Abstinence from Flesh
Seyirin Thalaippirindha Kaatchiyaar Unnaar / Uyirin Thalaippirindha Oon
Classical English couplet — “Whose souls the vision pure and passionless perceive,Eat not the bodies men of life bereave”
What it says in plain words
“People who think clearly and are free from harmful thoughts do not eat meat. They see it as flesh taken from a living animal.”
The classical Tamil reading
குற்றத்திலிருந்து நீங்கிய அறிவை உடையவர், ஒர் உயிரினிடத்திலிருந்து பிரிந்து வந்த ஊனை உண்ணமாட்டார்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
மாசற்ற மதியுடையோர், ஓர் உயிரைப் பிரித்து அதன் ஊனை உண்ண மாட்டார்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
This couplet connects clear thinking with choosing not to eat meat. It asks us to see the life behind the meal. Meat comes from an animal whose life has ended. Remembering this can shape what we buy, cook, and serve.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You choose beans instead of meat, remembering the animal it came from.
- Workplace
- You bring a meat-free lunch as a thoughtful daily choice.
- Family
- You cook a vegetable meal and gently explain your reason.
- Society
- A community kitchen serves meat-free meals out of care for animal life.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Think about the animal behind the meat before choosing your meal.
- Integrity
- Let your concern for animal life guide what you eat.
- Communication
- Explain your choice to avoid meat without insulting other people.
- Leadership
- Show care for animal life through the meals you serve.
- Governance
- Include meat-free meals in public kitchens for people who avoid eating animals.
For leaders and teams
Let care for animal life guide the food you offer others. Explain your choices calmly, and lead through your own actions.
Something to sit with
“How might thinking about an animal’s life shape your food choices today?”