I have been a vegetarian for over 20 years.
But really many people have known me for 5 or10 years and not even known, been suprised when get me a burger and refuse etc, then explain....
The problem with lot's of things in life is a form of evangelicalism or pushing our morals on others.
I agree with one part of the OP that it is helpfull in spiritual progress for a number of reasons,
It develop's compassion,
It strengthens will, and control of passions and mind
It is healthier for us
It uses less energy, water food etc for each kg produced.
However I have met many "enlightened" as called people in life, white robes and all, ascended masters apparently, indigo children and familes, all or
rather most are "style warriors" and are as fake as the Smiles on the Hill. With all their apparent "purity" and "guru" or "enlightened" status they
may look the part, but spend a lot of time with these sorts of people and soon the truth is shown. These very "ascended" or "awakened" people have
been observed by me doing some of the meanest, and wrong things possible.
I have and do know people, never mention such high lofty terms, go hunting, dont even think or talk of spirituality, but are consistently and quietly
modest, kind, loyal truthfull and loving, and imho a lot closer to enlightenment eating meat and all, killing and cooking it than 90% of the "style
warriors"
I will leave the words of the Buddha to explain what I am trying to convey about this.
It is what comes out of the mouth that defiles and pollutes your body and mind, NOT what is put into it.
An vegetarian who lies, is full of ego, takes money for "spiritual" teachings etc, pretends to have reached levels they have not, has much much worse
Karma than eating meat.
Its good but has to be taken in context of the person and life, it on its own means very little if the rest of the life is full of lies, ego and lack
of love.
Kind Regards,
Elf
edit on 28-5-2011 by MischeviousElf because: spelling