Shakahar Vaigyanik Evam Chikitsashastriya Drushtikona

This document, titled "Shakahar Vaigyanik evam Chikitsashastriya Drushtikona" (Vegetarianism: Scientific and Medical Perspectives) by Padmachandra Jain, strongly advocates for vegetarianism from various viewpoints.

Central Argument:

The core thesis of the book is that vegetarianism is the natural, ethical, and beneficial diet for humans, supported by scientific evidence, medical expertise, philosophical reasoning, and socio-economic considerations. Conversely, meat consumption is portrayed as unnatural, harmful, and detrimental to individuals and society.

Key Perspectives Presented:

1. Natural and Physiological Perspective:

   • The author argues that human anatomy – particularly the structure of the mouth, teeth, hands, and nails – is designed for a herbivorous diet, unlike carnivorous animals.
   • Western experts like Lawrence, Kingsford, Cuvier, and Linnaeus are cited, asserting that only vegetarianism is compatible with human nature and physiology.
   • The digestive systems of humans are not as robust as those of carnivorous animals in processing meat and expelling toxins.

2. Philosophical and Ethical Perspective:

   • All major religions and philosophies emphasize the sanctity of life and condemn violence and meat-eating.
   • Mahatmas (great souls) and religious figures are recognized for advocating non-violence and the equal right to life for all beings.
   • Numerous philosophers, sages, and religious leaders from various traditions (Vedic, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Sikh) are quoted, all endorsing vegetarianism and condemning meat consumption as unethical and sinful. Examples include Sukrat, Chanakya, Pythagoras, Plato, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Prophet Muhammad.
   • Meat consumption is linked to increased animalistic tendencies, lust, and violence.

3. Social Perspective:

   • Social studies indicate a correlation between meat consumption and antisocial behavior, crime, war, conflict, and bloodshed.
   • Meat-eating is often linked to alcohol consumption, which in turn fuels sexual crimes and societal disorder.
   • The practice of killing innocent animals for meat erodes compassion, kindness, and non-violence, leading to cruelty and the extinction of species. Vegetarianism, conversely, fosters an ideal society.

4. Economic Perspective:

   • Vegetarianism is presented as more affordable, accessible, and abundant than meat.
   • Agriculture, the basis of vegetarian food production, provides a wide variety of foods through human labor and nature's bounty.
   • A significant portion of the global population relies on agriculture, providing livelihoods. Vegetarianism sustains millions of people and countless animals involved in dairy and agricultural production.

5. Scientific and Medical Perspective:

   • Numerous scientific studies and medical research are cited to support the health benefits of vegetarianism and the dangers of meat consumption.
   • Health Benefits of Vegetarianism: Vegetarian individuals are reported to be longer-lived, stronger, and healthier. The text highlights the essential nutrients for a healthy body: protein, fat, minerals, carbohydrates, water, calcium, iron, and vitamins, asserting that these are abundantly available in a vegetarian diet.
   • Detriments of Meat Consumption:
     • Diseases: Meat consumption is linked to a host of serious diseases, including arthritis, cancer, paralysis, tuberculosis, gout, blood acidity, and leprosy.
     • Obesity and Weakness: Contrary to popular belief, meat increases fat and obesity, not true strength or vigor. Sick, injured, pregnant, or nursing individuals are advised against meat and given vegetarian alternatives.
     • Toxins and Poisons: The text claims that eggs contain D.D.T. (a poison) and are deficient in calcium and carbohydrates, leading to putrefaction in the intestines. Egg yolks are high in cholesterol, which clogs arteries.
     • Uric Acid: Fish and meat are rich in uric acid, a poison that contributes to heart disease, tuberculosis, liver ailments, respiratory problems, anemia, arthritis, hysteria, fatigue, indigestion, and various fevers.
     • Hormones and Impotence: The use of weight-gain hormones in chickens can lead to feminization in men and potentially reduce virility.
     • Weak Bones: Meat consumption leads to acidic urine, causing the body to draw alkaline salts from bones to maintain blood pH, thereby weakening them. Vegetarian diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, and milk, help maintain bone strength.
     • Disease Transmission: Animals carry various diseases (like TB and dysentery), and their consumption can transmit these to humans.

6. Eggs as Non-Vegetarian:

   • The book explicitly refutes the argument that eggs are vegetarian. It states that eggs contain toxins and are not suitable for human consumption, causing issues like paralysis and skin problems in animal studies. The reasoning is that animal products, even eggs, inherently carry the risks associated with the animal's health and environment.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that vegetarianism is the superior choice from all perspectives – natural, philosophical, ethical, social, economic, scientific, and medical. The growing trend of vegetarianism in Western countries, even among predominantly meat-eating populations, is highlighted as evidence of its benefits. The author urges readers in India to make informed dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pros and cons of different foods, especially as meat consumption is on the rise due to Western influence. The book aims to provide readers with rational information to make responsible decisions about their diet.