Exploring the ideas of veganism in different religions

Veganism and religion often go hand in hand, shaping how people think about food and compassion. Many religious beliefs emphasise kindness and non-violence, values that align closely with vegan lifestyles.

As more people are linking their faith with their eating habits, it raises interesting questions about how spirituality influences our choices regarding animals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between veganism and various religious teachings, looking at how these ideas can come together to create a kinder, more sustainable world.

First, a disclaimer- not all religious traditions specifically promote veganism. But the concept of compassion for all living beings and the minimisation of harm to animals is central to almost every faith out there.

Hinduism:

Many Hindus, influenced by the principle of ahimsa or non-violence towards living beings, adhere to a vegetarian diet, and some are even vegan- except for dairy and honey, which are heavily used in religious ceremonies. These products are considered “gifts” rather than “products of slaughter.” However, more Hindus are avoiding dairy due to the cruel practice, which violates the principle of ahimsa.

There are carnivorous Hindus who refrain from eating meat on certain days, and many vegetarian Hindus avoid eggs, even unfertilized ones, considering them “potential life”.

Jainism:

Jainism places a strong emphasis on non-violence and compassion towards all forms of life. Jains are generally strict vegetarians, and many follow a vegan diet as part of their commitment to ahimsa. In addition to refraining from consuming animal products, Jains avoid root vegetables and certain other foods to minimise harm to living organisms.

Buddhism:

While not all Buddhists are vegan, many followers of Mahayana and certain branches of Vajrayana Buddhism emphasise vegetarianism or even veganism as a way to practice compassion and non-harming towards animals. The principle of ahimsa is central to Buddhist ethics, and some Buddhists choose to extend this principle to their dietary choices.

Christianity:

Although Christianity does not explicitly promote veganism, some Christians choose a plant-based diet as part of their commitment to compassion, ethical stewardship of the environment, and concern for animal welfare. Additionally, certain Christian denominations and individuals observe periods of fasting from animal products, such as during Lent.

Judaism:

Within Judaism, there are dietary laws that outline the types of animals that are permissible for consumption (kosher), and specific guidelines for humane treatment in the process of slaughter. While traditional Jewish dietary laws embrace the consumption of meat and dairy, some Jewish individuals and organisations advocate for ethical and sustainable food choices, and veganism may align with these concerns.

Islam:  

While the consumption of meat or animal products is not prohibited in Islam, the way animals are treated and slaughtered is subject to strict guidelines to ensure their welfare and minimise suffering. Islamic dietary laws (halal) require that animals be slaughtered humanely, with an emphasis on minimising pain and distress.

Although Islamic views are not explicitly against abstaining from animal products, some Muslims choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle based on their beliefs in compassion, environmental conservation, and animal welfare. As with any dietary practice, Islamic scholars emphasise the importance of moderation, balance, and mindful consumption.

While Veganism is not uniformly practised within the religious traditions, compassion and non-violence are central tenets.

Spirituality and Veganism

Vegans believe that their dietary choice is a spiritual transformation and progression.

By choosing to adopt a vegan lifestyle, we are aligning ourselves with a higher spiritual frequency and evolving towards a more conscious way of living. This shift allows us to awaken and open up to new levels of awareness and sensitivity, enabling us to connect more deeply with ourselves, others, and the world around us. As we continue on this journey, it is essential to nurture and develop our evolving senses to fully embrace the spiritual growth and enlightenment that veganism can offer.

All living things are made of energy, and as humans, we are meant to eat foods that are “charged” with energy from the Sun. Plants directly absorb energy from the Sun, and animals get energy that has already been processed by another living thing. Consuming meat means consuming recycled energy.

Since we coexist with all other living beings on the planet, transitioning to a vegan diet is a way to our spiritual growth. This is because plant-based foods do not contain negative energy that may have been acquired from harmful sources. We are aware that our emotions and experiences impact our entire being and energy. Animals that are raised in distressing, unhappy conditions emit negative energy. By consuming them and their products, we may be absorbing this negative energy as well, becoming a part of that same energy cycle.

Our physical evolution may have reached its peak, and the next stage of evolution involves introspection, self-awareness, and consciousness of our surroundings, including the food we eat. The saying “we are what we eat” holds true. When we consume animal products obtained through suffering – such as milk taken from a grieving mother cow or meat from an animal who witnessed the slaughter of their companions – we become complicit in the cycle of cruelty. There are numerous compelling reasons to embrace a vegan lifestyle, and ultimately, there is no valid reason not to make the switch.

Oh, I accidentally preached veganism whilst promising not to. Ah, well, next stop politics, I guess.