Venerable One, are those who consume meat really willfully ignorant, greedy, cruel and selfish? I have abstained from meat consumption for about 8 months and now every accidentally miseating a tiny bit of meat makes me feel guilty and even the sight of the tiniest bit of meat could evoke disgust and guilt within me. Now, I see meat as the food of sin, the sin of satisfying our greedy appetites at the cost of innocent creatures.

It seems you are experiencing a deep internal conflict regarding meat consumption. Your decision to abstain from meat reflects a compassionate and mindful approach to living, which is commendable. Feeling guilt and disgust after inadvertently consuming meat or even at the sight of it suggests that you have internalized your values profoundly. It is understandable to feel this way as you navigate your path towards greater alignment with your beliefs. From a Buddhist perspective, the intention behind our actions holds significant weight. Consuming meat inadvertently does not carry the same karmic implications as doing so with intent and disregard. Buddhism teaches compassion not only for all living beings but also for oneself. It’s important to cultivate self-compassion and forgiveness for moments when you fall short of your ideals. This journey is about progress, not perfection. Psychologically, your intense reaction might be tied to cognitive dissonance, which occurs when our actions don’t align with our beliefs, leading to discomfort. It's natural for humans to strive for consistency in their beliefs and actions, and your feelings of guilt may be an expression of this desire for harmony. Understanding that mistakes are part of the human experience can help alleviate some of this discomfort. In terms of practical steps, consider focusing on mindful eating practices that emphasize gratitude and awareness of the food you consume, regardless of its nature. This practice can help shift your focus from guilt to gratitude for the sustenance provided. Reflect on your motivations for abstaining from meat and reaffirm them as needed, but also allow yourself grace and understanding when imperfections arise. You might also find it helpful to engage in communities or discussions where you can share experiences and gain support from others on similar journeys.