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પ્રકરણ, ]
SPIRITUAL LIGHT.
but contrarily they lived upon vegetables and fruits. Afterwards on account of climatic changes and the absence of fruits and vegetables, they adopted artificial means of maintenance. But it is apparent that nature prohibits this flesh-eating custom. It is against the laws of nature to kill any animal life for the sake of the satisfaction of our bellies. Men are not endowed with claws and teeth as carnivorous animals are, but they are given such teeth as naturally indicate that human beings are by nature allowed to eat vegetables and fruits; and human stomachs are not capable of perfectly digesting flesh. The flesh-eaters argue that flesh-eating imparts strength. If this were to be the case, lion must have more enduring power than the elephant, but we find by experience that elephant has greater power of endurance than lion.
It is not even borne out by fact that flesh-eaters are stronger, if it be so, the Russians would have defeated the Japanese, but this is not so; on the other hand, Japan, was victorious; again the central part of Bengal wherein the people generally live upon flesh, is neither strong, nor heroic. The Vegetarians are generally capable of possessing greater enduring power and as a rule, are heroic and strong. "In France, vegetable diet prevails to a very great extent. M. Dupin informs us that two-thirds of the French people, to this day, are wholly deprived of animal food; and live on chestnuts or maize or potatoes-the peasantry of Norway, Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and of
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