1. "The purchaser of flesh performs himsa (violence) by his wealth; he who eatsflesh does so by enjoying its taste; the killer does himsa by actually tying and killing the animal. Thus, there are three forms of killing. He who brings flesh or sends for it, he who cuts of the limbs of an animal, and he who purchases, sells, or cooks flesh and eats it--all of these are to be considered meat-eaters." (Mahabharata, Anu. 115:40)
2. "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." (Srimad Bhagavatam, 11.5.14)
3."By not killing any living being, one becomes fit for salvation." (Manusmriti, 6.60) He who injures harmless creatures from a wish to give himself pleasure, never finds happiness in this life or the next. (Manusmriti 5.45)
4. "Those noble souls who practice meditation and other yogic ways, who are ever careful about all beings, who protect all animals, are the ones who are actually serious about spiritual practices." (Atharva Veda, 19.48.5)
5. "One who partakes of human flesh, the flesh of a horse or of another animal, and deprives others of milk by slaughtering cows, O King, if such a fiend does not desist by other means, then you should not hesitate to cut off his head." (Rig Veda, 10.87.16)
6. "You must not use your God-given body for killing God's creatures, whether they are human, animal or whatever." (Yajur Veda, 12.32)
7."One who is not envious but who is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor, who is free from false ego and equal both in happiness and distress, who is always satisfied and engaged in devotional service with determination and whose mind and intelligence are in agreement with Me—he is very dear to Me." (Bhagavad gita.12.13-14). The Gita clarifies exactly what should be offered: "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.…all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me." (Bhagavad-gita. 9.26, 27)
8. "A person fully aware of religious principles should never offer anything like meat, eggs or fish in the Sraddha ceremony, and even if one is a Kshatriya (warrior), he himself should not eat such things." (Bhagavata Purana 7.15.7)
9. Protect both our species, two-legged and four-legged. Both food and water for their needs supply. May they with us increase in stature and strength. Save us from hurt all our days, O Powers! (Rig Veda 10.37.11. VE, 319)
10. A twice-born person (Dwija or Brahmin) of virtuous disposition, whether he dwells at home, with a teacher, or in the forest, must never, even in times of distress, cause an injury to any creature which is not sanctioned by the Veda. (Manusmriti V, 43)
11. Ahimsa is the highest dharma. Ahimsa is the best tapas. Ahimsa is the greatest gift. Ahimsa is the highest self-control. Ahimsa is the highest sacrifice. Ahimsa is the highest power. Ahimsa is the highest friend. Ahimsa is the highest truth. Ahimsa is the highest teaching. (Mahabharata 18.116.37-41.)
12. Goodness is never one with the minds of these two: One who wields a weapon and one who feasts on a creatures' flesh. If you ask, "What is kindness and what is unkind?" It is not killing and killing. Thus, eating flesh is never virtuous. Life is perpetuated by not eating meat. The clenched jaws of hell hold those who do. When a man realizes that meat is the butchered flesh Of another creature, he must abstain from eating it. (The Tirukural Verse 254-312)
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