Siddhachalam NJ 1990 04 Mahavir Jayanti

Author(s): Siddhachalam NJ
Publisher: USA International Mahavir Jain Mission Siddhachalam

Page 45

PROUD TO BE
VEGETARIAN
Anish K. Jain
person feels guilty in hurting animals, chances are he would feel the same towards human beings. Hatred and violence should be avoided. Persons who respect the feelings of animals are more likely to respect the feelings of human beings. Such an attitude would create love for others and reduce violence in the society.
You Can Do If You Believe In
Can you imagine a person in our society who has never eaten meat, fish, poultry, or anything else of this sort? Imagine that in our society where these kinds of foods are part of a normal diet. A society where most people don't realize what they put in their mouth. Well I represent that type of person. To me, it's an accomplishment to be a vegetarian, especially in this country. A vegetarian is something I am proud to be.
Being a vegetarian is a part of my religion, Jainism. I was brought up this way in New York by my parents. In Jainism, we believe that every animal, no matter how big or small, deserves a chance to live a full life. The animals that people eat have feelings too. They lead a life similar to ours. They feel pain just like we do. They feel joy just like we do. To me they deserve the respect of having control of their own lives just like we do. Killing any animal for any reason is wrong to me. If an ant would crawl up to my desk while I was working, it would be senseless to kill it. The ant doesn't want to hurt me and it doesn't have the power anyway. So killing it wouldn't be a sign of defense, it would a sign of violence. The ant may just be trying to surviv. He may be just looking for food to nourish himself or his family. It would be cruel to kill it. So by being a vegetarian, fewer animals will be slaughtered. However, there are a small percentage of animals saved. That's because there are a small percentage of people like me. But saving one life of any living being is worth a lot to me.
When I was about ten years old my parents let me choose. Did I want to remain a vegetarian or to begin eating meat? My parents, who were born and raised in India, were surrounded by other Jain followers. They were never exposed to nonvegetarian food. So there was no reason to have a curiosity of those kinds of foods. However, for me, my parents understood that it would be tough. When most people think of food, their first couple of choices are of animal by-products. But I didn't let that get to me and I refused to change. There were many other kids that I know who have the same religion, but choose to eat meat. I can understand them. We are surrounded by meat everywhere we go. You can't avoid it. In school there's always animal products being served. When I go out to eat, there isn't much I can eat. At all my friends' houses, I am always exposed to meat. It just cannot be avoided. But if you believe in something and think it's right for you, it's easy and it seems like a normal part of everyday schedule.
Bonus For Vegetarians
Just Realize What You Are Doing
Although my being a vegetarian is mainly because I don't like to hurt animals there's a bonus, it's healthy too. Eating red meat, for example, may raise your cholesterol level considerably which is a major cause of heart attacks. In my family history, there aren't any case of heart attacks or of any other serious disease as far as I know. Also, vegetarians don't have to worry about getting ill from rotten meat. Some people may think that vegetarians are just a bunch of weaklings" because they don't get enough of the protein and vitamins you need. Vegetables and grains give you all the essentials you need. Besides, I have beaten many "non-vegies" in an arm wrestle in my life. Also, by having respect for animals builds up moral values. If a
At the moment everything is fine. I am used to be around people who eat meat. My parents, when they came to this country were not bothered by it. They already developed a lifestyle of their own. I believe I have reached that stage too. Don't get me wrong, I am not arrogant towards people who are non-vegetarians. All of my close friends are. I know they couldn't change even if they tried. But at least they realize what they are doing; that's all I care about. I just want people to know that many living beings are wasted when they don't have to be. So maybe in the distant future, long after I am gone, there could be more people who could believe and practice the same way as I did
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