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Does Hinduism Prescribe Vegetarian Food?
Most Westerners associate India with vegetarianism. They have this misconception that all the people who follow Hinduism are vegetarians. Actually, the case of vegetarian food in Hinduism is not an open and shut one. There are many dilemmas and controversies associated with whether all Hindus are supposed to vegetarians or not.
Was The Hindu Diet Always Vegetarian?
The answer unfortunately is no. During the Vedic or Sutra period, there is no proof of a completely vegetarian diet in India. The Vedas as you know are the oldest religious scriptures of Hinduism. However, they do not directly forbid Hindus from eating meat. According to historians, Hindus during this time sacrificed domestic animals to the gods at yagnas and consumed the meat of these animals.
Beginning Of Vegetarianism
The beginnings of vegetarianism in India can be traced back to the 4th or 5th century BC. This is the time when Jainism and Buddhism were on the rise in India. Both these religions preached non-violence and vegetarianism. The rise Jainism and Buddhism challenged the evils that were consuming the Hindu society at that time. Some of these evils were a rigid caste system, animal sacrifice etc.
The rise of these two religions forced a reformation of the Hindu way of life. Vegetarian food in Hinduism is seen as an addition made during this time.
Other Reasons For Vegetarianism:
Availability Of Meat
Another point to note over here is the nature of Indian society. We were basically an agrarian society that depended on farming for food. The cattle like cows and bulls were used for labour in the farms. Thus raising enough cattle to slaughter to feed the entire population would have been a problem. It would have interfered with the workings of the farm.
Vegetarianism For Brahmins
In most cases, the Brahmins of all Hindu communities are vegetarians. Except Kashmiri, Bengali and Goan brahmins, all other brahmins do not eat meat. This distinction came about due to certain reasons and is deeply connected to the introduction of vegetarian food in Hinduism.
Brahmins basically had to use their mind for their living. In later Hindu scriptures, brahmins are forbidden from eating foods that have strong odours because it can divert their mind while meditation. Thus the Hindu diet for brahmins often contains no onion and garlic either.
According to Hinduism, food is classified into 3 main categories; Satva, Rajas and Tamas.
Now Satva is food that sharpens your mind like milk and vegetables. Rajas is food that arouses feelings and emotions like spices and fish. Tamas is food that slows down your physical and mental capabilities like grains and meat.
Brahmins were traditionally the thinkers of society and thus they had to choose food that was Satva.
These are some the points that can explain the reasons why Hinduism and vegetarian food go hand in hand.
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