Why Should I Become a Vegetarian? Part 2

“Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.”

-Albert Einstein

In this entry, the economic advantages of a vegetarian diet will be addressed. Additionally, we will delve into the spiritual aspects of embracing a plant-based diet. We will also explicate the laws of karma and reincarnation, along with “the rationale behind and the procedures for offering vegetarian food to the supreme Lord as part of the bhakti-yoga system”.

“According to information compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture, over 90% of all the grain produced in America is used to feed livestock – cows, pigs, lambs, and chickens – animals that wind up on dinner tables”. Does this seem like the most efficient utilization of our grain? Or is this just downright wasteful? According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, “we get back only one pound of beef for every sixteen pounds of grain”.  Furthermore, it takes approximately “5,214 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef”. That is an exorbitant amount of water with such a modest return! The same amount of water could be used to produce approximately 227 pounds of lettuce, and nearly 210 pounds of wheat! This clearly illustrates that factory farming is wasteful and pernicious. Author and activist John Robbins writes, “you would save more water by not eating a pound of beef than you would by not showering for six entire months“.

Now, lets shift our focus towards the religious principles behind embracing plant-based diets. Avoidance of meat has been apart of religious practice in nearly all faiths.  In the Bible for instance, it is written in the Old Testament: “Behold, I have given you every seed-yielding plant that is on the surface of all the Earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you“. In the Qur’an, the prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying “do not allow your stomach to become graveyards“, and “A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being”.

This last quote (by the prophet Muhammad) alludes to the universal law of karma and reincarnation. Modern scientists clearly understand (Newton’s Law of Motion) that “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. However, most of them are unaware of the subtle consequences behind this law pertaining to the realm of consciousness. It is the law of karma that “insures that those who cause violence and suffering to other living beings must themselves experience violence and suffering – immediately or in the future”. What’s more is that karma is inextricably linked to reincarnation. The Bhagavad-gītā states, “As a person puts on new garments , giving up old ones, similarly, the soul accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones”.

But still, some may ask; “isn’t killing vegetables wrong?” And the answer to that is: “one must undoubtedly suffer from karmic reactions – even for killing plants”. However, there is a vast difference between pulling a carrot from the Earth, and killing an innocent animal. By offering your food first to Krishna (God), one is protected from the repercussions of karma, and thus advances spiritually.

“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I will accept it.”

-Bhagavad-gītā (9.26)

Why Should I Become a Vegetarian? Part 1

“If you are as you have described yourself the king of the animals – it would be better for you to call yourself the king of beasts since you are the greatest of them all! – because you help them only so that they may presently be able to give you their young in order to gratify your palate, for the sake of which you have tried to make yourself a tomb for all animals. Even more I might say if to speak the entire truth were permitted me…. Now does not nature produce enough simple vegetarian food for you to satisfy yourself?”

– Leonardo da Vinci

 

  Leonardo da Vinci – Self Portrait 1452-1519

 

Many great men and women throughout history have acknowledged the ethical and spiritual principles behind embracing a vegetarian diet. In modern times, there has been a plethora of compelling research that clearly outlines the physical, mental, and spiritual advantages of adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. For one, “modern medical research has linked meat-eating with killer diseases such as cancer and heart disease”. Additionally, there are many economic advantages to vegetarianism, which can benefit mankind as a whole.

In this article, we will cover the ethical foundations set forth by philosophers, authors, and religious leaders regarding vegetarianism. And we will also analyze the laws of karma and reincarnation, as well as “the rationale behind and the procedures for offering vegetarian food to the supreme Lord as part of the bhakti-yoga system”.

“When comparing the benefits of a vegetarian diet to a meat-based diet, two areas should be considered – the anatomical structure of the human body, and the physical effects of meat consumption“. Carnivores have intestinal tracts roughly 3 times their body length so that rapidly decaying meat can pass out quickly. On the other hand, the intestinal tracts of herbivores and humans are roughly 10-12 times their respective body lengths. Thus, when humans consume meat, “the rapidly decaying flesh is retained for much longer, producing a number of toxic effects” which can ultimately lead to heart disease and cancer.

 

The intestinal tract of a carnivore and herbivore respectively.

 

Skeptics of a vegetarian-based diet will inevitably ask the question: “What about protein?” To this, a vegetarian may well reply, “What about the elephant, the bull, or the rhinoceros?” The truth is that meat does not have a monopoly on protein, and is not required in large amounts in order to sustain energy and strength. “Dairy products, grains, beans, and nuts are all concentrated sources of protein. Cheese, peanuts, and lentils, for instance, contain more protein per ounce than hamburger, pork, or porterhouse steak”.

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy, and only as a last resort will the body use protein to produce energy. In comparative endurance tests conducted by Dr. Irving Fisher of Yale, “vegetarians performed twice as well as meat-eaters“. In addition, a vegetarian diet improves endurance and has been been shown (in numerous studies) to provide more nutritional energy than meat. A study by Dr. J. Iotekyo and V. Kipani at Brussels University showed that “vegetarians were able to perform physical tests two to three times longer than meat-eaters, and were fully recovered from fatigue in one-fifth the time needed by meat-eaters”.

 

If you thought this was informative, please read the next installment of “Why Should I Become a Vegetarian?”

All quotes have been cited from: The Higher Taste – A Guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma-Free Diet. Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. 

The Uplifting Qualities of Spiritual Poetry

Spiritual poetry can uplift you in times of restlessness, inspire you in times of doubt, and console you in times of despair. My favorite spiritual poet is the Sufi mystic Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī “and more popularly [known] in the English-speaking world simply as Rumi“.

His words connect with the reader in a way that unveil and reveal the true beauty and loving nature of God. His words helped me in times of distress and anguish – ultimately bringing me to the realization that everything in life happens for a reason…

Exalted truth imposes upon us
Heat and cold, grief and pain,
Terror and weakness of wealth and body
Together, so that the coin of our innermost being
Becomes evident.

–Rumi

Additionally, when meeting someone for the first time, you must remember that you met them within a seemingly infinite universe, and they were brought into your life for a reason…

On a cold Saturday afternoon, I greeted a frail and grizzled man as he entered through the front door of the music store where I work. He was wearing a teal-colored polo and had a backpack strapped tightly around his shoulders. He was homeless, and needed a few dollars to gain entry into a shelter for the evening (as it had been exceptionally cold over the last few nights). In exchange for a donation, he reciprocated by offering copies of his original spiritual poetry. While scanning the lines of prose on that bleached white piece of paper, I felt a tremendous need to help him in any way that I could…

And as he headed for the door, he gave his final blessing and then proceeded to walk back out onto the street. I bowed my head looking downwards at the piece of paper held in my fingertips – my gaze fixed on a line so poignant that it brought tears to my eyes:

“Though I have nothing, in Him I have everything
peace, joy, love, fulfillment, and faith for what is to come.”

He truly had nothing in the way of material possessions – for he carried all he owned on his back. Yet you could sense that he had all he needed in God, and this was confirmed in his poetry.

He gave me the poem with the proviso that I must share it with others. So I would like to include his poem in its entirety in honor of our agreement.

“His Awesome Love”

From you my blessings I receive,
My pain and sorrow, you relieve

For me I know, the one who always cares,
you are the answer to all my prayers

When all hope seems lost and gone,
you are my courage to go on.

For me his life, your son a sacrifice you gave,
Redemption’s price he did pay, for me my life to save.

Undeserving as I am, my needs you still do meet,
Placing angels in my path, knowing it’s you I seek.

I stand in awe and wonder, then kneel in humble remorse,
That each and every day, God still shows me

His great love, his mercy, his grace.

Though I have nothing, in him I have everything
peace, joy, love, fulfillment, and faith for what is to come.

He knows my heart and speaks to me everyday,
I am blessed, I am forgiven, I am redeemed.

By Raymond Pietsch
Praise God

Thank you Raymond, wherever you may be.

New Direction – Yoga, Music, and Cooking – Insights from Dave Chmil

In this life, there are a few special activities that I’m deeply passionate about. And as I get a little older, my love for these activities have become increasingly potent. My first love has and always will be my guitar. I started playing in 1994 when my cousin Chris came down to visit from Michigan. The first song he showed me was “About a Girl” by Nirvana, and from that moment on, I was constantly strumming away, both day and night. And after learning every Nirvana song ever written, I began to expand my musical tastes into more soulful and earthy sounds. Hearing Jimi Hendrix for the first time shifted my interest to blues. And nearly 20 years later, I’m still amazed and mystified by the playing of that man. After the blues, I turned my sights towards folk, country-blues, bluegrass and jazz and my musical tastes continue to expand outwards embracing all that I can.

My new found love has become the practice of yoga. This ancient and deeply spiritual practice was developed in India over 5,000 years ago (if not much earlier). The actual originator of yoga is unknown, but the first yogi to write down the methods of yoga was the great sage Patanjali. In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, there is little attention placed solely on the “asanas” or poses themselves. Instead, emphasis is placed on stilling the fluctuating states of the mind. This is defined as the meaning of yoga by Patanjali. To me, yoga has been a healing and strengthening practice of the mind, body, and spirit. It’s more than exercise – it’s a way of life. I’ve  adopted the lifestyle of a modern day yogi as I do not eat meat, drink alcohol, or smoke tobacco (or anything else for that matter). To be clear, I don’t judge anyone for their actions – whether they drink, smoke, eat meat or do all of these at the same time! You must never judge someone just because they are on a different path than you. As a result of my life changes, I’m happier and healthier (mentally, physically, and spiritually) than I’ve ever been in my life. Over the next few months I would like to share my journey of self discovery and discipline, in hopes that I may increase your awareness of this ancient spiritual practice.

In order to deepen my practice of yoga, i decided to become a vegetarian. I’ve chosen this path for a variety of reasons, but the spiritual aspect was the most alluring to me. I will elaborate on this in later blog posts. So as a result of my picky eating habits, I’ve learned that I must provide most all of my meals each day in order to ensure that I get all the nutrients my body needs. But I don’t just eat salads everyday (although that is a main staple in my diet). I’ve found that there is a vast vegetarian and vegan subculture dedicated to promoting delicious, wholesome, and meat-free dishes. So it was not difficult to find fun and exotic vegetarian and vegan recipes online. However, executing these dishes can be a bit of a challenge. So each week I’ll provide you with proven recipes guaranteed to please the most skeptical of eaters!

So to conclude everything thus far, I’m a passionate yogi who loves to play music and cook delicious vegetarian fare. My goal in writing this is to share spiritual wisdom, new and exciting music, as well as delicious vegetarian recipes.. Please stay tuned, there’s more to come next week..

Album Review – “Left Over Right” – The Sights

The fifth studio album from Detroit rockers The Sights starts exactly the way you’d expect it to – earth shaking & electrifying. Left Over Right displays their take-no-prisoners style of rock n’ roll and blends British-style rock with the quintessential sounds of the Motor City. The result is enthralling and best enjoyed LOUD! When I saw this band back in 2003 (for the first time), they played so intensely that the paint was literally peeling from the walls. It was of such pure sonic quality, that it actually sounded better as they became louder! I’m sure that The Sights Army would agree with me…

If you’re not familiar with their discography, please start with their self-titled album The Sights. Songs from this particular record have been featured on major motion pictures such as “Just Friends” and “Wedding Crashers”.

The Sights have been touring non-stop this summer opening for the likes of Jack Black and Tenacious D. Eddie Baranek (leader of the The Sights) and Jack Black are brothers cut from the same cloth in that they are both involved (at one time or another) in the School of Rock.

Their latest album, Left Over Right opens with a fierce and frenetic track possessing the same name as the album. Lush background harmonies frolic around the verse and chorus creating a robust, atmospheric quality to this track. Eddie Baranek seems to reflect on past experiences and emotions he felt as a young man trying to fit into the scene. He symbolically describes a new phase in life, one that he embraces with confidence and pride: “In my rear view mirror / are all my peers / broken promises and tears / the end is near”. He doesn’t reminisce very long and by the end of the song, the singer is peeling out in a 500HP Chevy Corvette leaving his past in a wake of smoke and exhaust.

“Fool” starts out with Eddie Baranek pining away on a distorted and feedback induced harmonica solo. The horn section chimes in and fattens up the chorus as Eddie wails “I can’t stop making out with you”. The dynamics shift on a dime from a confessional whisper, to blaring horns and explosive drumming – all the while maintaining control and deliberateness.

“Mercy” literally “brings you to your knees” on the fourth track – providing no respite to the guitar and piano driven onslaught. “Bad Man” brings the mood to a reflective state – and shows a more serene and introspective side of Baranek. Various piano sounds swirl around the listeners head during the bridge, while the guitars pan from the left to the right speaker in a clever manner. “Anything to Anyone” continues the introspective theme by showcasing the softer and melodic side of The Sights. Baranek prods and asks “that if it all went away / would you still stay?”. Dean Tartaglia adds suspense to Baranek’s question via a tasteful yet mournful saxophone solo.

“You are the Sunshine” is a cute and quirky ditty complete with whistling and goofy vocals. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a great song and all but it seems a little out of place on this album. However, I respect that Eddie “throws a bone” to the other members by occasionally featuring them on a tune or two.

“Easy Living” starts out like a gregorian chant and sets a serious and somber tone. The mood quickly changes and unfolds into a breezy, countrified gem. After picking up some steam, the tune chugs along like a coal-driven train slithering through the Smoky Mountains.

Comfortable in his own skin, Baranek clearly understands his role on this Earth. Not all of us are so lucky to know why we are here. However, Eddie confesses to the listener that “One thing’s for certain / I’m trying to be a better person” – and that’s something prophetic that the listener can take away from this record. So even though you might be on the right path, you must still strive to better yourself each and every day.

Overall I think Left Over Right is more cohesive and focused than their last record. And after this summer’s tour supporting Tenacious D, you can expect that the Sights will return to the studio with even greater tenacity than ever before. Not only has Eddie become a better songwriter over the years, but his band has consistently stepped up to the plate – elevating his vision of what rock n’ roll is really about.

Album Review – “Swing Lo Magellan” – The Dirty Projectors

David Longstreth is the leader, producer, and principle songwriter for the Dirty Projectors. He attended Yale but left to pursue music – ultimately resulting in a handful of records released under the moniker “The Dirty Projectors”. The band’s latest album is chalk full of luscious vocal harmonies, intricate and technically challenging guitar work, pining symphonic strings, and body swaying drum beats.

The opening track “Offspring Are Blank” enters with an a cappella between Longstreth and his supporting vocal group: Amber Coffman and Haley Dekle. Both gifted vocally, the female singers are like an adhesive material holding the harmonic foundations of the songs in place – weaving intricate and lush harmonies into the fabric of each and every tune. On this tune, I love the contrast between acappella vocals and fuzz-driven guitar mayhem.

The tune “Swing Lo Magellan”, (which is also the title of the album) opens with simple, straight forward instrumentation. Longstreth seems to rake the notes right out of his guitar on this track, leading you right to his opening line describing him “squinting into the sunset with a map and a compass”. He seems to allude to the invisible lines of latitude and longitude which have been used in navigation for centuries. Like Magellan, Longstreth ventures into new and uncharted territory with confidence and purpose.

“Just From Chevron” continues the stripped down theme – this time allowing Coffman and Dekle to step into the limelight accompanied by Longstreth’s angular and disjointed (yet highly formulated) guitar work. One possible drawback to technical virtuosity (regarding Longsreth’s guitar work) is that its complexity often sails right over the head of the listener! Whether the notes sail right over your head, or directly into your mind, the sheer beauty alone can be appreciated by all.

“See What She Seeing” is an earnest and open look inside Longstreth’s mind as he searches for someone to share in life’s experiences. Worth noting is the backup vocals which seem to complement and affirm what he’s thinking while spending time with a smiling and windswept female.

“Unto Caesar” shows great vision in terms of instrumentation. The genius lies within Longstreth’s choices in timbre. Brittle sounding acoustic guitars paired right along side a bright and full electric guitar. Add in a thumping syncopated bass line and a pining violin for good measure and you have a delicious recipe for tone! Tunes like this display Longstreth’s prodigious production skills. I love how he decides to keep some of the recording studio banter in the master track. For example, one of the vocalists asks “when should we bust into harmony”? And after the lyric “the martyrs morbid poetry”, one of the female singers state “that doesn’t make any sense”!

It’s nice to see that through all the brilliance and sophistication that this record showcases, Longstreth still allows his sense of humor to cut through the mix. It’s as if he’s reminding us that we should not take ourselves too seriously, and that it is OK to let your guard down every once in a while.

If you’re in the Orlando area, make sure to check out The Dirty Projects live at the Beacham on August 6, 2012.

Review of “One Lovely Day” – Citizen Cope

Clarence Greenwood is best known under the moniker “Citizen Cope”. The band under his leadership fuses R&B elements with a steady, “chunking” acoustic guitar rhythm which is present in almost every song he records. It’s difficult not to allow your head to bob to the beat of his infectious and well crafted tunes.

The album opens with the gem “One Lovely Day”, where Clarence describes a utopian setting and invites you to “move to the sounds of the band from Atlantis”. His use of diminished chords in this tune and in other songs (which have a dark, brooding quality to them), seem to add a tinge of realism and sadness even when inviting you to his utopian city in the album opener. My personal favorite on the album is “Dancer from Brazil” – for its gentle nod to country-soul music. The use of instrumentation is especially worth noting – considering there is a pedal steel and what seems to be a hammered dulcimer. An electrifying yet well-paced and soulful guitar solo sells me each and every time I listen to this track!

Clarence’s use of meter (in terms of his lyrics) really shine on the lonesome and solo performance of “For a Dollar”. He proves that his sound is still just as effective and potent even when he strips things down and accompanies himself on his acoustic guitar (or on piano for “Southern Nights”). The album closes with the morose “Summertime” which is steeped in R&B and soul. If your head doesn’t immediately start bobbing to the beat, then you must have a hole in your soul! Overall I think this record is a great achievement for Clarence Greenwood and Citizen Cope. As I said earlier, his production skills shine on tunes like “Dancer From Brazil” and “Back Then” when he thinks outside of the box in terms of his choice of instrumentation. I would love to see more of this side of Clarence Greenwood and Citizen Cope in the future.