What is the attitude of Sikh Faith towards non-vegetarian food?
The general directive of Guru Nanak with regard to food is: “Do not take that food which effects health, causes pain or suffering to the body or produces evil thoughts in the mind.” (p. 16). There is a close connection between body and the mind so that the food that we eat affects both of them. Guru Ramdas has mentioned the three qualities created by God. These are Rajas(Activity or motion), Tamas (Resistance or darkness), Satav(Harmony or goodness). He says: “God Himself created the three qualities and increased our love for worldly valuables” (p.1237). Food can also be categorized under these three qualities. For example, fresh and natural food is an example of Satav, fried and spicy food is of Rajas, while fermented, decomposed, preserve or frozen food is a kind of Tamas. If one eats heavy or spicy food, one’s stomach easily gets upset. Overeating and heavy food should be avoided. Simple and natural food is best for healthy living. There are references to matter of food in the Adi G
