to health/digestion consumption of less complex life forms is recommended – fish, chicken, etc. Cow being a mammal is not only a more complex life form but also happens to be a multi-utility animal. In addition to being a farm animal, it provides dairy and fuel, among other benefits. Killing a cow for food has never made an economic sense for an agrarian society in fertile lands where the Hindus have flourished for many millennia. 

Cow, traditionally, being the center of a household in India holds an emotional place in a family as pets do. Just as we do not kill our pet dogs for food, Hindus do not kill cows for feeding themselves.   

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Other reading material: https://houseoflac.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/the-wedge-of-vegetarianism/
Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: Why Do we eat Vegetarian Food? , Zakir Naik and Rajiv Malhotra

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

Location of this post (22a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-hindus-dont-eat-beef/

Hinduism is not a ‘human centric’ religion. God (Brahman) is omnipresent. God’s kingdom is the Universe. Every leaf, every drop of water, every cloud in the sky, every object, animate and inanimate, including animals, plants, planets, the Sun and the moon are all Brahman. Hinduism is not doctrine centric, it does not contain doctrines like–thou shall not eat beef.
Hinduism teaches the understanding of self dharma and then to follow our dharma. Hindus are taught to follow a non-violent or least harmful path. Further, it teaches us that animals have a soul, just as humans do, and have a right to life as well, just as all humans do. Hindu sages’ deep study of nutrition, its impact on health and mind, leads it to recommend a lacto vegetarian path for improved health and alertness. Hence, there is an inclination towards vegetarianism.

Those in the path of dedicated learning and practice are required to adhere to vegetarian food that is light and digestible, as these foods are believed to raise the consciousness levels of the practitioner.

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: Why do we eat Vegetarian Food? , Zakir Naik and Rajiv Malhotra , Rajeev Singh

Contributor: Dr. Dilip Amin

Location of this file (22b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-are-many-hindus-vegetarian/