On Onion & Garlic in Vaishnavism
Some spiritual traditions in the east, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, discourage the consumption of onion and garlic, along with meat, fish, and eggs. Milk, on the other hand, is not only acceptable, but a staple of many preparations. The logic of Hindu vegetarianism thus is often confusing to those in the west. This article will explore the logic behind the prohibition of onion and garlic with Vaishnava scriptural references and historical context.
I have a question: Somebody recently asked me about onion and garlic, and the history of their prohibition in Vaishnavism. I did some research and found one of the reasons behind it was a caution against spicy, pungent foods is considered to increase bodily consciousness and mode of passion, but Indian cooking is typically always spicy. Some posit that it increases the mode of ignorance because they grow underground and in darkness, but so many other foods which are offered to the Lord also do, like turnips, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Can you provide more on the history of how this regulation came to be? — Y. Dasa
Answer: Thank you for remembering me when this question came to mind. I will provide the answer I’ve come to after many years of reflection, study of Indian culture, and Vaishnava scriptures. It may not be perfectly in alignment with what you may have heard in typical discourses, but hopefully, this perspective will resonate with you.
VEGETARIANISM: EAST VS. WEST
The exclusion of onion and garlic in Hindu pure vegetarian meals is based on a slightly different reason than that for avoiding meat, fish, or eggs. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all hold non-violence as a main principle. It is believed that any species of life born from a mother and with the potential to develop eyes is of a sentience level in which they are susceptible to pain, and thus should be the very last resort for food. The idea is to commit the least amount of violence possible for one’s sustenance. Human life is one of responsibility, providing the opportunity to elevate one’s consciousness to godliness, and these principles are meant to support that end.
Observant Jains, the strictest of religions in terms of dietary restrictions, avoid even root vegetables due to the harm caused to microorganisms and insects. Grains are harvested when plants naturally die, and milk is the only animal protein that can be obtained without violence. Traditionally and ideally, milk comes from cows that are well protected and never eaten, as they are considered a sacred and gentle mother, a symbol of innocence. Eggs come naturally from chickens, but humans need to interfere with the natural order to separate roosters and chickens and keep the eggs unfertilized. Thus, they are avoided, based on the principle that nature should not be violated in the pursuit of fulfilling one’s basic needs, as far as possible. Of course, there one must honestly consider the limitations and practicality, and make an informed decision.
WHY NO ONION AND GARLIC?
Onion, garlic, shallots, and chives, are all part of the family of vegetables called alliums, known for their notably sharp and pungent flavors. They originate in Central Asia, around present-day Iran. Because of their strong flavor and effect they have on the organs, they are believed to bring more awareness of the material body, while the main principle of spiritual life is to fix the consciousness beyond it. However, there are also a number of historical factors that contribute to their rejection, such as xenology, folklore, and certain scriptural references, which are included at the end of this article.
PRACTICALITY
When it comes to Vaishnava communities, whether the consumption of onion and garlic is a “make it or break it” issue is quite subjective. Some are more strict in their observance of regulations, while others’ situations don’t afford them easy opportunities to do so. Onion and garlic, staples in modern cuisine, are hard to avoid unless one has access to ample home-cooked meals, or has some arrangement with a temple.
According to Srila Rupa Goswami, the principle acarya of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the ultimate and supreme principle of spiritual life is to always remember Krishna, and all injunctions are meant only to create circumstances favorable for this objective. However, the prohibition, along with its resultant confusion and debate, can often betray the very reason for its existence, causing people to become disturbed and fixated on food, or the shame of falling short, rather than God.
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT?
In this regard, it is essential to avoid fanaticism or niyamagrahah, accepting rules only for rules’ sake, while missing the underlying principle, as this is considered one of the six major saboteur to spiritual progress. Another danger to consider is criticism of and pride over others that don’t follow as strictly. Rupa Goswami warns against these mentalities in his Upadeśamrta, or “Nectar of Instruction.”
Many devotees opt for asafoetida or “hing” as an alternative, a resin that resembles alliums in flavor. While its effect on the consciousness may not be as extreme as that of onion and garlic, its pungent flavor is still considered to be in the mode of passion, according to Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 17.9. The mode of passion, or raja-guna, is characterized by material sense desire.
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
There is a famous maxim in Deity worship: “the highest standard is the one that you can maintain.” Beyond onion and garlic, one should avoid any sense object (dare I mention social media?) that contaminates the consciousness and brings it away from Absolute Reality. However, while in the practicing stage, hardly anyone can honestly claim to follow such a standard. Progress is gradual, and unlike those with a purely impersonal conception of God, focused more on cultivating positive attachment to God (do’s) rather than negative detachment from matter (don’ts).
One should thus evaluate their own personal capacity to observe, decide upon a standard accordingly, and continue moving forward in their relationship with God to the best of their honest ability. Illusion can come in limitless and subtle ways to steal our attention from God, and keep us from bhajana (devotion). Krishna is all-knowing, understanding, and an ocean of mercy. He is most pleased by our sincere efforts to connect with Him, not just how well we can follow the rules. By hearing and speaking about His unlimitedly ravishing character, one indubitably becomes attached to Him, and all other extraneous attachments are naturally stripped away, without effort.
HISTORY
With that said, to avoid the sin of omission, here are some other reasons you might come across in response to the question of onion and garlic.
- Xenology: In India, there has always existed a certain xenology, a logical way of perceiving all things foreign (food, people, fashion, language, etc). While mainstream Indian societies have adopted some of it, either willingly or unwillingly, orthodox and monastic religious traditions have generally maintained caution when dealing with anything unconventional, not having withstood the test of time. In the Jagannath Puri temple of Orissa, any foreign food item, like vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflowers, tomatoes, green chili peppers, and of course onion and garlic, are not used in the preparations whatsoever. They offer only the grains, vegetables, and spices indigenous to the land, with no room for compromise. What to speak of even foreign recipes like cake or pizza, foreign people are not allowed entry into the temple.
- Folklore: The common narrative goes that onion and garlic are prohibited due to their demonic origins, as per Indian folktales. In this regard, Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s general opinion is that there are many stories in sacred texts and oral tradition in order to keep those less knowledgeable in line with the customs and conventions of society. Thus, these stories act as great motivators for people at that level of adhikara. Such ancient narratives have been used countless times throughout history, because they utilize the most base and primal instinct: fear. But of course, fear-based motivation has its limitations and problems, and ultimately doesn’t have its place in a loving relationship with Krishna.
- Scripture: Sanatana Goswami writes in Hari Bhakti Vilasa (8.158): “One should not eat eggplant, banana leaves, sunflower leaves and asmantaka leaves, onions, and garlic. One should not eat sour gruel (a thin watery porridge) or the juice of the tree…” But the very same quote later mentions commonly used vegetables in preparations offered to the Deities. “…One should also give up turnips and beetroots, carrots, kinsuka, forest figs, and white pumpkins. If the twice-born brahmana eats these things, they all become fallen.” There are many other quotes from the Puranas listed at the end of this extensive article on the onion and garlic issue, but the accuracy of these translations is unknown.
- Etiquette: Some say the principle is actually to not approach the Deity after having eaten onion and garlic. In Vaishnava forms of meditation, being in the presence of Vishnu or Krishna when he appears in the form of the Deity warrants a certain form of preparation, just as one carefully presents themself before meeting a special and highly esteemed personality. Those with a romantic vision of Krishna avoid onion and garlic, just as any person going on a date tries to avoid carrying foul smells on their body. This is another reason onion and garlic is considered to be in raja-guna, the mode of passion, because it’s pleasurable in the short term but distasteful in the long run, according to Bhagavad Gita 18.38.
A WORD FROM OUR ACHARYA
Those who are far-sighted and realized can make adjustments to details according to time, place, and circumstance, as long as the principles are not compromised. For practical instructions, it is not only safe, but reasonable to refer to the more recent teachings and examples of the greats. Even though it doesn’t specifically reference onion and garlic, this quote from Bhaktivinoda Thakur, who is held in high esteem for both his integrity to the Gaudiya acharyas and an accommodating nature, may be pertinent in this matter.
“Our pravrttis [or tendencies] and affections are described as the mainspring of all our actions, and it is our object to train up those affections and tendencies to the standard of sattva-guna, as decided by the moral principle. This is not easily done. All the springs or our actions should be carefully protected from tamo-guna, the evil principle, by adopting the rajo-guna at first, and when that is effected, man should subdue his rajo-guna by means of the natural sattva-guna which is the most powerful of them cultivated. Lust, idleness, wicked deeds, and degradation of human nature by intoxicating principles are described as exclusively belonging to tamo-guna, the evil phase of nature. These are to be checked by marriage, useful work and abstinence from intoxication and trouble to our neighbors and inferior animals. Thus when rajo-guna has obtained supremacy in the heart, it is our duty to convert that rajo-guna into sattva-guna which is pre-eminently good. That married love, which is first cultivated, must now be sublimated into holy, good and spiritual love, i.e., love between soul and soul.” (The Bhagavata: It’s Theology, Ethics, and Philosophy p 25).
I hope I was able to answer your question!
