Excerpts From the Mongolian "Shoulder Post", page 6, January 27, 1998
( Originally In Mongolian) By Indongiin Tudev

The publication provides extensive coverage of Supreme Master Ching Hai and vegetarianism.

I n the past, lamas abstained from all forms of meat for specific periods of time each year, especially during the afternoons. Such acts of abstinence have earned them the name - the "Vegetarian Ones".

The lamas are not alone in practicing this "abstinence". The Mongolian people used to switch to a vegetarian diet in the summer, with some following this custom until the end of fall. Virtually the entire Mongolian society abided by this custom. The people consumed meat when winter set in order to gain more calories to survive the low temperatures. For the rest of the year, they observed this unique custom of a vegetarian diet that was part of the nomadic civilization. However, a drastic change in this tradition in recent decades has brought a negative impact on the physical health of the Mongolian people and an increase in mental and psychological illnesses among the people. The lack of government measures regarding the kitchens of schools, military camps, kindergartens, hospitals and sanitariums has let the people form the bad habit of including meat in all three meals of the day. Thus is the reason behind the Dalai Lama's call on the Mongolian people to consume more yogurt.

As a Mongolian saying goes: you gain enlightenment when you are 60, then you die at 61. However, 60 years is only about half the life span that Nature bestows on us. The human life span should be 120 years, as recorded in a number of religious scriptures. Then, what is it that stops us from living for 120 years?

Ninety-nine percent of all human diseases arise from an unhealthy diet, and this is the number one cause of death among the Mongolian people. For people seeking liberation, abstinence from a non-vegetarian diet is the best and most efficient path.