Why do Hindus not eat meat?
Quick Answer
Many Hindus do not eat meat because it is considered tamasic, meaning influenced by ignorance. Some Hindu scriptures do not sanction meat, poultry, fish or eggs, although this is open to interpretation, as other scriptures refer to meals involving meat.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
The Mahabharata is one of the oldest known Sanskrit texts, and it states that eating meat causes ignorance and disease. Many Hindus believe that a vegetarian diet increases purity of consciousness and promotes longevity. In addition to eating a balanced vegetarian diet, some Hindus also abstain from caffeine and alcohol. Strict Hindu practitioners also abstain from mushrooms, onions and garlic, as these foods are believed to promote ignorance and passion. Some branches of Hinduism teach that food offered to God is meant to purify the soul and body. It is common for Hindus to have altars in their homes at which they place offerings of food prior to eating.
While the common belief is that all Hindus follow a strict vegetarian diet, many faithful Hindus eat meat periodically. Hindus who eat meat or fish on occasion often abstain or fast during the Hindu holidays, also referred to as feast days. Hindus believe that fasting purifies the body and increases concentration during prayer sessions.
Learn more about HinduismRelated Questions
-
Q:
Why is Varanasi important to Hindus?
A: Varanasi is important to Hindus because it is believed to have been founded by the Hindu god Shiva. The city is a major pilgrimage site and one of the holi... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What do Hindus believe about reincarnation?
A: Hindus believe in samsara, an eternal cycle of birth, life and deaths or reincarnation, explains How Stuff Works. In Hinduism, each individual soul is cons... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do Hindus worship?
A: Hindus worship by venerating religious icons and images called "murtis," and by reciting prayers called "mantras." Hindu worship is simply called "puja," w... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why is the Ganges river sacred to Hindus?
A: The Ganges river is sacred to Hindus because it is considered to be the extension of God, Lord Shiva, and therefore, the river is divine and an image of th... Full Answer >Filed Under:
