23. From Non-Violence To Vegetarianism

Ideally, we should all be masters of free will. Our actions and decisions should be independent of the idea of punishment or reward.

I call this morality from within. This value springs from the depths of our being, from the core of our own consciousness. This does not feel artificial or forced. However, if we try to follow the rules and regulations for social life, we will feel constrained and bound by them. We simply want to try and escape from them.

In spirituality, nothing can be labeled as right or wrong. There is no thumb rule that distinguishes the right or wrong. There is also no rule that dictates what is right and what is wrong.

Yet, when we live in society, we all follow certain rules to have a peaceful and happy social life. We have an unspoken agreement amongst ourselves. The agreement is something like this: don't try to kill me and I will not try to kill you. That is the social law.

It is only because of this binding law that we adhere to morality. If we know that we are not going to be punished for killing someone, we will not hesitate in killing others! This is the truth. Forced morality gives rise to this kind of an understanding.

Ahimsa, or nonviolence is one of the best universal principles. This principle lets us live harmoniously with others. The principle of ahimsa can be applied to the food that we eat. In my opinion, the idea of vegetarian food must have developed from Buddha's time. He was so compassionate and believed strongly in ahimsa.

Ancient sages do not mention the word or the concept of 'vegetarianism'. Even in the Upanishad, where ways of living for spiritual people are described, there is mention of only satvic food - vegetarian food.

Right from my birth, I have always been a vegetarian. I have never tasted meat, eggs or fish. I know how the body works with vegetarian food. Vegetarian food increases the joy and sensitivity in your energy flow. You will feel light and ecstatic. Vegetarian food is the best choice for people who want to take up the spiritual path or meditate.

When you follow the path of ahimsa and vegetarianism, you will find yourself softening and becoming sensitive to Existence that is embracing you. You will find that you fall very easily in tune with the Cosmic Energy.