It has been very interesting reading different viewpoints presented by various learned people in this group. (I do not tout myself as a very knowledegeable person in the sastras vis-a-vis eating habits of a vaishnava.) Many things have been taboo for vaishnavas. But, times are changing; and many of us have taken the liberty to stretch the limits and cross the boundaries into previously untreaded area. Some of us seem to have also modified the tenets to suit our (today's) needs. One which immediately comes to mind is crossing the indian shores which many of the learned people have said was taboo. (I am sure many will argue for this. But that is not the intent of this mail). Many of us do so in search of employment/livelihood. In foreign places, at times it is very difficult to find "bhagavad prasadam" or "a decent fully vegetarian restaurant". (A decent fully vegetarian restaurant is not easy to find in the US). I am sure many of us have faced this situation before. A McDonald's or a Burger King seemed to be the answer "to satisfy hunger" (in the event of not getting fruits at the minimum.) How long can a person go without food? And fries (until recently) meant just potatoes. Sri. Sudarsan has raised some very thought provoking questions regarding silk, pearls etc. I have been asked many a time whether there is not a double standard in my vegetarianism - drinking milk, eating milk products, wearing products made from animals/insects etc. Can the learned members of this forum provide some feedback on this or at least point to where such information could be found? Lastly, I am sure this forum was initiated for members to present various views and learn more about our tradition and culture. Of course, there are bound to be differences and some people's viewpoints which others think as taboo. But that is NO reason to ask them to curb their views. It is within us to gain whatever we can from this forum. My $0.02. Sriram
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