Re: Trivial issue, but unable to find solution
Namaste Anirudh,
Originally Posted by
Anirudh
I am practicing strict vegetarianism for about 4 to 5 years.
Because I had been consuming N.V diet in the past it becomes difficult to practice strict vegetarianism like in parties or get together where we don't have the control over the plates, spoons, kitchen etc. It is very difficult to find pure vegetarian hotels in cities.
I can order/request for a Vegetarian items, but my silly mind questions if the same vessel. stove or the plate was used to cook or serve N.V items.The same happen when I visit friends and relatives.
I really can't run away from this worldly life but don't see a solution other than carrying my food where ever I go. Sometimes people see it as an offense if I refuse politely.
This is not a new issue because all vegetarian people would have faced this issue in the past, can you please share your ideas.
I became strict vegetarian (I consider milk products as vegetarian) 6 years ago. I have faced very ridiculous situations after that. I was in another country when I became vegetarian and people there didn't correctly understand what I mean by being a vegetarian. I was into a party there by one of my local friends and when he learnt that I had turned vegetarian, he said to me that he had made special arrangements for me. However, when I was served fish (mind it, it was done with full respect and believing that eating fish is ok for vegetarians), I didn't know whether to laugh at that or weep ! So, I politely explained my position and finished my dinner with whatever was vegetarian there !!
However, I don't act fussy on my being a vegetarian. I have no qualms if a person eats non-vegetarian food beside me, or he touches my plate during the course etc. Instead of hurting a person by my behaviour, I would prefer eating meat because imo, people who are alive are more important than a dead animal. My eating non-veg or veg is not important but what is important for me is that I shouldn't have any desire to eat meat. The Karma is in mind and not in physical action.
Till now, God has helped me that I never was forced to go hungry because of choosing to be a vegetarian and may be God takes care in the time to come too. There have been times, when I had to manage with Curd+rice, Rice+Salad, Roti+Curd, Roti+Banana etc. So, I am able to manage till now but if, someday, there comes a time when there is nothing but non-vegetarian food and I am forced to starve, I may even eat non-vegetarian food. But I don't see this possibility. There is always something available with which I can manage. My main aim is to guard against my desires and if I am to able to do that, it is good enough.
OM
"Om Namo Bhagvate Vaasudevaye"
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