Within the Radhasoami tradition, vegetarianism is not merely recommended but regarded as a mandatory discipline for those who commit themselves to its spiritual path. Practitioners are expected to follow a strict vegetarian or lacto‑vegetarian diet, abstaining from all forms of meat, fish, and poultry, as well as eggs and products containing eggs. This dietary discipline is typically treated as a prerequisite for initiation into the inner practice of Surat Shabd Yoga and is then maintained as an ongoing commitment throughout one’s spiritual life. The requirement is presented not as a cultural preference, but as an integral aspect of the path itself.

The rationale given within the tradition is both ethical and spiritual. Ethically, the discipline is grounded in non‑violence and a refusal to participate in the suffering of animals. Spiritually, it is held that consuming meat, eggs, and intoxicants coarsens consciousness, creates karmic burdens, and generates subtle disturbances that obstruct meditation on the inner Sound and Light. For this reason, alcohol and recreational or intoxicating drugs are also prohibited, as they are believed to interfere with clarity of awareness and inner receptivity.

Dairy products are generally permitted, with the understanding that they should be obtained without intentional cruelty, though interpretations of this point may vary among different satsangs or branches. Some branches also extend the discipline to include abstention from certain additional foods, but such variations do not alter the central requirement of a vegetarian or lacto‑vegetarian diet. Across the various lineages, this shared dietary foundation is viewed as a practical expression of compassion and as a subtle preparation of the body and mind for the inward journey along the sound current.