posted December 11, 2007 09:04 AM         

Vegetarianism,
and, to a greater extent, Veganism,
are movements in the direction of life,
and, what Albert Schweitzer called, "reverence for life".

These practical movements represent choices,
which, in there turn, represent ideals and intentions.
By showing reverence for life we are sending an intention
into the universe which honors life beyond the self,
and actively seeks co-operation with an increasingly wider variety of lifeforms.
It stands to reason that such an intention may have the effect, ultimately,
of safe-guarding our own souls from being victimized by competing energies,
as well as being forced to incarnate at too frequent, and too short, intervals.
It may be that, as we do unto those below us,
so shall it be done to us by those from above.

In addition to this, it is healthy for most people, and,
for those with whom a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle
may prove less than healthy, on the physical level,
there is always the consolation that is it, at least, ethical.

What goes on at the vast majority of slaughterhouses is horrific.
And I mean that the animals experience the equivalent
of what characters in any hollywood gorefest would experience;
with the exception that this isnt the cinema.
This is real life.

If they had to watch it being prepared,
- if that was the price of dinner; just to watch, -
I think most people would rather not eat meat or poultry.
Its a recorded fact that, on average, the person who works in a slaughterhouse
is considerably more violent and sadistic than the person who does not.
Tape of workers horribly abusing animals have reached the press.

And the so-called "living" conditions at these places are abhorrent.
Crammed into stalls barely large enough to conatin them.
No prisoner in Alcatraz had it worse.

Are these not our brothers and sisters?

posted December 11, 2007 09:25 AM         

Its very difficult for some of us to admit what we are actually doing,
and to take responsibility for the ultimate consequences of our actions,
but I think that is what we must all endeavor to do,
if we are to rise to the higher spheres of contemplation.

No effort is too little.

If only once a week we all chose not to eat meat,
for just that one meal a week,
we could make a huge difference.

posted December 11, 2007 09:24 PM         

I read this couple of days ago. And shocked.

95 billion chicken are slaughtered each year in USA.

And perhaps 10 billion turkey.

I eat chicken because I don't find any tasty , delicious veg food in USA.
I hardly used to eat non veg till I was 25 in India.
Perhaps I must give up my craving for taste then? LOL

Veg food makes your body more alive more awakened. Non veg food makes you sleepy.

posted December 11, 2007 11:00 PM         

I mostly stay in hotel every week , so don't get time to cook.

I eat as much seafood. But doctors here say I could poison myself with mercury if I eat too much. Geez. What must i eat then?