𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗟𝗶𝗺

When my fellow holistic health healers from India learned that I am a pure vegetarian, they urged me to go to Palitana. Thinking excitedly that perhaps this place is surrounded by sacred temples, holy ashrams, tranquil yoga spaces, and nature spots for quiet that’s why it’s greatly recommended. I did my own diligent research. What a heavenly surprise with my interesting find.

Palitana is the first and only pure vegetarian city in the world. It is located in the southwest of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. The only place where non-vegetarian foods are considered illegal commodities and sellers of non-vegetarian get prosecuted.

This out of the ordinary law transpired after the Jain monks fasted for many days, in protest of the violent murders of innocent animals in their city. The event greatly impacted the heart of the population which resulted in the order of the state to shut down more than 250 butchery shops and prohibits the admonishing of non-vegetarian items in stores.

The movement was also partly inspired from the honorable act of the globally admired former prime minister of India – Indira Gandhi – when he fasted for three weeks for self-purification. An action which life-changing message is for people to spiritually reflect, to see the truth, and unite in peace and harmony.

Gandhi was a full-fledged vegetarian and a strong believer of “ahimsa” (non- violence). Honoring and respecting all sentient beings – recognizing that every creation has the right to live in peace in the land that God has created. This principle aligned to the policy of cause-no-harm in the state of Rajkot and Junagadh.

Many think that by not consuming animal meat will result to imbalanced body nutrients, low energy, and physical weakness. If this concept is true, how come vegetarian animals like the carabao, cows, elephants display robust health, supreme strength, supreme energy – with calm and quiet nature. Look at the yogis, they can lift their bodies up, in different positions carrying their whole bodies weight, with effortless ease. Their diet is completely plant-based.

Observe carnivorous animals – tigers, lions, snakes. They are always resting and lazy because of the effect of their nutrition. Meat takes time to digest and takes a toll on the digestive system. On top of that, these animals are wildly aggressive and hot-tempered.

I am not trying to convince anyone reading this to convert to vegetarianism. Rather, I would like to promote a heightened awareness and consciousness – in your everyday choices – like your food.

Your body is the temple of your blessed soul or spirit.

Choose well what you allow within.

𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒.