I was going to comment on your post (Psynergy) but then the forum got moved. That’s exactly what I think too about Maoshan’s post.
As a matter of fact and as I already vaguely said earlier in this topic, there are some contexts in which we don’t even have a choice. 10 years ago, a colleague and I have been kidnapped in a Congolese village (note of caution against possible robotic/textbook reactions immediately screaming “owww you’re soooo racist” and other shit like that: this kind of thing can happen anywhere else, be it Paris, New York or Canberra). It wasn’t a serious stuff, lasted only one day and we’ve been treated quite decently.
My colleague got hungry (me not so much, because stress blocks my hunger lol). What were we supposed to say to the guys who were “hosting” us? “Bring us your vegan menu please”?
You see what I mean. There are many other cultural contexts in which one can simply not refuse what is offered. Nothing to do with being condescending or aloof or trying to please or anything like that. And when I say “can’t”, I mean it really seriously. Even though I support the idea of being free in one’s choices.
So personally, I respect other people’s diet and culinary habits. With whatever it includes. Especially if it’s anchored in their lives since a lifetime and more.
But when someone who was a big steak eater until 5-6 years ago and got converted afterwards starts lecturing people about what to eat or not (without recognizing his/her past)… this pisses me off like crazy, I tell you. I’ve even heard some say “ooohhh those butchers and their butcher cats eating meat”. Huh? The cat being blamed for eating meat?? Good joke.
Anyway. I still ate only salad before joining today’s meditation ;))