"Jason in Dallas" > wrote in message
om...
> FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, I have been a vegetarian. Ever since I
> was a little girl, it seems my parents have come home from work every
> Friday, carrying brown bags filled with vegetables and fruits from the
> farm market. It has always been my job to then stock the fridge, every
> week, with the food for the upcoming week. Precisely at seven, my
> mother begins to cook the dinner every night, and the wonderful aroma
> of curry leaves and tomatoes boiling in water with a myriad of other
> spices, wafts through the house. These are a few of the many things
> that, now, make me proud to be a vegetarian. Unfortunately, it wasn't
> always that way.
>
> I clearly remember the day I sat down at the pale green table marked
> "first grade," with the rest of my friends. Laughing and giggling, we
> each unwrapped our sandwiches and looked around to see if there was
> anyone willing to trade. One girl leaned across the table and
> stretched out her hand. "You wanna trade?" she asked.
>
> "Um, what's in yours?" I gingerly inquired.
>
> "Bologna," she replied. "You?"
>
> "Tomato and cheese, but I don't eat meat, so I can't trade with you."
> I still remember the look on her face. It was a mixture of puzzlement
> and contempt.
>
> "You don't eat meat?! Why not?"
>
> I remember turning red and then mumbling something about my culture
> and being nice to animals. She leaned over to the girl sitting next to
> her and whispered something in her ear while pointing at me at the
> same time. And then it seemed as though everyone at the table had that
> same look of scorn and bewilderment. At that point I wished that the
> cafeteria floor would just open and swallow me whole.
>
> Unfortunately, it didn't and I was forced to sit where I was,
> bombarded with questions about why I was so different. Sinking lower
> and lower into my chair, I thought about the same thing everyone else
> was, "Why was I vegetarian?"
>
> One of the many aspects of Hinduism is vegetarianism. Being a Hindu, I
> am also vegetarian. There are many reasons why I follow this
> tradition, and here are some of them.
>
> The cow is a very sacred animal to Hindus all over the world. There is
> a belief in the Hindu religion that God resides in everyone, all
> creatures, both great and small.
>
> Animals should be able to live their lives without the brutality,
> cruelty, and death caused by humans. Killing animals for food is a
> form of violence. I am a strong believer in peace and harmony.
> Therefore, killing animals for food or sport is against my beliefs.
>
> Studies show that being on a vegetarian diet can cut the risk of
> cancer by 50%, reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke,
> prevent and actually reverse diabetes, and reduce obesity and the risk
> of heart disease. Therefore, being a vegetarian keeps me healthy and
> fit.
>
> Eating meat affects the environment adversely. Forests are cut down to
> make room for more cattle. People kill the homes and habitats of
> millions of animals just so they can eat the food they want. Getting
> the nutrition I need without slaughtering other living creatures makes
> me happy and content because I live in harmony with nature.
>
> Although being a vegetarian may seem like a fashion statement to some,
> it is truly a way of life for me. I no longer am embarrassed about
> being a vegetarian, and I have no problem telling others I am one. I
> was brought up a vegetarian and will continue to be one throughout the
> course of my life. My first grade experience has taught me that while
> I may be unique from many others in this world, it is something that I
> can be proud of, most definitely. I am glad that I can help the world
> in some way, however small it may be, and I am proud to be a
> vegetarian.
>
> Sheela Krishnan, 13 yrs
> Suffern, NY
>
> courtesy of
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m.../article.jhtml


Nice posting Sheela,

You 'should' be proud to be a vegetarian.
You should also be proud of your 'Hindu' religion, but I'm sure you are.
Best wishes,

Ray.