Furnished here are some references of the authorities to show that Vegetarianism alone was practiced by our ancestors. This is against the concept that vegetarianism was the result of the influence of Jainism and Buddhism.

It is alleged that during the Yagya, animal sacrifice was made an essential part. Ashwamedh, Gomedh, Ajamedh were supposed to be with the sacrifice of the concerned animal - Ashwa (horse), Go (cow), and Aj respectively. It should be remembered that Adhwar is an equivalent word for Yagya. The meaning of this word is Ahinsaamaya.

Rig Ved, 1.1.4. says, "agneyam yajgyamadhvaram vishwatah paribhoorasi, sa iddeveshu gachchhati". (The Yagya which is devoid of Hinsaa leads to Divinity. It will gain respect from scholars).

Yajur Ved, 1.1. Yajamaanasya pashoon paahi.- (safeguard the animals of the Yagyakartaa).
Ashwam maa hinseehi (Yajur Ved 13.42)   ---------------      don't trouble horses.
Gaam maa hinseehi ( Yajur Ved, 13.43)     ---------------       --do---cows
Avim maa hinseehi (Yajur Ved, 13.44)      ---------------       ...do... goats
imam maa hinseerdweepaadam pashum (Yajur Ved, 13.47) ---  ...do...two legged animals.
Oornaayum maa hinseehi (Yajur Ved, 23.50)  ---------------   do not harm sheep etc.,
There are several other directions of similar nature.

Atharv Ved :- anaago hatyaa vy bheemaa (Atharv Ved, 10.1.29) - (It is a great sin to kill innocent animals).

Why then this practice came into existence? It is obviously because of the influence of Greeks, Romans etc. Some half-baked knowledge scholars who were basically against the Vaidik culture interpreted the Yagya like Ashwamedh as sacrificing horse etc. Ashwamedh, Gomedh, Ajamedh actually means Raashtravardhan, Indriyavardhan and Aatmavardhan. These are Yagya without any violence. This is enough to prove that Braahman were basically vegetarians.

Now, coming to Shraaddh, The service to the parents rendered with Shraaddh is to considered as Shraaddh. The task done which pleases them should be considered as Tarpan. These should not be rendered to living parents.

Rig Ved says (see 1.160.3) "na vanhihi putrah pitroh pavitravaan punaatidheero bhuvanaani maayayaa"

Atharv Ved (3.30.2-3) clearly ndicates that the son/daughter who keeps his/her parents happy during their lifetime does Pitra Yagya perfectly. "anuvratah pituh putro maatraa bhavatu sammanah, jaayaa patye madhumateem vaacham vadatu shaantivaam, maa bhrataa bhraataram dvikshanmaa svasaaramuta svasaa, samyanchah savrataa bhootwaa vaacham vadata bhadrayaa"