Being an animal lover, it was natural for me to become vegan, which is a crucial part of all three aspects of overall health: body, mind, and especially spirit. But what exactly IS veganism? Most people don’t know what being vegan means, so let me  share a little about what it is and why it’s so important.

First, let’s talk about what veganism is NOT… it is NOT a diet! I think that misconception is what makes many people resistant to discussing the topic. Plant-based is a diet, and it the diet that vegans eat, so it is often referred to as a vegan diet. A person does not have to be vegan to be on a plant-based diet, but vegans do - a true vegan eats a 100% plant-based diet.  That means vegans do not eat anything that is made from or comes out of an animal (like eggs and breast milk). But it’s not just about what vegans eat, it’s also about what they use, wear, and do. Vegans don’t wear animal skins or wool or silk. They do their best to avoid products that are tested on animals, or to engage in activities that exploit animals (or people). Essentially, vegans are against violating or enslaving sentient beings. Veganism is a moral stance in opposition to violence, cruelty and oppression of all sentient beings. In short, it’s anti-violence.

An Eastern term that is often used to describe the concept of veganism is “Ahimsa.” Ahimsa is an ancient Sanskrit concept that translates to “non-harming,” “non-violence,” or “the absence of harmful intentions.” It is a fundamental principle in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Yoga, emphasizing compassion, kindness, and respect for all living beings. It is a multifaceted principle that guides individuals towards a path of non-violence, compassion, and kindness, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional harm. By embracing Ahimsa, one can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, understanding, and respect for all living beings. Veganism is a practical application of the principle of Ahimsa; however, anyone and everyone should practice Ahimsa if they truly desire to see change in this world and in themselves. You don’t have to be part of any religion or culture to have the desire to do no harm to others… it is the inherent emotional state for humans. We are all born with caring and empathy (unless some form of mental illness is involved), but through conditioning, or “programming”, we have our compassion molded and squashed, and sometimes removed entirely from our conciousness by our societies, cultures, religions, traditions, families, and peer pressure. The good news is that through the vegan awakening, we can get our true selves back!

There are now practically endless resources to help you understand why veganism is so important to the animals, to the planet, and to your own health, and to help you make the transition to a plant-based diet. I am always happy to help anyone who wants to learn more or is ready to make the change.

Below are a few videos and documentaries on the ethics and health related realities of eating animals and animal products. I hope you find them as enlightening and inspiring as I did (and still do). You can also visit ADAPTT.org and VeganKit.com for lots of helpful resources.