Veganism and Buddhism

Buddhism is learning to do the right things - to practice and promote right mindfulness, right view, right thinking, right action, right speech, right concentration, right diligence, right livelihood. It is the path to happiness. The foundation of happiness is freedom, so it is also the path to liberation. It is likely then that one who wants to be free respects, practices and promotes freedom.

Veganism is the practice of respecting the right of all sentient beings to be free. Vegans practice living in a manner that they do not end up using other sentient beings as resources like food or slaves and avoid exploiting their body and mind.

Thus, vegans do not consume milk or meat or butter or cheese or eggs. They do not use leather or animal-tested cosmetics or anything that comes from an animal or that might have jeopardized an animal's welfare, health or freedom. They practice living in this manner to the extent possible. The Buddha of our times, Thich Nhat Hanh, is a vegan.

In Buddhism there are many precepts. These are vows or declaration of our commitment to practice certain wholesome actions and avoid unwholesome actions. One of such precepts is not to harm other sentient beings. Killing and eating them may rightfully be construed as causing harm to them. It is also not mindful consumption - a violation of another precept. Similarly, not taking what is not rightfully ours is another precept. We can argue that the skin of an animal is not rightfully ours, so we should not use leather or fur. Similarly, we can say that other precepts are violated by not practicing and promoting veganism.

Samsara is imperfect. And yet, it leads to nirvana. A world of imperfections can be transformed into a perfect existence. Samsara and nirvana are in our mind, one exists because of the other. The imperfect samsaric existence can help motivate us to be free. We practice the precepts with the intention to be free and to help others be free from samsaric existence - an experience of suffering.

The foundation of suffering is slavery. We watch helplessly how people are killed and children harmed and women assaulted. We cannot prevent death or sickness or old age or desires. We are slaves to causes and conditions. This makes us suffer.

In spirit, veganism and Buddhism are so closely connected. In one we can clearly see the other. When we practice the precepts we are practicing veganism and vice versa. We are practicing and promoting freedom. By practicing in this manner we truly create conditions for liberation. We nurture the Buddha in us.

(The author, Saurabh Singh, is a student of the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He is a Foreclosure Prevention Activist and a vegan. He is also a member of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals(India), Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate, UNITES Professionals and supports charitable causes and crowdfunding.)