The worshippers of the 9-Emperor Gods will start observing a strict vegetarian diet for 10 days beginning today, the 29th day of the 8th lunar month and ending on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. Actually, they started at 12.01 a.m. today.
It is not compulsory for all devotees to go on this strict vegetarian diet. Most of the devotees do so of their own will. Many people will keep to such a diet in their own homes but there are some who go and live in the temples for that duration.
Besides not taking meat, those on such a kind of diet must also refrain from taking butter, milk, eggs and food containing these ingredients. Also aphrodisiacs like chives, garlic, onion and spring onions are included in the list of food not to be taken. Those on the diet are also not allowed wine as from the perspective of Taoism, drinking alchohol retards the human mind.
One need not observe the full ten-days of the diet. They have the option to go on a one day, three days or six day vegetarian diet. One must also remember that once one has made a vow to go on that diet for a specific number of days, then the days must be adhered to. However, they can add to the days. Reducing the days would be a sign of disrespect to the deities.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE STIPULATIONS FOR THE STRICT VEGETARIAN DIET
Physical, verbal and mental purification.
It is not compulsory for all devotees to go on this strict vegetarian diet. Most of the devotees do so of their own will. Many people will keep to such a diet in their own homes but there are some who go and live in the temples for that duration.
Besides not taking meat, those on such a kind of diet must also refrain from taking butter, milk, eggs and food containing these ingredients. Also aphrodisiacs like chives, garlic, onion and spring onions are included in the list of food not to be taken. Those on the diet are also not allowed wine as from the perspective of Taoism, drinking alchohol retards the human mind.
One need not observe the full ten-days of the diet. They have the option to go on a one day, three days or six day vegetarian diet. One must also remember that once one has made a vow to go on that diet for a specific number of days, then the days must be adhered to. However, they can add to the days. Reducing the days would be a sign of disrespect to the deities.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE STIPULATIONS FOR THE STRICT VEGETARIAN DIET
Physical, verbal and mental purification.
- Physical Purification - the devotee should abstain from committing adultery, gambling and any form of violent act, e.g. killing.
- Verbal Purification - this would mean abstainance from taking meat, alcohol and the use of foul or vulgar language.
- Mental Purification - the devotee has to discipline himself/herself to not indulge in thoughts that are deemed lewd and evil.
Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Vegetarian_diet.jpg
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