How is being a vegetarian different from eating the meat of an animal?

It's not even a question of morals for me anymore. My body said stop eating that, so I did. I feel an incredible difference and refuse to eat meat ever again to the point that my body will completely reject it if I do. It was the easiest thing I've ever had to do. I'm so happy I did and I hope others will too. It's simple, see ;)

I believe that there is a path that we all take. And like a child who passes certain milestones in their development, there are milestones in our evolution. Personally, I think that one of those milestones is how we relate to the rest of the natural world, how we treat the earth, how we treat the people around us, how we treat the animals.

I think too, that humanity is poised to make a choice as to how the world will be in the future. Our awareness of the suffering of others is widening and that is why we're finally beginning to realize that children shouldn't be used and abused, why we've begun to realize once again that women deserve respect and safety, why we finally have concerns over the disappearing rainforests, the state of the oceans, the rights of gay people to have lives.....Even what is occuring in the Middle East where those who've been beaten down for centuries are standing up and say "it's not fair and no more!" is a symptom of these changes. That there are groups like Wikileaks and Anonymous, groups who are making sure 'that the people know (what sneaky **** the rulers are engaged in), are a signpost. I like to think that signpost points us to a world where there is a more level playing field because the corruption will not be hidden. Of course, there will be mistakes and failures along the way and it will take a long time, but I think we've finally begun to change course. And of course, to get back to the point of this thread, the fact that there are people out there who refer to themselves as animal welfarists proves that point. Once upon a time, nobody cared, but now even the consumer is starting to look for improvement in the treatment of these poor creatures.

The past no longer exists, it is a memory and we have today, now and nothing more. Honouring tradition might be a reason for having an annual parade or an extra day off, but we have only this moment to define who we are and it sets the tone for how our tomorrows may be. Making choices based on holding to old tradition simply means little growth, slow evolution of our humanity. My opinion.

[Kiki04]

Originally Posted by s0ultraveller

You cannot kill and eat animals and also sit like Buddha and work on peace :) it is very contrasting...

True. :/
I've read that animals came here with the purpose of providing nourishment for us human beings. What do you think about that?

[Chrysaetos]

Originally Posted by Kiki04

True. :/ I've read that animals came here with the purpose of providing nourishment for us human beings. What do you think about that?

It's anthropocentric thinking. It is prevalent everywhere thanks to religion.

Nothing came here with a purpose to provide nourishment. There are just natural explanations..

[athribiristan]

Originally Posted by Lovely

Well plants don't feel pain.

Read The Secret Life of Plants and you will change your mind about that.

Originally Posted by clovelly

Why cause unnecessary pain & trauma since it is really only to satisfy your taste buds?

i want to see someone argue this point.

ever sense i became veg i am so much healthier. i can think clearer, i used to have lightheaded spells and a bad memory before veg. i don't bruise as easily, i have much better digestion, more energy, the list goes on.

[Chrysaetos]

Originally Posted by mahakali

i want to see someone argue this point.
ever sense i became veg i am so much healthier. i can think clearer, i used to have lightheaded spells and a bad memory before veg. i don't bruise as easily, i have much better digestion, more energy, the list goes on.

I'm willing to argue there.

Taste is important. Although I wouldn't use it as a main argument to eat meat. It doesn't matter whether you are a meater, vegetarian, or vegan. We all want food that has a good taste. Some choose tasty vegetarian meals, others may pick meat.

I've been meater, vegetarian, and everything in between. I've been carefully noticing any changes physically and mentally. I must say I have a sharper mind and more energy when I add some meat (fish) to my diet. But too much meat is not good. The trick is to find a middle way there. It isn't about pure meaters and pure vegs.

so satisfying taste buds is worth causing an animal trauma and pain. i feel like being empathic probably has something to do with me being veg. well at least you cut back, thats almost as good as being veg, well half as good and thats def something. two people who eat half as much meat equals 1 vegetarian :)

[Chrysaetos]

Originally Posted by mahakali

so satisfying taste buds is worth causing an animal trauma and pain.

How do you know every animal has trauma and pain before dying? ;p

Originally Posted by mahakali

i feel like being empathic probably has something to do with me being veg. well at least you cut back, thats almost as good as being veg, well half as good and thats def something. two people who eat half as much meat equals 1 vegetarian :)

Well no matter what diet we follow, animals were killed in the process. If people consume tropical fruits and vegetables they cause more damage to environment and animals then if they would eat a fish from their local lake, or a chicken from a local farmer.

[NightSpirit]

Its beginning to sound as though vegans feel they are needing to always justify their eating choices judging by these many vegan threads popping up....just like religious zealots.

I don't understand why vegans carry this 'picked-on' stigma but to me, can we all just get over it?

Plants..animals...feelings...I love animals the same as others do, but i don't come on righteous about what I choose to eat.

Thanks