Travails of a Lenient Vegetarian

Hollow though it may sound,the best I can do to reconcile myself to a life of strict non-vegetarianism,is to refrain from trying new meats. It’s a pretty lame contribution to the cause of vegetarianism,undoubtedly,but it’s all I can manage,yet. So that means no shark fin soup in Goa,and absolutely no foie gras,anywhere. I have resisted reindeer in Finland,deer pickle in Simla and octopus in a divinely scented butter garlic sauce (that required serious,serious self-control). My principle is the same that guides fishiterians,except it includes three meats.

Besides the obvious reason of cruelty,the virtues of vegetarianism are well-known; to curb greenhouse gases and climate change. It’s gone beyond being an issue only for the religious or spiritually inclined. Even if you’re not overtly concerned about the state of the planet,as a thinking adult,it’s impossible to (always) ignore the gnawing sense of guilt that,briefly,accompanies a spectacularly carnivorous meal. But we clever non-vegetarians have found ways to quell and smudge unpleasant realities.

It’s even more inconsistent to say,I actually love animals. I really,really do. I can’t imagine life without pets. I currently have two dogs and four roosters. I grew up with two cats,one who lived till she was almost 20. Until recently,I had a family of four bats who lived in a light socket in our drawing room. They’d fly about happily at dusk and sleep all day. I find all animals delightful,but apparently,not delightful enough to swear off them forever.

Giving up meat is probably something like giving up smoking. Except,since it isn’t bad for you,it’s tougher to do. I have no doubt if I was told I’d gain 30 kgs by being non-vegetarian or that I’d get cancer,I’d be able to give it up in a flash. But in the absence of a compelling health reason and ambiguous morality,you can ignore your intuitions,even if they’re pretty strong.

Over the years,many of my friends have turned vegetarian with varying degrees of success. One told me it is easier once you start meditating and become spiritually aware. Another started by becoming a fishiterian for weight reasons and finally managed to kick the habit. Changing our palate,erasing tastes and aromas we’re accustomed to is hard,but possible. I’m starting with trying to be a flexitarian. In the Urban Dictionary,that’s someone who essentially eats just vegetables,but who’s not uptight about eating meats occasionally; a lenient vegetarian. If that fails,I plan to put a picture of Lady Gaga in her meat dress,with a steak on her head,on my refrigerator. That should be a sufficient turnoff.(hutkayfilms@gmail.com)