A youth of about 32 years old came to meet Swamishri. After an introductory conversation, Swamishri enquired, “Do you take any drinks?”

“Only sometimes,” the youth replied hesitatingly.

“Does sometimes mean taking it once or twice every month or two? This means that if you can go without it for a month, then you can do without having it at all. And, do you eat meat?”

“Not at home. But when I am out, yes.”

Swamishri explained, “One should never take it, because animals should not be killed. Let others live. It is our right to help others live, but not to kill. If someone were to kill our kids, how painful it would be for us. There are millions who are vegetarians. They are strong and healthy.

“In the west, people start eating meat by seeing others doing it. But one should have the humanitarian virtue of compassion. If someone is dying, God has given us the virtue to save it. By killing something to live is like living by taking another’s money and land. If you do not eat meat, then you’ll be able to live peacefully. Make an effort to give it up.

“If someone gave you poison, would you take it! Even if someone gave you a million rupees, would you take it! You will throw him out. Similarly, if you believe it to be poison then you will not eat it.”

Finally Swamishri told the youth to pray daily.