In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna does not explicitly instruct us to be either vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Instead, He emphasizes the importance of offering food to Him with devotion, and consuming the remnants of that food as prasadam, which is sanctified and accepted by Him. This is the prescribed quota of food for human beings.

According to the verse “patram puspam falam toyam yo me bhaktaya prayachati,” Krishna states that He accepts offerings of leaf, flower, fruit, or water when they are presented with love and devotion. These offerings become mahaprasad, and by partaking in this sanctified food, we purify any negative reactions incurred while cutting vegetables, as they are offered to God.

However, consuming non-vegetarian food involves taking the lives of animals, which results in the accumulation of sinful reactions. Krishna does not require or encourage the killing of animals for food, and He does not accept such offerings. It is our responsibility to follow God’s instructions and refrain from causing harm to other living beings.

One may question the example of Garuda, the bird who is a devotee of Lord Vishnu and consumes fish and tortoise. It is important to understand that each species has its own prescribed quota of food. Garuda’s nature and diet are specifically designed for him, and it is not applicable to human beings. Our prescribed quota is to consume vegetarian food.

If we choose to disregard God’s laws and commit injustice towards other living beings, we will inevitably face the consequences of our actions. Krishna, being compassionate, does not inflict punishment out of cruelty but rather as a result of our own choices and the principles of cause and effect.

Ultimately, it is up to us to decide whether we will follow God’s laws or not. If we deviate and cause harm to others, we will be held accountable for our actions. It is in our best interest to embrace our human form responsibly and adhere to the principles of compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.