To Eat or Not to Eat: (Non)Vegetarianism in Indian Knowledge System

Susheel Kumar Sharma

Professor of English, Department of English & Modern European Languages, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj

Abstract:

This paper examines Hindu consciousness through the lens of non-dualism (Advaita), contrasting it with Abrahamic theological frameworks regarding non-violence, vegetarianism, and animal sacrifice. Central to Hindu philosophy is the identification of the self (Atman) with the universal divine (Brahman), as articulated in Upanishadic verses like: bahu syāṁ prajāyeyeti  (“He desired to be many.” Taittiriya Upanishad 2.6.1), eko devah sarva bhuteshu (“The One dwells in all beings.” Shwetashvtaropnishad 6.11), sarvam khalvidam brahm (“All this is Brahma.” Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1), aham brahmasmi (“I am Divine.” Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10), tat tvam asi (“That Thou Art.” Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7) and ayam atma brahma (“This Self (Atman) is Brahman”, Mandukya Upanishad 1.2). Hence, there is “no other” for a traditional Hindu – neither in the human world nor in the non-human world. This ontological unity fosters universal compassion (ahimsa), extending equal reverence to all beings—human, animal, and ecological—since all are manifestations of Brahman. The text cites extensive Vedic and post-Vedic scriptures (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Mahabharata, Manusmriti) condemning meat-eating and animal sacrifice, emphasizing that violence against any being violates cosmic harmony. In contrast, Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) position humans as divinely ordained stewards with dominion over nature, permitting animal consumption and ritual sacrifice. It is argued that Hinduism’s ethical framework, predating Buddhist/Jain influences, inherently advocates vegetarianism as a moral, ecological, and spiritual imperative. Debates around historical practices like Ashwamedha (horse sacrifice) are addressed through reinterpretations of terms like medha (purification) rather than literal killing. Ultimately, the text positions Hinduism’s non-anthropocentric worldview as a corrective to modern ecological crises, advocating universal welfare (sarva-bhuta-hite-ratah) as the highest dharma.  

Full Text:

To Eat or Not to Eat: (Non)Vegetarianism in Indian Knowledge System

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