Enlightenment in Vedic spiritual practices, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizes the lifelong journey of a yogi’s spiritual growth.
In this article I will attempt to highlight the connection between enlightenment and the practice of vegetarianism, rooted in the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) as they tend to go hand in hand.
Curious why yogis tend to be vegetarian but not always vegan? This article will attempt to answer this question through my personal lens.
Key Takeaways
Enlightenment
In many Vedic spiritual practices like Buddhism and Hinduism, the goal of existence is to reach enlightenment.
The spiritual goal of enlightenment is to remember one’s true nature and connection to the divine within. It is a lifelong devotion meant to be achieved over years or decades through devoted practices.
One common thread of yogis seeking enlightenment is vegetarianism.
But why is it so essential and where does the practice come from?
What is enlightenment?
In Vedic culture, enlightenment is the supreme state of consciousness where yogis on the path may completely unite with the divine.
It is the ability to awaken and free the mind of attachment and human desires and reach a bliss state.
Reaching enlightenment isn't something your average human can master and achieve in this lifetime. To reach enlightenment could take decades.
It is a fully committed lifestyle that essentially requires you to release the human comforts of the world and devote your life fully to God or the Divine. The practice guides you to foster a sense of compassion and mindfulness all in the facilitation of spiritual growth.
Depending on the specific path, whether it be Buddhism or Ancient Indian Scripture, there are major steps involved in the process of reaching enlightenment.
In yoga or ashtanga the path to reach enlightenment of the mind, body and spirit is to practice through the eight limbs of yoga:
Within the eight limbs of yoga, you have the yamas and niyamas.
The limbs of yoga contain principles to follow such as: self-study, non-violence, truthfulness, and contentment.
Ahima belonging to the Yamas is the principle of practicing non-violence.
Non-violence toward yourself and others, to include awareness of thought and speech as well as action.
Why Yogi's Have a Vegetarian Diet
On the path to reach enlightenment, one significant step that is taken is the adoption of a vegetarian diet.
As the concept of ahimsa entails, most yogis on the yogic path will choose to live by and abide by the eight limb path. These practices lend themselves into all aspects of a yogis life to include their diet.
While it may not be a direct interpretation of ahimsa many yogis on the path believe that eating animal products would directly contradict with the principles of non-violence and therefore choose to abstain.
According to Vedic studies, specifically in Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga), animal meat is found to be incredibly tamasic, or dulling to the senses.
The goal of Ayurveda and yoga is to become more sattvic or pure. Because animal protein doesn’t digest as quickly and can rest heavy on the system, it is typically discouraged for most people to consume on a regular basis.
According to Ayurveda in the cases of malnourishment or a deficiency in the system, meat can be consumed accordingly but generally is not encouraged. Without meat and a smoother digestive process, a fresh and lighter plant-based diet can contribute to a clearer, steady mind and stronger physical practice.
Why Yogi's May Not be Vegan
As the practice of non-violence is a core reason many yogis practice vegetarianism, in my own practices and studies I have found many, if not most yogis to be vegetarian rather than vegan.
Why is this?
The Vedic period dates back to c. 1500-c. 500 BCE.
Traditionally cows are held in high regard and even sacred creatures. According to the Vedas, cows are mentioned to not be killed (“aghnya”) and were found to be revered for religious significance.
In the practice of non-violence, cows were never harmed but the consumed dairy and milk products were considered a staple food and primary source of nourishment. Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions of India consider dairy products essential and holy.
As a result what you’ll find in any traditional vegetarian cookbook are the numerous dairy filled recipes. Particularly cow’s milk, products like yogurt, soft cheese, ghee and curd make up a primary food source of a typical Vedic diet.
Final Thoughts
While the consumption of dairy is traditionally standard, it isn’t uncommon to find yogis today have moved away from tradition and adapted to a mostly vegan diet.
Due to the state of current day food standards and ethical sourcing, cow reverence doesn’t exist the way it once did. In order to maintain a traditional and wholesome yogic diet, a lot of conscious effort would need to be put into sourcing high quality dairy.
Either way, whether you’re a practicing yogi or vegetarian and if it's for the purpose of non-harm or ahimsa, know you’re on the path.
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