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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision
the non-vegetarians. But I feel that the non-vegetarians have not only caused starvation on this earth; they have done other damage as well. Am I right ?"
Ι gave new ideological turn to Rene's argument and said, "Mr. Rene, you should also consider the issue of pasture-land being provided to the animals so as to satisfy meat-requirements of the non-vegetarians. In my own country, I have seen lands being barren and denuded because of being used as pasture-land. The entire Aravalli mountain in Rajasthan thus looks dry and barren. Now of course our government has undertaken a project to raise grass on this mountain, with the Japanese aid."
Stella Maria said, "This means that man should shun nonvegetarianism not because of pity, religion or sympathy towards animals, but for the sake of his own existence and for the mother earth."
I was now enthusiastic, I said, "My very contention is this. Have you ever seen the sheeps grazing on the farm-land? They pull out the grass from the very root with the result that in course of time the land becomes worthless for farming and ultimately it adds to the total barren land of the world."
Paul was now very uneasy. He said, "Your contention is that non-vegetarianism is harmful for mankind and so also for the earth and land. Have you any other evil to abuse it ?"
I said, "Dear friend, how many evils should I mention? A large section of the population do not get adequate drinking water while slaughtering the animals in the slaughter-house needs inmense quantity of water. No country having a scarcity of water can afford such a huge wastage."
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Vegetarianism
Rene said, "In everything, you say you have some calculations to support it. How about water being used for nonvegetarianism ?"
I laughed and replied, "The calculation in this count is that production of 1 kg of meat requires so times more water than would be needed for 1 kg of wheat !"
Stella almost screamed, "Oh! This wastage of water is too much to be excused."
Then I added, "Stella, the story does not end there. The limbs and other parts of the animals having been slaughtered are thrown into the flowing waters of a river, pond or canal. They rot and stink in those waters and pollute the flowing waters so much so that any human or animal would have fatal disease if he drinks such water."
This touched Paul and he was really moved. He said all of a sudden, "How horrifying, how harsh and merciless is such an act? This non-vegetarianism eats away living humans on the earth. Dear friend, so far I have only enjoyed nonvegetarianism. But now I assure you that I will take no other food but vegetarian."
Rene was very happy. Stella had some curiosity in her eyes to know more about this. We decided to discuss the issue while enjoying the vegetarian food.
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