Freedom in Eating ~ 17th Karmapa

It is true that our cultural environment can affect our eating habits. Yet, we have the freedom to decide to change. We have complete freedom to eat meat or not.

Tibetans live on an arid plateau where herding livestock and eating meat have been central to our culture for millennia. If Tibetans can stop eating meat, so can anyone who lives in a place where vegetables and alternate sources of protein are readily available.

If you need more support against the pressures to eat meat, you could list the reasons why you shouldn’t eat meat, and compare them to the reasons in favour of eating meat.

The reasons individuals eat meat are mainly habit and the desire for pleasure. I am sure you will see that the reasons not to eat meat far outweigh such superficial, short-term reasons.

The reasons to be vegetarian are realistic and sensible, and based on long-term thinking. When we think seriously about the impact that our food practices have on our body, on the environment and on the animals themselves, it is clear that logic supports abstaining from eating meat.

If you decide you want to try to stop eating meat, you can fortify yourself in this way with reason. Empower your mind, and take responsibility for your body. Exercise your wisdom, strengthen your resolve and let your mind take good care of your body.


17th Karmapa

source: http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-vedanta/freedom-in-eating/


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