Antiquity and necessity

I am referring to "Antiquity and necessity,” by Home K. Behram (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, September 2001) stressing on a vegetarian diet.

Of the nine daily firmans (obligations) enjoined in the Zarathushti religion, one is ‘Nithaisnithisim’ meaning ahimsa, and sympathy for all creatures, to earn the blessings of Bahman Amesha Spenta, the protector of the animal kingdom.

There are many references in the holy Gathas to kindness, good behavior and a vegetarian diet.

The natural formation of teeth in the mouth of human beings is similar to that of vegetarian animals like cows, bullocks, goats, lambs, horses, donkeys, camels, kangaroos and such others who live only on grass, leaves, fruits, grains and vegetables. There are no special long grinding teeth in the mouth of human beings as found in carnivorous animals like ti­gers, lions, wolves, dogs, leopards, bears, foxes, etc.

It is worth noting here that vegetarian animals are strong enough to bear heavy weights, and lead vigorous, energetic and useful lives. For good health too, a vegetarian diet is advised by doctors.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad