The Vedic scriptures establish nonviolence, called ahimsa, as
the ethical foundation of vegetarianism and for a peaceful society.
According to the Vedas, God is the Supreme Father of all creatures,
not just humans. Therefore, slaughter of innocent animals is
considered equivalent to killing one’s brother or sister.
Krishna devotees follow a wholesome lacto-vegetarian diet excluding
meat, fish and eggs. Although it may be argued that vegetarians are
guilty of killing vegetables, foods such as fruits, nuts, milk, and
grains do not require killing. But even when a plant’s life is
taken, the pain involved is dramatically less than that of a
highly-sensitive animal such as a cow or lamb.
According to karma, nature’s law of action and reaction, human
beings must suffer for any killing that is against God’s laws. For
this reason, as well as to show recognition and appreciation for
the supreme proprietor and supplier of all food, devotees prepare
vegetarian meals as devotional offerings to Krishna, God. Then food
is called prasadam (spiritual food), which can be fully enjoyed
without karmic reaction.
