Diet & Religion
Diet is a part of religious principles and practice. The link between body, mind and spirit differs largely amongst religions. Some doctrines prescribe food and drink, while others offer choice. Some religious ceremonies and observances may require fasting or communal meals.
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Fasting and Food Deprivation
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Physical denial can be seen as a path to enlightenment. Ascetics limit themselves to basic foods and few or charitable meals. Many Native Americans fast during vision quests, to induce visions and commune with the spirit world. Sikhs fast only for medical reasons.
Some religious practitioners fast to transform the body (Hinduism), purify or cleanse (Hatha Yoga), live simply and non-selfishly (Taoism) or for self-discipline and health (Vinaya Buddhism). Fasting on holidays and observances brings one closer to Allah (Muslim Ramadan) or God (Bahá'í Ala), offers repentance (Jewish Yom Kippur) or purgation, penitence and self-denial (Christian Lent). In Jainist Santhara, starving to death is a process of surrendering earthly desire.
Vegetarian and Vegan
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Some religions restrict or prohibit meat and dairy products. Many Hindus practice vegetarianism to prevent harming living creatures and for karmic reasons. Jainists are vegan as an expression of non-violence. Orthodox Christians often abstain from eating "impure" meat, dairy, oil, alcohol and fish.
Some religions prescribe vegetarian diets for health. According to the German Cancer Research Center, vegetarians tend to live longer, have fewer health problems, better digestion and enjoy greater energy than meat eaters. Vegetarian diet are also common in areas where resources and refrigeration are scarce.
Almost all religions have vegetarian sects. Pagans and some New Age sects eat in accordance with the natural world to sustain the environment, to protect animal rights, improve local ecology and encourage a peaceful lifestyle. They prefer fresh, seasonal fare and farm-raised meat, but are increasingly vegan.
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Pure Diet
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Some religions mandate pure diet: nourishment created for pure use. Food is prepared without artificial additives and eaten in natural forms (raw or lightly cooked). Meals are light and portions moderate. Food and medicines are plant-based, organically grown and harvested.
Tantrics aspire to spiritual perfection. Diet is a source of pleasure and well-being. It keeps the organs, cravings and body weight in balance and fosters beauty. Tantrics heighten their senses and enjoy food flavors, textures and fragrances. Feasting is ritualized with fornication, burial and defecation.
Nature-based religions believe all beings are born of light and matter. Natural laws and systems keep the body strong and energies flowing. Practitioners derive mystical power and physical harmony from the elements that provide food.
Animal Diet
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Animal sacrifice is a global tradition. It has been practiced by Greeks, Romans, Aztecs, Hebrews, Muslims, Christians and Hindus in offering to one or more deities. Animal blood, meat, hair and bone are used in ceremonies or spiritual magic, as in Voodoo or shamanistic religions. Totemic religions practice ritual relationships and communion with animal spirits. Animals that may be hunted and eaten are approached through ritual and receive gestures of gratitude for their sacrifice in nourishment.
Strict Diet
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In a Kosher diet, Judaic Law, the Bible and Rabbinical interpretation determine diet. Meat can not be eaten with fish or milk. Food is prepared and eaten using different dishes and cooking sets. Utensils and dishes are washed separately. Some food must be made before a Rabbi and only the qualified can slaughter poultry. The "lust" for meat is avoided, which is believed to stir carnal urges. Pork and rabbit are forbidden and according to the Torah, only hooved, cud-chewing animals may be eaten.
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