More than a form of diet, veganism encompasses a distinctive philosophy and lifestyle that may prove difficult to follow by many who fail to internalize its real meaning. As a principle, it holds reverence for life of primary importance. It seeks not only to provide an enlightened healthy living for humans but also a deep spiritual development that promotes respect and compassion for other living things.
Vegan philosophy and lifestyle is best explained with the adaption of AHIMSA as its underlying principle. AHIMSA means non-killing and non-harming in Sanskrit. The American Vegan Society has designated each letter to represent what it calls the pillars of modern life philosophy:
- A – stands for Abstinence from Animal Products
- H – stands for Harmlessness with Reverence fro Life
- I – stands for Integrity of Thought, Word, and Deed
- M – stands for Mastery Over Oneself
- S – stands for Service to Humanity, Nature and Creation
- A – stands for Advancement of Understanding and Truth
It is not uncommon to come across people who practice veganism with much conviction and strong advocacy. This is easily explained since the abstinence from any animal product is associated with equally strong advocacies such as animal welfare and environment protection. The practice of veganism sometimes invites criticism that challenges apparent flaws as well as proposed merits. Meat-eating advocates and middle-grounders tend to question the absolute exclusion of animals and their derivatives for human consumption.
Any benefit or perceived value to human society is not considered desirable if it would mean the exploitation and harming of animals. Vegans oppose several practices which non-vegans would ordinarily categorize as harmless and even enjoyable. These activities would include fishing, hunting, animal training, animal confinement, and animal use in zoos, circuses and other like forms of entertainment. Objection is focused on cruel and derogatory treatment of animals.
The painful animal laboratory testing for drugs, cosmetics and other products is specifically denounced as an unnecessary and cruel practice, notwithstanding the potential benefit to human society. Humans may not realize the extent of their dependence on animals until they try veganism. The use of such items as pearls, ivory, perfume, pillows, and soaps may not automatically call to mind animal cruelty until people think deeper about the source of this everyday items.
Although viewed by many as a practice best symbolized by what man cannot have, true vegans emphasize liberation from a cruel dependence. Aware that purity is not possible in the modern world because of the pervasiveness of animal products use in almost all aspects of human life, vegans are encouraged to work for the least harm and the most good. Veganism does not simply stop on passive denial but has its greatest potential in providing active contribution to the betterment of society without sacrificing other living things. This is in consonance with AHIMSA’s dynamic harmlessness.
Veganism requires a major modification of lifestyle and would-be practitioners can benefit from arming themselves with information. By actively researching on what really constitutes veganism, people can sufficiently prepare themselves for the big change. Not all products would readily reveal all animal components contained in them thus labels have to be read more carefully.
Vegans should be given respect for their chosen lifestyle in the same manner accorded to non-vegans. In as much as most people are not aware of the intricacies of veganism, a vegan should not expect to get what they want without specifically requesting for it. Vegans can start by bringing some vegan snacks to a family gathering just to be sure that they will have something to eat. This can pave the way for greater understanding in a vegan’s family circle, friends, and even business or employment associates.
Even before the term “vegan” was coined in 1944, inclination towards the practice of total non-use of animal products for food consumption has been recorded as early as 1806. It was soon followed by a rejoinder for the observance of ethical values towards animals. The earliest use of the word vegetarian actually denoted a vegan way of life. When the Vegetarian Society was founded in 1887 however, the objective merely called for the abstention from animal flesh.
The vegan lifestyle is often seen as restrictive on the basis of its ethical principle. Though not intended to preach, the prime movers of veganism see a basis for providing a moral ground to the food consumption practice because of the natural tendency of man to persevere once the reason for the action is fully understood. Actually believing in a particular cause provides more reason not to backslide as opposed to doing it for purely health reasons. Humans have a tendency to relax once a medical condition appears to have been controlled.