We are never Deceived, we Deceive Ourselves

The Holy Month of Shravan in India has tens of Millions of people turning Vegetarian. Thailand observes a similar Veg Month around the same time where a large section of the population (otherwise vehemently Carnivorous) go completely off Non-Veg and even Restaurants, Food Courts and Hawkers (who otherwise pretend to have no clue about what Veg Food is) have exclusive sections serving Veg Food which is highlighted by Yellow Flags.

It resembles a Sea of Yellow. Just like it must have been yesterday when Chennai Super Kings won IPL 3. I will not say anything about abysmally pathetic and rigged performance of Mumbai Indians! Sorry for the digression though.

The meaning of VEGETARIANISM in the Hindu psyche means the Food LOOKS and IS Veg, but here in Thailand you get VEG FISH, VEG CHICKEN, VEG PORK, VEG SQUID, VEG PRAWNS, VEG CRAB and every conceivable version of Non Veg looking Food made out of Rice Flour, Tofu or Soy.

This preparation is the Classic Thai Traditional Green Curry with Baby Aubergines, Brown Sugar, Mushrooms, Coconut Milk, Green Curry Paste, Lemon Grass, Kaffir leaves, Light Soy Sauce and Lime Juice. And one more magical ingredient.... VEG FISH BALLS which gives it the look of a non-veg dish and deceives the eater into first seeing that one is going to eat non-veg and further re-enforcing that belief when one actually eats the Veg Fish balls.

Heat the Oil in a Wok and add the Green Curry Paste and Sugar over high heat stirring with Lemongrass. Reduce the heat and stir the Aubergines, Mushrooms and VEG FISH BALLS (!!!) until coated in the Paste. Add the Coconut Milk and Light Soy Sauce till it begins to Simmer for about 15 Minutes and thickens slightly. Then stir in the Lime Juice. Serve it with Thai Jasmine Rice.

I do wonder what the law of Karma says about this. Theoretically one has MADE MERIT by abstaining from Non-veg while at the same time, through stealthy perception one has still DERIVED the pleasure of eating Non-Veg.

Would it be like saying I am totally FAITHFUL and absolutely CELIBATE but for the fact that I make do with a INFLATABLE DOLL every time my passion stirs?. We are never deceived. We Deceive ourselves.