Did Swami Vivekananda ever eat non-veg or egg during his journey around the world?
Yes, Swami Vivekananda did consume non-vegetarian food and eggs during his life and travels. Here are some key points that support this:
Non-Vegetarian Diet
- Swami Vivekananda was known to have tried various non-vegetarian foods, including fish, mutton, and even beef. This is documented in several accounts, including his own statements and the writings of his followers345.
Specific Foods
- He was particularly fond of fish, especially the Hilsa fish, which is popular in West Bengal. He also enjoyed other non-vegetarian dishes and even cooked them himself134.
Cooking and Food Experiments
- Vivekananda had a keen interest in cooking and experimented with various recipes, including non-vegetarian dishes. He ran a 'Greedy Club' in his youth where he researched and cooked different foods, and he even used eggs in some of his recipes, such as a Khichdi made with eggs, peas, and potatoes4.
Philosophical Views on Diet
- Swami Vivekananda believed that for people who had to engage in hard labor, consuming meat was necessary for strength and vitality. He argued that forcing vegetarianism on those who needed the nourishment from meat could be detrimental to their health and national freedom245.
These points clearly indicate that Swami Vivekananda did eat non-vegetarian food and eggs during his journey around the world and throughout his life.