Sevak

It is possible to practice Krishna Consciousness without being vegetarian. However, you should be aware that nonviolence to all living entities is very important for anyone's spiritual development. Offering what one eats to Krishna and taking the remnants as prasadam is even more important, and Krishna does not accept any non-vegetarian offerings.

Krishna devotees don't consider themselves "vegetarian." Even pigeons and monkeys are vegetarian, and there's not much virtue in being a pigeon or a monkey. Technically, devotees of Krishna are "prasad-ivores," meaning that we only eat what has been offered to Krishna. We offer Him what He likes—fruits, veggies, milk products, grains etc. If you want to become Krishna conscious, at least eat what Krishna likes, and offer them to Krishna—at least in your mind—before eating.

Other aspects of Krishna Consciousness that you can take up without becoming vegetarian are chanting Hare Krishna and reading Srila Prabhupada's books. You can listen to lectures online from Srila Prabhupada and other senior devotees and associate with devotees online as well. These are things you can do immediately and without any problem, regardless of your eating habits or proximity to a temple.

You say you live far away, but really no one is far away anymore. The world is small enough to fit into a computer screen. Take advantage of that by associating with devotees from all over the world, any time, from anywhere. I suggest you check out ISKCONdesiretree.com. There you will find unlimited ways to connect with devotees and Krishna Consciousness.

If you're able to use a computer—which I assume you are since you're asking these questions on Krishna.com—perhaps you can attend classes on Skype, or participate in other online classes. My son is a quadriplegic, yet he manages to do many, many interactive things via the computer.

If you're really interested in taking up the process of Krishna Consciousness, there are so many options for serving, hearing, chanting, and finding out more and more about Krishna. As your Krishna consciousness develops, you'll naturally become inclined to give up eating meat, gambling, intoxication, and illicit sexual connection. Where there is a will, there is a way. Ultimately, every devotee aspires to follow these four regulative principles but don't stop trying to become Krishna conscious just because you don't currently follow any of them. Just do what you can and Krishna will help you.

I hope this is helpful.
Sincerely
Laxmimoni dasi.

You need to be a member of ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT to add comments!

Join ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT