Nowadays there is such a point of view that in order to "be considered a yogi", you need to give up meat. How true is this statement? Let's figure it out.
The first place in yoga is freedom! Freedom from everything! What does it mean? That yoga as a system of self-knowledge does not require any strict prescriptions and rules from its adherents. Moreover, as it is said in yoga, if something restricts your freedom, then you should drop it. Even if it is yoga itself. Like this! Accordingly, the point of view that without starting to eat only vegetarian food, you will not become a yogi and you will not receive benefits from yoga, is erroneous.
Let's turn to the most important principles that characterize yoga. The first principle tells us that we need to try with all our might not to harm any living being. Isn't this alone a prohibition to eat the flesh of slaughtered animals? No, it's not. Because if we look deeper, we will see that often the production of vegetarian food that ends up on our table leads to more death and suffering for living beings than if it was just meat. This is not an absolute truth. This is just food for thought. Situations are different, so the first principle here cannot be applied unequivocally in favor of vegetarianism. Your situation is unique and it is up to you to decide what to do and what to eat.
The second principle says that when making decisions, we should be guided by common sense, that is, think about how best to act in each specific situation. If, after eating dense meat food, we feel heaviness, feel a loss of energy and do not want to do something, then it is better to make our choice in favor of something lighter. These will usually be vegetables or fruits. And it so happens that the psychological dependence on meat food is so great that it is better to eat what you want, and not suffer. And do not torment others, because the mood of a mentally irritated person leaves much to be desired!
Harmony is very important in yoga! And a sharp change in lifestyle cannot be called harmonious! If we decide that we want to do yoga, then we start doing what we are at the moment. Over time, the desire for heavy food will diminish. But you can't get rid of your habits quickly and painlessly. It takes time! Practicing yoga will help us become more energetic and cheerful. And perhaps our diet will change in the most natural way!
