Paramahansa Yogananda, in his teachings and writings, notably in
Autobiography of a Yogi, emphasized the benefits of a vegetarian diet for spiritual and physical well-being. He believed that eating meat negatively affects the body, mind, and spirit by lowering spiritual vibrations and making the mind more restless.
Yogananda taught that:
- Meat dulls spiritual awareness: He argued that consuming the flesh of animals can create tamasic (inertia-inducing) vibrations in the body, making it harder to attain inner peace, clarity, and higher spiritual consciousness.
- Impact on health: He associated a vegetarian diet with better physical health, emphasizing that fruits, vegetables, and grains are more conducive to vitality, longevity, and mental clarity. He viewed these foods as "life-giving" and easier for the body to digest.
- Ahimsa (non-violence): In line with yogic traditions, Yogananda advocated for ahimsa, or non-violence, and believed that killing animals for food could create negative karmic consequences and emotional imbalances due to the violent nature of the act.
- Subtle energy (prana): Yogananda noted that plant-based foods contain higher amounts of prana (life force energy) and help refine the body's energy channels (nadis), enhancing spiritual practices like meditation.
In summary, Yogananda recommended a vegetarian diet for those seeking greater harmony, better health, and spiritual upliftment. However, he was also compassionate and advised making dietary changes gradually, based on individual readiness.