Page Text
________________
acceptable. But how can they avoid killing of these beings produced every moment in flesh just by avoiding killing one being.
All leading religions in the world have censured non-vegetarian food. In the Vedic scriptures non-vegetarianism has been condemned in strong words. Bible mentions that once Jesus Christ was extremely disturbed when he saw Christians eat meat. When morsels of meat were still between their teeth the curse of God fell upon them in the form of a great plague. In the same way in Islam also Prophet Mohammed has said that starting from the day when you go for the Mecca pilgrimage until the day you return from there observe daily fasts, avoid killing animals and on the special auspicious days do not eat meat.
If we look at non-vegetarianism from various angles of ethics, science, economics, beauty, health, and physical strength we will find that it is harmful from every perspective.
Ethics - It lays stress on protection of innocent and weak beings and friendly ties between man and animal. Thus killing animals and eating their flesh does not logically fit with love for animals.
Science - With their extensive research and experience scientists have arrived at the conclusion that the anatomical structure of human beings is suitable for plant eating. Man is neither carnivorous nor omnivorous. His saliva and intestines are unable to fully digest meat. That is the reason that by going against nature and consuming meat man has invited numerous diseases. It is due to non-vegetarian food that there is a spurt in diseases like cancer, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, etc.
Social system - For the organization and development of a society it is essential that peace is maintained, cruelty and torture are reduced, and sinful conduct and corruption are brought to a minimum. But meat eating augments tendencies like agitation, corruption, sin, and cruelty.
To assess the ill effects of meat eating a comparison of carnivorous and herbivorous animals will prove to be very helpful. Carnivorous animals are cruel, blood thirsty, and pugnacious. They are
130
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
| SR No. | 001605 |
| Book Title | Introduction to Jainism and its Culture |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Balbhadra Jain |
| Publisher | Kundkund Gyanpith Indore |
| Publication Year | 2002 |
| Total Pages | 334 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Religion, & Culture |
| File Size | 21 MB |