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The Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.47 verse which you have quoted is correct but you have entirely misunderstood the verse. This is what is happening these days, people are looking at scriptures and then taking things out of context to suit their own whimsical ideas. Unless you hear Srimad Bhagavatam or other Vedic texts from a Vaishnava who is a pure devotee of the Lord you will come to the wrong conclusion and mostly misinterpret the verse according to your own limited understanding. You have very easily quoted the verse but have you read the purport to this verse and understood it:-

A systematic law of subsistence in the struggle for existence is there by the supreme will, and there is no escape for anyone by any amount of planning. The living beings who have come to the material world against the will of the Supreme Being are under the control of a supreme power called māyā-śakti, the deputed agent of the Lord, and this daivī māyā is meant to pinch the conditioned souls by threefold miseries, one of which is explained here in this verse: the weak are the subsistence of the strong. No one is strong enough to protect himself from the onslaught of a stronger, and by the will of the Lord there are systematic categories of the weak, the stronger and the strongest. There is nothing to be lamented if a tiger eats a weaker animal, including a man, because that is the law of the Supreme Lord. But although the law states that a human being must subsist on another living being, there is the law of good sense also, for the human being is meant to obey the laws of the scriptures. This is impossible for other animals. The human being is meant for self-realization, and for that purpose he is not to eat anything which is not first offered to the Lord. The Lord accepts from His devotee all kinds of food preparations made of vegetables, fruits, leaves and grains. Fruits, leaves and milk in different varieties can be offered to the Lord, and after the Lord accepts the foodstuff, the devotee can partake of the prasāda, by which all suffering in the struggle for existence will be gradually mitigated. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.26). Even those who are accustomed to eat animals can offer foodstuff, not to the Lord directly, but to an agent of the Lord, under certain conditions of religious rites. Injunctions of the scriptures are meant not to encourage the eaters of animals, but to restrict them by regulated principles.

The living being is the source of subsistence for other, stronger living beings. No one should be very anxious for his subsistence in any circumstances because there are living beings everywhere, and no living being starves for want of food at any place. Mahārāja Yudhisthira is advised by Nārada not to worry about his uncles’ suffering for want of food, for they could live on vegetables available in the jungles as prasāda of the Supreme Lord and thus realize the path of salvation.

Exploitation of the weaker living being by the stronger is the natural law of existence; there is always an attempt to devour the weak in different kingdoms of living beings. There is no possibility of checking this tendency by any artificial means under material conditions; it can be checked only by awakening the spiritual sense of the human being by practise of spiritual regulations. The spiritual regulative principles, however, do not allow a man to slaughter weaker animals on one side and teach others peaceful coexistence. If man does not allow the animals peaceful coexistence, how can he expect peaceful existence in human society? The blind leaders must therefore understand the Supreme Being and then try to implement the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God, or Rāma-rājya, is impossible without the awakening of God consciousness in the mass mind of the people of the world.

So my friend this verse is clearly talking about the dangers in this material world and how the stronger tries to kill the weaker entity, BUT that does not mean you create slaughter houses and start killing innocent animals and continue to eat meat. This verse is not about eating meat, also it is not in anyway encouraging anyone to eat meat. Its discussing about the dangers of the material existence. It mentions that one living being is food for another which means that we all need to eat something to sustain our life, but generally animals are killing the animals in the jungles and the humans are eating vegetables which also has a life, so killing is done on both sides but that does not mean humans should be eating the animals food. Human can clearly live with vegetarian food. Also the consciousness level is different in a vegetable to that of an animal and the karmic reaction is also different. By killing and eating an animal the Karmic reaction is much higher. So we have to live and eat to a bare minimum karma. Also the purport clearly says that we should be vegetarians and offer all the vegetarian food to Lord Krishna before eating it, this will free us from the karmic reactions. The Lord does not sanction offering meat to him so we should not eat meat. This has already been discussed in this article, please read the article thoroughly again. Also if you want to eat meat then why not go to the jungles and do your own prey, why not catch the animals yourself and eat it, if not then we are being hypocrite. How about catching a tiger, will you be able to prey? The tiger has no hands but you have hands so why don’t you go and prey on the tiger? If your presenting the quote then I am asking you to follow and apply it on a practical level. Also it says: Those who are devoid of hands are prey for those who have hands; those devoid of legs are prey for the four-legged, this can also be referred to animals as some has hands and legs and some don’t. If sometimes a scripture mentions meat eating this is meant to restrict them by regulated principles. On a higher level meat is not recommended at all, meat eating is for those people who have a degraded consciousness and cannot follow higher standard of spirituality. But we should not remain degraded as we will have to suffer the consequences and be liable for such punishment for killing and eating the animals. One has to go through hellish conditions and balance their karma. So its very risky to eat meat.

Also this scenario is about Dhritarashtra Quits Home, he will be leaving to go to forest so there was general discussion about his safety. Mahārāja Yudhisthira is advised by Nārada not to worry about his uncles’ suffering for want of food, for they could live on vegetables available in the jungles as prasāda of the Supreme Lord and thus realize the path of salvation.

Also if you are quoting from Srimad Bhagavatam why don’t you look at:

SB 11.5.14: Those sinful persons who are ignorant of actual religious principles, yet consider themselves to be completely pious, without compunction commit violence against innocent animals who are fully trusting in them. In their next lives, such sinful persons will be eaten by the same creatures they have killed in this world.

If you really would had read the whole Srimad Bhagavatam you would become a vegetarian and a devotee of Lord Krishna and surrender unto him. It’s really easy to just browse the net and find verses to suit our needs. If your quoting from Srimad Bhagavtam then you must also accept it, and the Srimad Bhagavatam goes much deeper saying that one should offer his life to Lord Krishna.

You quoted:-

Manusmriti (Chapter 5 / Verse 30) says,
“It is not sinful to eat meat of eatable animals, for God has created both the eaters and the eatables.”

Rigveda (10/85/13) declares, “On the occasion of a girl’s marriage oxen and cows are slaughtered.

You are quoting these verses but do you know the actual Sanskrit verses to these so called English translations? You have only quoted the English translations which has been interpreted by western people who have no clue whatsoever about Vedic knowledge. They are fools and we are also fools for following such people’s translation to Vedas. The material presented here is based on a thorough and objective analysis of roots of Vedic words, the context in which they appear, Vedic Vocabulary, Philology, Grammar and other tools critical for correct interpretation of the Vedic mantras. Thus this research series does not merely rely on blind reproduction of works of Max Muller, Griffith, Wilson, Williams and other ideologists on Vedas and Vedic language. While they are more popular in contemporary western academia, we have objective reasons to conclude that their works are far from authoritative.

The verses you have quoted is not the real translations of the Vedic Mantra. Please read this:-

A) Rigveda (10/85/13) declares, “On the occasion of a girl’s marriage oxen and cows are slaughtered.”

Fact: The mantra states that in winter, the rays of sun get weakened and then get strong again in spring. The word used for sun-rays in ‘Go’ which also means cow and hence the mantra can also be translated by making ‘cow’ and not ‘sun-rays’ as the subject. The word used for ‘weakened’ is ‘Hanyate’ which can also mean killing. But if that be so, why would the mantra go further and state in next line (which is deliberately not translated) that in spring, they start regaining their original form. How can a cow killed in winter regain its health in spring? This amply proves how ignorant and biased communists malign Vedas.

B) Rigveda (6/17/1) states that “Indra used to eat the meat of cow, calf, horse and buffalo.” (translation by Avatar Gill and group)

Fact: The mantra states that brilliant scholars enlighten the world in the manner that wood enhances the fire of Yajna. We fail to understand from where did Avtar Gill and his friends discover Indra, cow, calf, horse and buffalo in this mantra! Also, there is a word “Gavyam”, which are five in numbers according to Aayurved-cow’s milk, curd, butter, Mutra and Apashisht. Where does the flesh come into the picture? Mantra clearly says that the king should be well built through Saatvik bhojan like Ghrit, so that he can defend his country and kill the monsters.

Can you now see how western interpreters of Vedas has clearly messed up the translations without really understanding Sanskrit grammar. It takes nearly 11 years just to master Sanskrit language, so how can these western people translate the Vedic texts, also they are not devotees of the Lord so how can they can they comment on such scriptures. Also do not get any texts from Islam sites about meat eating, its all been altered to suit their needs, but eventually truth will prevail. The whole economic is falling apart and causing severe damage to the environment by eating meat.

Also can I leave you with the following quotes about no meat eating in the Vedic scriptures, please read them:-

Yasmintsarvaani bhutaanyaatmaivaabhuudvijaanatah
Tatra ko mohah kah shokah ekatvamanupasyatah
Yajurveda 40.7

“Those who see all beings as souls do not feel infatuation or anguish at their sight, for they experience oneness with them”.
How could people who believed in the doctrines of indestructibility, transmigration dare to kill living animals in yajnas? They might be seeing the souls of their own near and dear ones of bygone days residing in those living beings.
———————————————
Anumantaa vishasitaa nihantaa krayavikrayee
Samskartaa chopahartaa cha khadakashcheti ghaatakaah
Manusmrithi 5.51

Those who permit slaying of animals; those who bring animals for slaughter; those who slaughter; those who sell meat; those who purchase meat; those who prepare dish out of it; those who serve that
meat and those who eat are all murderers.
———————————————
Breehimattam yavamattamatho maashamatho tilam
Esha vaam bhaago nihito ratnadheyaaya dantau maa hinsishtam pitaram maataram cha
Atharvaveda 6.140.2

O teeth! You eat rice, you eat barley, you gram and you eat sesame. These cereals are specifically meant for you. Do not kill those who are capable of being fathers and mothers.
——————————————–
Ya aamam maansamadanti paurusheyam cha ye kravih
Garbhaan khaadanti keshavaastaanito naashayaamasi
Atharvaveda 8.6.23

We ought to destroy those who eat cooked as well as uncooked meat, meat involving destruction of males and females, foetus and eggs.
——————————————-
Anago hatya vai bheema kritye
Maa no gaamashvam purusham vadheeh
Atharvaveda 10.1.29

It is definitely a great sin to kill innocents. Do not kill our cows, horses and people.
How could there be justification of cow and other animals being killed when killing is so clearly prohibited in the Vedas?
———————————————
Aghnyaa yajamaanasya pashoonpahi
Yajurveda 1.1

“O human! animals are Aghnya – not to be killed. Protect the animals”
———————————————
Pashunstraayethaam
Yajurveda 6.11

Protect the animals.
———————————————
Dwipaadava Chatushpaatpaahi
Yajurveda 14.8

Protect the bipeds and quadrupeds!
———————————————-
Kravy da –kravya[ meat obtained from slaughter] + Ada [ the eater]—the meat eater.
Pisacha — pisita [meat] +asa [eater]—the meat eater.
Asutrpa — Asu [breath of life] + trpa [one who satisfies himself on]—one who takes others life for his meals.
Garba da and Anda da – the foetus and egg eaters.
Mans da – the meat eaters

Meat eaters have always been looked down in Vedic literature. They have been known as Rakshasas, Pisacha and so on….All these words are synonyms of demons or devils that have been out-cast from the civilized human society.

Please read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is and Srimad Bhagavatam by Srila Prabhupada and purify your existence. If you can please visit ISKCON Hare Krishna temple and do some seva. Most importantly always chant: Hare Krishna Maha Mantra which is: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Hare Krishna
ISKCON Birmingham

Those who are devoid of hands are prey for those who have hands; those devoid of legs are prey for the four-legged. The weak are the subsistence of the strong, and the general rule holds that one living being is food for another.

and also,
Manusmriti (Chapter 5 / Verse 30) says,
“It is not sinful to eat meat of eatable animals, for God has created both the eaters and the eatables.”

last one,
Rigveda (10/85/13) declares, “On the occasion of a girl’s marriage oxen and cows are slaughtered.

If we truly Love God then we would love all living entities regardless of their body covering. When we Love God then this reflects as being compassionate to all the living entities. I like your views, yes we should see all living entities with an equal vision as we are all related to that one Supreme God. We are all spiritual family and we should not harm anyone. In the Bhagavad Gita (5.18) it is said: The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater.

When I mean Krishna, I am referring to God. Just like Christ. God has many names, Krishna means the ‘All Attractive’ supreme person. In the Vedic literature the information about God is given in very detail.

If you would like to know further then please browse through our website for more information about God. Also you may want to read the ‘Bhagavad Gita As It Is’ by Srila Prabhupada, you will gain so much information and guidance about spiritual life. Also there is a book called ‘The Science of Self Realisation’ by Srila Prabhupada, this is a very interesting book and it discusses few topics about Krishna and Christ.

If you have any further questions then please feel free to ask.

Hare Krishna

ISKCON Birmingham

As you mentioned precisely, an animal, it moves, it grows, it speaks, and dies. So does the humans, it just goes to show that if humans can have a soul then why not an animal with all the similarities. Remember an animal does feel and pain and pleasure, violently slaughtering them for food is surely not ideal. It clearly says ‘Thou shall not Kill’.

Hare Krishna

ISKCON Birmingham

Thank you for your comments on the article.

Regarding your questions, meat eating is not an healthy option as it contains so much fat that it can harm the body. Why do the health organisations now encourage more to eat vegetables and fruits, it’s for a simple reason, its healthy and good for the body. Our intestines is not designed to digest meat as it takes such a long time to digest meat. Our intestines are so long that meat actually starts to putrefy before we can pass them through.

Some people then say why did God give us canine (sharp) teeth. Well God gave us canine teeth so we can break and eat solid vegetarian foods. It’s not that we should be having meat because we have canine teeth. Also humans “canines” look nothing like a carnivore’s. A human can’t run fast enough to catch its food but the tiger can, you don’t have the nails or teeth to kill it and tear it apart. You can’t eat it raw or you get sick. Your jaw does not only move vertically like a carnivore’s.

Humans are not designed to eat meat, but people still do after some unnatural processing. Vegetarian/Vegan diets are healthier because of our body design in relation to food. Human intestines, like herbivore intestines, are longer to digest plants.

Carnivores have shorter intestines so that the meat does not stay in the body too long and start to poison it as it rots. The canine teeth in humans are very misleading. Look at a gorilla. They have very large canines despite being vegetarian animals. These teeth are better suited to bite into fruits and plants than animals. In fact, carnivores have claws that they use to hunt which are vital in catching prey. In addition, carnivores have very few molar teeth if any. Animals like horses and humans, have many flat teeth intended for grinding plants. Carnivores swallow more than chew meat. They need the canine teeth to tear meat, not chew it.

Humans don’t tear meat. They first cook it (no other animals does this to food, therefore unnatural) then they cut it with a tool like a knife, (there goes away whole canine theory) then they chew the meat, not swallow it whole. Then the meat stays in the intestines too long for it to be healthy. That’s why vegetarian people have a significantly reduced risk of cancers related to the colon.

There is nothing really natural about eating meat. People do eat meat but our bodies are not intended to do so. If you add all the science around the issue, you will start to see that humans are not intended to eat meat like they do. Vegetarianism is healthier and makes more sense regarding our body design. God has made everything perfect but humans due to being imperfect misuse things and are violating laws of nature. If you find any scriptures mention about meat eating it’s been interpreted, meat word has been referred to food in general like vegetables or nourishment, but just to suit their own needs people have used meat as in animal flesh. The whole civilisation is marching towards hell, as equal karma needs to be made according to ones actions.

Anyway in Krishna Consciousness just by being a vegetarian is not enough, it’s also a sinful act to eat food for personal sense gratification. That’s why the devotees of Lord Krishna according to the Bhagavad Gita offer pure vegetarian food without onion and garlic to the Lord, then eat that food later as sanctified or spiritual food which has now become karma free food.

ISKCON Birmingham

PAMHO.
AGTSP.

We need this kind of ‘prachar’ (propagation) more and more amongst people of the Abrahamic faiths so that can get enlightened and stop murdering our unfortunate brothers and sisters in the animal kingdom.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant.