I’m Hindu, and I Eat Beef. Hear Me Out.
I know—this alone is enough to ruffle some feathers. And I’m okay with that. I’m okay with being judged or misunderstood because I believe in a world where we can coexist with different worldviews, peacefully. If we can’t, then what’s the POINT?
Growing up, I followed every religious practice I was taught. Not because I fully understood them, but because I was afraid not to. Afraid of being judged. Afraid of “doing it wrong.” Afraid of what would happen if I questioned something sacred.
Faith, I was told, meant obedience. Questioning meant disrespect. Spirituality was about avoiding “SINS” more than it was about seeking TRUTH.
But then I looked around and saw people who followed every rule—yet were still bitter, judgmental, and unkind. And I asked myself: is that what faith is supposed to look like?
Because if religion was created to teach love, kindness, and connection, then why do so many people use it to shame, control, and divide?
That’s when I realized:
💡 Faith should not be rooted in fear.
💡 Spirituality should evolve as you grow.
💡 Being “devoted” means nothing if you don’t practice love and acceptance.
So yes, I am Hindu, and I eat beef.
Let me tell you why I made this CHOICE.
Redefining Spirituality: What It Means to Me
I now consider myself a PANTHEIST—someone who believes that God and the universe are the same thing, that everything is interconnected. I don’t believe one religion has all the answers, nor do I believe that one way of life is superior to another.
But what I do believe is that spirituality should make us more accepting, not more divided.
The more I explored spirituality, the more I realized that many religious teachings, while rooted in good intentions, have been distorted by fear. I was raised to be God-fearing—to believe that if I made a mistake, I would be punished. But the more I questioned, the more I asked myself:
Why would a loving creator want me to live in fear?
Why would I be put on this earth to learn, to grow, to make mistakes, if I was only going to be condemned for those mistakes?
That version of spirituality didn’t sit right with me.
What’s the Point of Religion If It Divides Us?
I’ve seen people strictly follow religious practices yet be unkind, judgmental, and ego-driven. They pray, they fast, they perform rituals—but they don’t treat people with love and respect.
Isn’t that the real test of spirituality? How we treat each other?
Religion, at its core, was created to instill good values—to teach LOVE, FAITH, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, and SELFLESSNESS. But somewhere along the way, many of these teachings became about control, fear, and exclusion.
We shame people for living differently. We judge others for not following the same traditions. We separate ourselves based on man-made rules instead of universal truths.
And that makes me ask—are we truly connected to the divine, or are we just following customs without understanding their purpose?
Why I Eat Beef & The Questions It Made Me Ask
Hinduism considers cows sacred. And yet, I eat beef. WHY?
Because if eating one animal is considered wrong, why isn’t eating any animal considered wrong? If life is sacred, shouldn’t all life be equally respected?
This is why I think vegetarianism is one of the most challenging yet noblest paths—and honestly, I’m not sure if I will ever get there. But for now, I choose to question why some things are considered sinful while others are accepted.
I’m not here to blindly follow traditions—I’m here to UNDERSTAND them.
I would rather believe in KARMA, where every action has a consequence. But do I believe that my karma is determined solely by what I eat? NO.
Because what about the person who never eats meat but is cruel to others? What about the person who follows every religious practice but is filled with hate?
I choose to believe that my karma is based on how I live, how I treat others, and how I contribute to this world.
What Spirituality Means To Me?
To me, spirituality isn’t about checking boxes, performing rituals, or following rigid rules out of FEAR. It’s about living with gratitude, kindness, and intention.
That’s why you’ll see me at a temple (and not just exclusively to my religion). That’s why you’ll see me practicing different rituals from different faiths, or still observing meatless days (for detox purposes and tbh still some guilt). That’s also why you’ll see me eating meat—even beef. Because I’m figuring it out in my own way – and I believe that’s what we’re meant to do.
How you honor that higher power isn't just through prayers and offerings, but becoming a BETTER HUMAN BEING through your actions.
Because what’s the point of religion if it doesn’t bring you PEACE?
What’s the point of spirituality if it doesn’t make you more accepting of others, instead judge them for doing things differently.
Because in the end, I believe:
✨ The real test of your faith isn’t how often you pray—it’s how you treat people.
✨ The real test of devotion isn’t how well you follow traditions—it’s how well you love.
✨ The real test of spirituality isn’t in the rules—it’s in the lessons.
We weren’t put here to judge—we were put here to LEARN, EVOLVE, and LOVE.
So, you do you. Let me do me. For as long as we don’t harm each other, why should it matter how we choose to live?
And if this post makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay. But before you react with judgment, ask yourself why.
Because at the end of the day, there is no “RIGHT” way to be spiritual. There is only what feels aligned with your soul.
This is me choosing faith over fear, love over hate, and freedom over limitations. And that, to me, is the most sacred path of all. Some might see that as rebellion. I see it as finding my TRUTH.
If this hits home and you want to dive deeper… you know where to find me!
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