DIR and vegetarianism

[Trixter]

Hello all,

From what I have been able to gather, the DIR side of diving tend to be on the "firm" side when it comes to selecting candidates. What I mean by that is some dive shops and instructors that teach DIRf have a "wish-list" of requirements that the potential student should have.

I have heard of DIR instructors that do not teach people who smoke, people who are overweight, etc.

One restriction that I have read about says that a DIR diver should be a vegetarian. Needless to say, that struck me as being a touch on the odd side.

But that opens up a whole new debate, as what kind of vegetarian do you need to be? There are three main "schools" of vegetarian thought....

First and most obvious is no red meat, that basically rules out beef(maybe not a bad thing what with mad cow and everything). The second is no meat period, but it is ok to have dairy products. The third and most strict is what's commonly referred to as the, "vegan". That means any product that has animal protein in it, or is made from animal protein is off limits, no milk, no cheese, no ice cream, no eggs, etc. That leaves you grains, vegetables, and spices.

So again, how far do you need to go before you are considered "pure" DIR?

Respectfully submitted,
Trixter

 

[Boogie711]

I believe you were looking for the "Troll" Section.

It can be located out on the sidewalk. You should go there now.

 

[cobaltbabe]

I don't think that the instructors want you to be veggies. There are instructors who are vegetarians but by no means have I experienced them pushing their beliefs on their students. As far as smoking, I think you will find that is an individual instructors decision. Re-read the posts. Even Doppler stated that he has had smokers go through his course but requested that he they don't smoke when he is around.

 

[Boogie711]

CB -

a) He just completely changed his post.

b) His name is "Trixter." Say it out loud.

c) He just completely changed his post.

What's that I smell? Oh yes - barbequed troll.

 

[cobaltbabe]

You know this board can be intimidating even to people who have been on for a long time. Myself included. Trixter is asking questions because he is in search of knowledge. Yes it may seem strange some of the questions but why not answer them to the best of our ability and hopefully inspire a new diver.

I asked Trixter to put his post back up, so if you want to call him a troll then I am one too.

 

[Doppler]

Trixie... or Trickster or whatever.

You may be confusing the prerequisites for GUE diving instruction with those for certain martial arts training.

The Shaolin Temple -- a Buddhist Shrine situated in the Songshan Mountains of Henan province -- is an important and ancient center of Chinese kung-fu.

The temple has stood for more than 1500 years and for more than 1300 years has been famous for its "warrior monks."

Many people still travel there today to undertake martial arts, mediation and spiritual training. In order to obtain this training, one must be accepted by a master -- usually a monk with standing -- tenure if you will -- in the temple.

During the period of initial preparation, one is expected to eat the typical daily meal of the region's peasants -- a plain rich porridge or rice, millet and barley with some roasted nuts or locally grown vegetable. This is done to "quieten" one's spirit and focus the mind for the rigors of training. It also burns off body fat!! It is difficult for many westerners to adapt to this part of the training, but it is worthwhile sticking to it because of the clarity of mind that comes from removing toxins associated with processed foods and meats is quite remarkable.

In fact, almost no meat is allowed in the temple -- which actually spreads for acres and acres. Soya -- such as tofu and tempeh -- are uncommon in the region also. Sometimes, the novices will walk amoung the many vendors who cater to tourists and buy treats to supplement their diets, but mostly these are roasted veggies and sweets made from sugar, honey, rose water and crushed sesame seeds.


Meat is uncommon because this is a Buddhist Shrine... Most Buddhists refrain from eating anything that is a sentient being... anything which shows awareness of itself and its young. That being said, occasionally, villages or visitor to the temple will bring food as offerings to the monks, which may have some meat in it. In this area, birds and small mammals -- you don't want to know what species of small mammals -- may be mixed in with grains, spices and veggies, and it is considered "ill mannered" not to accept it and eat it... since the animal is already dead, the Karma from letting it waste is more serious that that from eating it.


Now where does this leave us... oh, yes.

A truely wonderful story about His Holiness the Deli Lama eating BBQ pork ribs and drinking Heinekin from the bottle, but that's for another time.

hope I've enlightened you... may you find what you are looking for.

 

[Boogie711]

I have no interest in seeing this turn into a DIR/anti-DIR debate.

Trixter, if your question was legitimate, for the record - I still think the question is a dumbassed one. And with some of the stupid DIR/Halcyon/GUE debates going on around here lately, please understand my suspicions.

I'm still suspicious - and there is nothing on the GUE site about being vegetarian. That being said - hey, I'm sorry man.

 

[pufferfish]

Trixter once bubbled...
Hello all,

So again, how far do you need to go before you are considered "pure" DIR?

Respectfully submitted,
Trixter

Now that is a loaded question

Try this thread for more info.
DIR and Vegetarianism

 

[RichLockyer]

Andrew and JJ are vegetarians.
George and Cameron are not.

'nuff said.

 

[Uncle Pug]

... I get done barbequing the burgers... gotta go flip'em right now...