Threads

Minutes to read.

Vegetarianism in Scriptures: God's True Diet According to Bible, Guru Granth Sahib & Kabir Sahib

Published on Jun 1, 2025

Introduction: Vegetarianism as a Divine Principle

Vegetarianism is more than a dietary choice—it is a spiritual command rooted in divine wisdom. From the clear guidance in Genesis to the profound revelations of God Kabir, the enlightening discourses of Sant Garib Das Ji Maharaj, and the sacred verses of the Guru Granth Sahib, one consistent truth emerges: refraining from harming living beings is vital for spiritual progress.

Explore: The Divine Mandate for Vegetarianism – Insights from Genesis, God Kabir, Sant Garib Das Ji Maharaj, and Guru Granth Sahib.

Genesis 1:29–30 — God's Original Dietary Command

In the Book of Genesis, God prescribes a plant-based diet for humanity:

“Then God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” — Genesis 1:29

This passage underscores that God's initial intention was for humans and animals alike to consume plants, not flesh.

After the flood, Genesis 9:3 states:

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”

But it is immediately followed by Genesis 9:4:

“But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.”

These two verses, when read together, present an apparent ambiguity. However, the deeper understanding is that it was a test for humanity. While a concession seems to be given, the condition in verse 9:4 essentially rules out the consumption of meat, since all flesh contains blood. The purport was to encourage a return to vegetarianism, which aligns with God's original command.

️ Teachings of God Kabir on Non-Violence and Diet

God Kabir, revered as the Supreme Being, emphasized non-violence and compassion towards all creatures. His teachings, known as Kabir Vani, strongly advocate for a vegetarian lifestyle:

“Kabir, those who consume meat and drink alcohol, even after listening to spiritual discourses, are to be considered demons. Their company should be avoided as it hinders spiritual progress.”

He further asserts that consuming meat is a grave sin, equating it to demonic behavior, and warns that such actions lead to spiritual downfall. God Kabir explained that all souls are children of one God. Killing animals is akin to killing one’s own kin and obstructs the soul’s journey toward liberation.

Full discourse available here: Speech on Vegetarianism - Kabir Sahib

Sant Garib Das Ji Maharaj's Perspective

Sant Garib Das Ji Maharaj, a great enlightened Saint in the lineage of God Kabir, reinforced these principles. He condemned the practice of meat consumption:

“Those who kill animals for food are committing a heinous sin. True devotion cannot be achieved through violence.”

He emphasized that non-violence is a cornerstone of spiritual practice and that harming living beings obstructs the path to salvation. According to him, meat consumption binds the soul in karmic debt and drags it into the cycle of birth and death.

Guru Granth Sahib's Perspective in Sikhism

The Guru Granth Sahib also reflects a high regard for vegetarianism and non-violence. Though Sikhism as a whole does not impose a strict dietary code, the scripture and teachings of the Gurus promote compassion and simplicity:

“You kill living beings and call it a righteous act. Tell me, brother, what would you call an unrighteous act?” — Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1103

“Do not cause pain to any living being. This is the true religion.” — Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 322

These verses clearly reveal that causing harm to sentient beings for food is inconsistent with divine will. Guru Nanak Dev Ji also emphasized that external purity is meaningless if one consumes the blood and flesh of other beings.

The Spiritual Imperative of Vegetarianism

Across these divine teachings, a clear directive emerges: adopting a vegetarian lifestyle is not merely a personal choice but a spiritual necessity. It aligns with the divine will, fosters compassion, and paves the way for spiritual liberation. Meat consumption not only brings negative karma but also dulls the spiritual senses, making it harder for the soul to connect with God.