Diet in Sikhism

This is an accepted version of this page Followers of Sikhism do not have a preference for meat or vegetarian consumption.

[6][7][8][9] "Amritdharis" that belong to some Sikh sects (e.g. Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Damdami Taksal, Namdhari[10][11]) are vehemently against the consumption of meat and eggs.

Guru Nanak said that overconsumption of food i.e. Lobh (Greed) involves a drain on the Earth's resources and thus on life.

[17] Sikhism argues that the soul can possibly undergo millions of transformations as various forms of life before ultimately becoming human.

Sikhism does not see a difference between these types of existence,[18] however the human has a privileged position compared to other life forms.

[20] According to Surjit Singh Gandhi, the Guru Granth Sahib on page 472 and Guru Nanak in early 16th century said that "avoidance of flesh as food was impractical and impossible so long as they used water, since water was the source of all life and the first life principle".

[26] However, in mainstream Sikhism this word has been accepted to mean that which has been prepared according to Muslim rituals.

[28] In the Rehat Maryada, Article XXIV - Ceremony of Baptism or Initiation (page 38),[29] it states: The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided: The Sikh Rehat Maryada states that Sikhs cannot consume meat that is [27] Halal (Muslim), or Kosher (Jewish).

[34] Gopal Singh, commenting on meat being served in the langar during the time of Guru Angad[35] Gyani Sher Singh—who was the head priest at the Darbar Sahib—notes that ahimsa does not fit in with Sikh doctrine.

H. S. Singha and Satwant Kaur comment on how ritually-slaughtered meat is considered a sin for initiated Sikhs.

[42] Devinder Singh Chahal comments on the difficulties of distinguishing between plant and animal in Sikh philosophy.

[44] Khushwant Singh also notes that most Sikhs are meat-eaters and decry vegetarians as daal khorey (lentil-eaters).

Those who continued to sell or eat meat risked death and commonly would have their businesses destroyed and be killed.