Today at lunch I was reading a Buddhist parable in Soul Food, a compilation by Jack Kornfield and Christina Feldman. It was about a King who loved to hunt. In his passion, he decimated the fields of his subjects, who created a fenced-in hunting ground to protect their farms and forests. In the hunting ground were trapped two herds of deer, each with a King.
Long story short, the Noble Banyan Deer King takes the place of a pregnant deer who has drawn the lot to be the human King's prize one day. Previously the human King has declared the Kings of deers to be spared the bow and arrow. He does not want to fell the Banyon King, but the Banyon King insists that he can not be spared if the rest of the deer remain in fear of their lives. Likewise the birds, and the fish and all animals everywhere. Because of his high regard for the Banyon King, the human King declares all animals, fish, birds and beings safe from the violence of man.
It's a beautiful parable.
And inspired me to forgo the steak and especially the squid at the lovely little Portuguese restaurant I'd stopped in for lunch. So I ordered a simple salad - and traditional kale and potato soup, which turned out to have sausage in it. Then I realized I'd been slathering my bread with butter too.
I'm considering myself a conscious carnivore at the moment. Because I'm attempting to head in the direction of becoming vegan, I am becoming more aware of my unconscious habits and patterns in eating. I don't feel bad about my butter and sausage. I just realize I may have to ask more questions when I order. Ask that butter not be brought to the table, opt for olive oil instead.
I wonder where I'll be with this a year from now? It will be interesting to see. In the meantime, I'll be noting my progress, my questions, my conflicts and challenges, in the interest of living the artfully examined life.
May your day be filled with the Magic Medicine of delicious food, consciously prepared, and consciously eaten.
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