The tale of a vegetarian - For frequently asked questions.

I avoid meats and seafood. I do not despise them, I do not have any issues if the food I eat had been cooked with meat. I can leave the meats aside and have the meal. Getting started was not easy, constant debates on the nutrition facts and trying to convince mum. Getting ‘vegetable soup’ with clear taste of sprats was not helping either. It was a gesture to ensure a child got the nutrition that she felt might be missing. Negotiations had to made, it was agreed upon – no meats and seafood, but the occasional egg was added as a caveat.

Being a vegetarian or not is a personal decision. Those who eat meat have facts as to why they should, likewise so do those who do not. Exchanging of facts about food chains, religious restrictions, explanations, yada yada, either way all simply seem like saying: I am right and do not respect your decision.

My purpose of being a vegetarian is not entirely based on the lives of animals. My knowledge on food chains, nutrition and suffering animals go through is limited to what I grew up with, what society taught me and what I see through technology. Knowing this is reason enough for me to not impose my views on others.

All these are transactions, when a thought arises in the mind, be it to convince a person as to eat or not to. The common notion is to speak up on behalf of that thought that arose in the mind and defend it. I like to take a step back. To analyze the thoughts themselves. Work backwards to see the core.

Without doubt the most delicious dish on a table would be the meat. There is nothing wrong with going ahead and indulging in the meal. What I personally prefer is to avoid it, to see the thoughts that arise when I do. To observe what happens during that decision and over time. Just observe, try not to be judgmental and do an honest self-assessment.

Those observations, and getting to know oneself, ones’ thoughts have been much more valuable to me personally than if I had gone ahead and just enjoyed the meal. These observances have only made my trust in the teachings of the Buddha stronger. A trust that does not entirely depend on faith. One which reason is allowed and encouraged. To think for oneself, observe oneself and get going on the path.

Being a vegetarian has been a sacrifice, giving up dishes that tastes best - for an experiment with results. A sacrifice that I like to think of as an offering to the Buddha. For the compassion to make us aware of wrong social views and defilement within the mind. To encourage us to see things for what they really are. The act of being a vegetarian is an action that does not bring harm to oneself or others J