Diet

Question 0

What do the Laws of Manu state about eating meat?

Answer 0

Man should ‘entirely abstain from eating flesh’ - this shows ahimsa (non-violence to all)

However, eating meat is a personal choice

Question 1

Why do Hindus not eat beef?

Answer 1

The cow is sacred, so it is illegal to kill it in India. It is a symbol of life & nature, and can provide: fuel, medicine, labour + nourishment (milk, ghee)

Question 2

What does the Mahabharata state about eating meat?

Answer 2

It is explained that meat eating has a negative influence on you causing ignorance and disease

Question 4

What restrictions are included in the Hindu diet?

Answer 4

• meat
• alcohol (drug)
• garlic & onions (increase passion + ignorance)
• mushrooms (hallucinogenic + cause illness)
• tea & coffee (caffeine = drug)
• foods altering the consciousness & state of mind

Question 5

Why should food be offered to God as Prashaad before being eaten?

Answer 5

In the Bhagavad Gita it says:

‘All that you do, all that you eat … Should be offered to me’

Question 6

How does caste affect diet?

Answer 6

Brahmins more likely to keep restrictions because of religious devotion. Lower castes may have no option but to eat meat (lack of money/religious education)

Question 7

Describe Hindu fasting

Answer 7

Part of certain festivals/rituals or on a regular basis. May be total restriction or avoiding foods which need preparation + cooking, eg fruit, nuts & dairy. The time is spent on devotion instead

Question 8

What common dates/days do Hindus fast on?

Answer 8

• new or full moon
• 10/11th day of the moon
• eclipses or movement of certain planets
• death anniversary of parents
• MONDAY: Lord Shiva, unmarried women pray for a good husband
• TUESDAY: Ganesh, Durga, Hanuman, pray for protection from Shani
• WEDNESDAY: Vital
• THURSDAY: Vishnu
• FRIDAY: Shakti (mother Goddess)
• SATURDAY: Shani (dreaded by Hindus)

Question 9

Give an example of fasting through a Hindu festival

Answer 9

Navratri, twice a year, for 9 days (in honour of the 9 forms of Durga). Devotees eat fruit, take a single vegetarian meal in the day & pray for the protection of health/property. They avoid: meat, alcohol, grains (absorb negative energy), wheat, onions + garlic

Question 10

Which might a Hindu choose not to eat meat

Answer 10

All living organisms (animals + plants) have a soul, however animal is a sentient, being capable of feeling pain
You should be aiming for a healthy vegetarian diet, which is Sattvic (pure)