What does it mean to be vegan?

Whether you view veganism as a philosophy or simply a diet, your actions are contributing towards a better world.

Many of us would be familiar with the Sanskrit term ahimsa, meaning non-harm or non-violence. When we choose to be vegan, we choose compassion over violence and choose to show kindness to all creatures. I’m not going to go deep into the history behind veganism, because most of you will be familiar with it. I will however, give you a definition from the Vegan Society:

“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude- as far as is possible and practicable all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose, and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

“Eating meat extinguishes the great seed of compassion”-
Buddha

Choose compassion for all living beings

A Poem for Vegans

I met a vegan in Oman,

With a gleam in his eyes,

And love in the palm of his hand.

Though once a farmer on dusty plains;

He would work the system; 

Prayin for heavy rain.

I came to know him as any

curious fellow would,

And though my past rocky,

It was in a new clearing 

I now stood.

The man – he was propagating

seeds of compassion and hope,

The toll to rectify wrongs

of a weary planet that couldn’t cope.

In a world overcome by greed and fear,

It was all a lonesome fellow

like me needed to hear.

Now, it was from the shadows I watched

him plant seeds from dusk til’ dawn,

And it was on day 31,

That a new me was finally born.

Now with wispy wings, I too

hold out my hands with light and love,

To all living beings I say:

Go forward. Live in peace.

A final message from the

winged gods above. Edit”Veganism 101″