Self development via compassion

14.

One of the main reasons people become vegetarian is to start the process of self-development, to become more sensitized to their surroundings and animals, and to develop a more empathy-driven approach in their day-to-day lives. In this violent world, most of us want to know how to become less violent, less selfish and more healthy on all levels. Indeed to become an all-round, better type of person. If to some extent ‘we are what we eat’, then more so ‘we are what we boycott’. We make our most sincere statement of intent in what we deny ourselves, by what we avoid eating or wearing when it’s animal-based.

Apart from avoiding all the familiar ‘cruelty’ products by observing vegan principles, we can’t help but become inspired by the broader practice of non-violence. Perhaps our being less reckless in what we eat, will carry through to the way we think. Taking this to its logical conclusion, there doesn’t have to be much difference between the sentient and the non-sentient - it’s all consciousness after all. A generous and gentle attitude should affect the way we drive a car or deal with the kids or respect cows.