Last few days have come to my attention that some people, who already took their first steps on The Path (towards The Truth, or their Real Self), still consider veganism as a way of abnegation and sacrifice. They do not see it as an act of (self) love, but rather as something difficult and potentially harmful for their bodies.
"If I feel like eating meat, I will eat meat. If I want to have Milka chocolate, I' ll have it. I love my body, and I don't want to deprive it in any way."
The very first thought that crosses my mind when I hear someone expressing concreted attitude towards something, comes to me in a form of a simple question: ” Who says that?”
The mind, not the spirit.
It's almost like I can see the fear, this statement is colored with.
Although this attitude might be a simple result of one's ignorance, it also can be perceived as a pure act of rationalization: a voice of the ego's best friend- the mind, who, in order to ensure its existence, prefers us to stay the same and, therefore, resists any potential change.
Your body cannot crave meat, in particular- your body simply needs macro and micronutrients (like proteins, or iron). It cannot crave chocolate you used to eat as a child (not even the taste of any chocolate, really; be aware: your mind could, but not the body), although it could crave glucose, or maybe even some serotonin, that will provide you with that feeling of ease and happiness.
Many vegans, with all the wonderful meals they create and share in this virtual jungle, are the evidence that we don't even have to be able to dissolve all our cravings if we want to engage if a more compassionate lifestyle. The one who craves meat can have a tasty seitan steak. The one who craves a chocolate can have a piece of delightful, dairy free chocolate.
I want to emphasize that veganism is much more than a path towards love, compassion and kindness- a path of spirituality and morality. It is not something you do on purpose, in order to pursue some kind of spiritual goal, although it might completely transform you if you are ready. Veganism is something that comes perfectly natural to the one who feels that he is a part of this world, to the one blessed enough to feel this whole world vibrating in every cell of his body. That one, who sensed oneness, rarely questions veganism. It doesn't even have to be that way! Simple intellectual knowledge can lead us to veganism. It is not likely that the one who knows pain, terror and suffering behind every piece of meat that is produced gets back to being an omnivore. It might, but you'll find a lack of authenticity and a hard core rationalizations all around this person.
(Me and my beloved pets, immersed in the spring greenery; being grateful to K.Kovač Photography)
Before I acknowledge the link between veganism and karma, I want to say: yes, we vegans do use plants (that have their own intelligence), drive our cars, use airplanes, and sometimes, even, accidentally cause some form of hurt and pain to other conscious beings around us, (whether we emotionally hurt a loved one or step on the poor bug while driving our bikes), but that doesn't mean that we aren't doing our best to live by our highest standards and to embrace the life as it is. I am sad to announce that I still haven't found a way to live completely guilt or karma free, but I do know that by choosing plant- based, I simply do my best to behaviorally affirm "The Least Harm Principle" . Regarding that manners, veganism might help us not to excessively accumulate more of our karma (we all have it enough, believe me- and, at this time, it is upon us to start dissolving it) and makes us even more loving, thoughtful, caring, sensitive regarding others, and all of that can be beneficial for our spiritual growth, but veganism still provides us with much, much more!
Vegan diet is known as one of the healthiest, and also the most sustainable diet in the long terms. It helps to prevent and heal heart diseases (and I believe that is not something that happens by accident, something exclusively connected with biology- as compassion and opened, healthy heart go hand by hand), diabetes and cancer. It can fight obesity and help people to gain their perfect weight. Wholesome, plant- based diet is also richer in nutrients, such as fibre, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E. Furthermore, it is shown as a most sustainable diet, that lowers one's personal carbon footprint for 73 per cent. It saves our fresh water, our forests and protects all the wildlife. If we all went vegan, we would have an area size of The US, China, Europe and Australia being reclaimed as a wilderness area, and we can all only think about all the benefits that could bring us. This is not a product of my mind- these are the results of many valid, scientific researches, I am taking about.
Plus, veganism, in my experience, also leads to a more authentic and conscious life. It brings excellent health and promotes healing on every level of our being.
In conclusion, by becoming vegan, it's not likely you are depriving anyone beside your ego, and meat, eggs and dairy industry- and you want them deprived, believe me. By becoming vegan, you are simply doing your best to express all the love and gratitude: to your (higher) self, to humanity, to all the animals and to our beautiful, abundant planet.
Read. Educate. Try something new. At least consider making a change, as it might be one of the best things that happened to you.
Love,
Akasha
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