Vegetarianism and Ayurveda

[Matthew Capowski]

It's important to discuss whether or not Ayurveda is a vegetarian system or not because:

• We should understand Ayurveda faithfully as it is
• Ayurveda has often been presented as vegetarian system
• If animal products provide health benefits or detriments then we must acknowledge these and utilize or avoid them as appropriate to support health

More generally, it is important for all health practitioners and individuals to understand the benefits of a diet containing and devoid of animal products.

In regards to Ayurveda Todd Caldecott has provided a clear answer to question of whether or not it is a vegetarian system:

As painful as it may be for some to hear, the very real truth is that Āyurveda is not, and never was, a vegetarian system. There is nothing in any classical text of Āyurveda, including those of the bṛhat trayī (Caraka, Suśruta, Vāgbhaṭa) or the laghu trayī (Mādhava, Śāraṅgadhara, Bhāvaprakāśa), to suggest otherwise.

See his excellent article Vegetarianism and Ayurveda for more information: https://dogwoodbotanical.com/vegetarianism-and-Ayurveda/