Which is best: a mixed diet of meat and vegetables, or a diet of vegetables alone?

—B.C.

All foods have one of three qualities. Some foods have spiritual qualities, some have activating qualities, and some have evil qualities. Since the expression of a person’s soul is dependent upon the condition of his body, and his body is dependent upon food, it is desirable to know not only the physical but also the spiritual and psychological effects of food.

In nature we find that the big fish eat the smaller fish, the lizard swallows the little worm, and the strong lion and tiger prey upon smaller animals. We also find that vegetables eat the earth chemicals, and that birds, beasts, and human beings eat both vegetable and animal food. As in nature we find more carnivorous animals than vegetarian animals, so also do we find that more people subsist on meat than on vegetables alone.

It is found, by comparing the national characteristics of different nations, that our food is largely responsible for our mentalities. Too much meat produces a fighting quality. Vegetables, on the other hand, produce peace-loving qualities.

Vegetables are not as concentrated as meat and have to be prepared with more patience. The improper cooking of vegetables destroys their good effects. Both vegetables and fruits, having a natural laxative action, are conducive to health and the elimination of diseases.

Every form of beef and pork should be strictly avoided. Those who feel that they must eat meat should confine themselves to lamb, chicken or fish. It is better to eat eggs, nuts or other good meat substitutes instead of meat. No absolute rule can be given for all times and all peoples, but it has been scientifically proven that the overeating of meat tends to produce more diseases than the overeating of vegetables.

Longevity depends not only upon proper eating, but also upon  controlling the breath, not overworking the heart, proper elimination, controlling the sex-force, and proper recharging of the body from the Divine Source.

From Inner Culture, October 1940.