Theos-Talk Archives (April 2005 Message tt00732)

I think we have drifted from a discussion of vegetarianism into some
silliness, including the eating habits of female spiders that have just
copulated! 



Some people chose to be vegetarian and others chose not to. Sometimes
environment determines the decision. Tibetan Buddhists eat meat because
their climate does not support producing enough vegetarian food to make a
good diet. In other countries where the climate is better, Buddhists tend to
be vegetarian.



There are arguments for a vegetarian diet including harmlessness, health,
economic, environmental (a greater quantity of vegetable food can be
produced with a given set of land and resources that meat food), and
sometimes spiritual. (I say sometimes, because different traditions
encourage it more than do others.)



Is it necessary for any of us to become vegetarian in order to progress? It
depends upon the person. One theosophical student may need to lead a
simpler, more ascetic life in order to break free of material influences and
connect better with his or her higher nature. Another student may need to
eat meat in order to become more grounded, less psychical, or for heath and
nutritional reasons. It also depends upon the person's teacher or spiritual
school. One teacher or school may teach an approach requiring a more ascetic
life, including vegetarianism. Another teacher or school may not make such a
requirement, and instead emphasize other ways of self-improvement and
service.







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