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