How can he practice true compassion Who eats the flesh of an animal to fatten his own flesh? Riches cannot be found in the hands of the thriftless, Nor can compassion be found in the hearts of those who eat meat. Goodness is never one with the minds of these two: One who wields a weapon ad one who feasts on a creatures' flesh. If you ask, "What is kindness and what is unkind?" It is not killing and killing. Thus, eating flesh is never virtuous. Life is perpetuated by not eating meat. The clenched jaws of hell hold those who do. If the world did not purchase and consume meat, There would be none to slaughter and offer meat for sale. When a man realizes that meat is the butchered flesh Of another creature, he must abstain from eating it. Perceptive souls who have abandoned passion Will not feed on flesh abandoned by life. Greater then a thousand ghee {clarified butter} offerings consumed in sacrificial fires Do not do sacrifice and consume any living creature. All that lives will press palms together in prayerful adoration Of those who refuse to slaughter and savor meat.
(from the Kural)
