31.2 F
Spokane
Monday, February 17, 2025
spot_img
HomeCommentaryAsk A Hindu: How is Vegetarianism Viewed?

Ask A Hindu: How is Vegetarianism Viewed?

Date:

Related stories

How my new puppy teaches me patience in the fight for democracy

Amid overwhelming news and political anger, a rescue puppy teaches the author the power of patience and persistence in the fight for democracy, without letting frustration consume them.

Yes. Separation of church and state is in the Constitution.

Modern politicians say the founders did not include the separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution. Historians show why that's a not true.

The old man in the mirror just called me ‘kid’

When the author doesn't recognize his aging face in the mirror, he decides to embrace it. He knows aging is a journey of accepting who he is in the moment.

Happy Black History Month?

February has been known as Black History Month since 1976. This year, the month takes more ominous tones in light of Trump administrations war against DEI.

Dreams don’t have to be dreamy to be true

We can romanticize history's dreamy dreamers, but their daily realities were fraught with struggle. This doesn't mean the dreams were wrong, but that they are worth our perserverance.

Our Sponsors

spot_img

What do you want to ask a Hindu?  Fill out the form below or submit your question online

By Sreedharani Nandagopal 

How is vegetarian viewed in Hinduism? 

Vegetarianism is viewed very highly in Hinduism. In fact, vegetarianism is one of the fundamental principle beliefs of Sanathana Dharma, or Hinduism as this faith is known worldwide.

The soul of every living being is the soul of the Great Divine. It is called the Pramaathma (Great Soul). Vegetarianism comes from the Hindu belief in “Ahimsa Paramo Dharma,”which in Sanskrit means non-violence. It is the greatest duty. It is this fundamental principle which advocates the people who follow Sanathana Dharma to not harm any living being, in any shape or form. This leads to vegetarianism. Milking the cows is not considered harmful as long we let the calf have plenty of milk for its sustenance.  

With its roots originating from Sanathana Dharma, vegetarianism has spread to the western world.  Many westerners these days follow vegetarianism, be it due to animal cruelty, health concerns, capitalistic profit motive, or environmental consciousness or some other reason.  Whatever the reasons are, does not matter, vegetarianism is gaining popularity in the western world.  

It has been well established that vegetarianism is very beneficial to the health of the human being. Many diseases can be avoided following a vegetarian diet. This has been known for thousands of years in India. There is a book in India, written in Sanskrit called “Ayurveda” (meaning science of living) which focuses on eating roots, berries, vegetables, grains, dairy, etc. to maintain optimum health. It is believed that Ayurveda which can be traced to 6000 BCE and originated as an oral tradition. The first recorded forms of Ayurveda as medical texts have evolved from the Vedas. 

Faiths such as Buddhism and Jainism which have evolved from Sanathana Dharma have their origins in India.  These faiths follow and advocate non-violence and vegetarianism as well.  

Although many people who follow Hinduism are vegetarians some Hindus are not.

Sreedharani Nandagopal
Sreedharani Nandagopal
Sreedharani Nandagopal followed her physician sister to Seattle in 1969. She attended University of Washington to get her Physics and engineering degree. Then, In 1975 went back to India and got married to an electrical engineering professor (Mallur Nandagopal, Ph.D.) and at the same time I received her immigrant visa. Together they returned to Seattle. In 1977 they moved to Spokane. Her husband has done some innovative things for the city of Spokane, one of them being rebuilding the Upriver Dam Hydroelectric project which produces annually over $3 million in revenue to the city. Sreedharani taught for the Community Colleges of Spokane for 27 years and other colleges in this area including NIC. Together they do volunteer work for the schools and community at large by giving presentations about Indian culture, Hinduism, etc. They also try to educate the Spokane and the vicinity citizenry by bringing classical concerts and dance-dramas from India with the help of Rotary, Spokane Arts, Spokane city, Innovia Foundation, and many other organizations, and individual donors.

Our Sponsors

spot_img
spot_img

4 COMMENTS

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback

[…] The soul of every living being is the soul of the Great Divine. It is called the Pramaathma (Great Soul). … Ask A Hindu: How is Vegetarianism Viewed? – SpokaneFāVS […]

trackback

[…] The soul of every living being is the soul of the Great Divine. It is called the Pramaathma (Great Soul). … Ask A Hindu: How is Vegetarianism Viewed? – SpokaneFāVS […]

trackback

[…] The soul of every living being is the soul of the Great Divine. It is called the Pramaathma (Great Soul). … Ask A Hindu: How is Vegetarianism Viewed? – SpokaneFāVS […]

trackback

[…] The soul of every living being is the soul of the Great Divine. It is called the Pramaathma (Great Soul). … Ask A Hindu: How is Vegetarianism Viewed? – SpokaneFāVS […]

4
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x