Feasting on Life

Abstract

Many vegetarians say they do not have a spiritual practice. Many with a spiritual practice have no interest in vegetarianism. What is to be gained by this dialogue? Let us ask instead, what is lost when there is no exchange? Many vegetarians do not realize they have a spiritual practice when, in fact, they do have one. Many with a spiritual practice have not cultivated their ability to adopt vegetarianism. Vegetari-anism is like any other spiritual practice. It begins with attention and discipline and evolves into a habit that feels natural. We bring attention to the process of choosing food; we remember; we do not just react. We make connections; we do not just consume. Vegetarianism enacts the insights that arise during meditation: all beings are interconnected. Vegetarianism is meditation in action.