<p>In order to follow an Ayurvedic program, do I need to become a vegetarian?</p>

It's an important question that goes to the heart of what it means to live a conscious life. According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe can be used to help reestablish and maintain balance. In the original Ayurvedic texts, every conceivable edible substance, including animal products, was categorized according to its effect on the mind and body. The basic premise is that we are all part of the web of life, and if there is a local disturbance, other strands of the web can be recruited to regenerate wholeness.

When it comes to food, it is important to be aware of the source of whatever you ingest, because the intention behind the product will influence your body/mind.

Unfortunately, our treatment of animals in this society leaves much to be desired. With the rise of factory farming, animals are treated as commodities rather than as sentient beings. The cruelty we inflict on creatures that are destined to become burgers or nuggets has a consciousness degrading and health impairing effect on the consumer. I don't know if it's possible to kill something humanely, but we could certainly do a much better job than is the norm today.

My bottom line is to do your best to minimize your contribution to suffering on this planet. For some, this means reducing your intake of red meat; for others, it may mean becoming a vegetarian. Eating with awareness is the essential feature of an Ayurvedic diet. Whatever you eat, do so with reverence, appreciation and joy. In this way, the energy and information of your food will be converted into life-supporting intelligence for your body.