updated 9th December 2009

---

(Eggs are NOT vegetarian - read this important article)

Vegetarianism as wholistic:
The word vegetarian, coined by the founders of the British Vegetarian Society in 1847, comes from the Latin word vegetus, meaning "whole, sound, fresh, or lively," as in homo vegetus - a mentally and physically vigorous person.  The term 'Vegetarian' was coined in 1847. It was first formally used on September 30th of that year by Joseph Brotherton and others, at Northwood Villa in Kent, England. The occasion being the inaugural meeting of the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom.

The original meaning of the word implies a balanced philosophical and moral sense of life, based on a sustainable culture, implying a lot more than just a diet of vegetables and fruits.

Prior to 1847, non-meat eaters were generally known as 'Pythagoreans' or adherents of the 'Pythagorean System', after the ancient Greek 'vegetarian' Pythagoras.

The original definition of 'vegetarian' was "with or without eggs or dairy products" and that definition is still used by the Vegetarian Society today. However, most vegetarians in India exclude eggs from their diet as did those in the classical Mediterranean lands, such as Pythagoras did due to their being either the waste by product of the bird's menstrual cycle, or a living being.

Most vegetarians are people who have understood that to contribute towards a more peaceful society we must first solve the problem of violence in our own hearts. So it's not surprising that thousands of people from all walks of life have, in their search for truth, become vegetarian.

General Misconceptions on Vegetarianism:
I think in my experience the biggest misconception that carnivores and omnivores have is that suddenly one becomes limited to eating the two veg after the meat had been taken away. Actually this couldn't be further from the truth. There are hundreds of vegetables, fruits, grains, combinations of flours, nuts, beans, ghee, milk products, yogurt, cheese, etc., to choose from.
    The bottom line in vegetarianism is to have a well balanced sensible healthy diet.. From one person to another that may vary due to different natures, different work or even different climatic situations, or cultures, but a basic balance can be applied that can easily be applied to allow all those of us with a human body to live a healthy, happy, peaceful life in harmony with those around us.

Vegetarianism and Beyond:
The devotees in the Hare Krishna movement, understand that the ultimate perfection of a vegetarian diet is to eat food offered first in sacrifice of love to the Lord.  After all, even many animals such as the elephant, the cow, the horse are also vegetarian. Just to be vegetarian doesn't necessarily make one a spiritual person.

.