In this day and age, we seem to lose touch with ourselves and our planet. Among those who advocate for a plant-based diet, spiritual leaders are at the forefront. These wise and wakened individuals can help teach us the beauty of a plant-based diet and the peace it brings to our bodies, minds, and spirits. Here are few prominent figures inspiring change in millions of people around the world:
Infographic Click Here | 1. Asa Keisar This Jewish scholar and rabbi is a staunch advocate for plant-based eating. He has spent many years travelling around Israel to give public lectures on necessity of cutting out animal-based products out of our diets entirely. He often quotes the Torah (the Jewish holy book) as the basis for how to live a good life. |
2. Brahmarishi Mohanji
This Hindu sage and guru has inspired a generation of people to reflect on their eating habits and confront our selfish natures. He implores us to see all beings, human or otherwise, as a manifestation of the divine.
3. Supreme Master Ching Hai
She is commonly referred to as Suma, and is a Vietnamese spiritual teacher, artist and humanitarian famous around the world. She strongly advocates for a completely plant-based lifestyle for all people around the world. She presses on the importance of implementing laws that encourage plant-based eating.
4. Muni Shri Viharsh Sagar
He is a Jain leader went viral all over the internet for his strong views on the hidden aspects of animal cruelty in the dairy industry. He explains that the path to self-enlightenment is not consistent with consuming milk or animal products. He believes that by participating in violence, we invite negative karmic consequences and suffering to ourselves and urges us to switch to a plant-based lifestyle.
5. Sandra Lawson
She is one of the first openly gay, female, and black rabbis in the world. She is a strong proponent of veganism and plant-based lifestyle devoid of cruelty to other beings. She encourages all of us to take a look at ourselves and choose a plant-based diet that both benefits us spiritually and helps save our planet for future generations.
6. Thich Nhat Hanh
He is a Vietnamese monk and peace advocate. His teachings implore us to be mindful of all the actions we do, this way of thought is extrapolated into our diets and general consumption habits.
7. Andrew Linzey
He is an English Anglican priest, and prominent figure in Christian vegetarianism. He is the founder and director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He has written and reviewed many papers and books on the ethics of veganism and vegetarianism as it relates to religion and spirituality.
8. Shree Chitrabhanuji
He was a Jain spiritual leader who believes in the philosophy of peace and veganism, and promotes the same to his followers. He believes that animal farming practices are in violation of core dharmic principle of non-violence and non-stealing. He has also written a book called ‘Rainbow food for the Vegan Palate’ that encourages conscious eating and a life dedicated to peace and love towards all beings.
Conclusion
Irrespective of the types of spiritual teachings they adhere to, all the leaders mentioned here truly believe in one thing – a plant-based diet is beneficial for our body, mind and soul. If you follow any of these leaders, or if you want to lead a healthy, peaceful life, adapt a plant-based lifestyle.
References:
Spiritual Reasons for the Vegetarian Diet. Veggie Fest Chicago.
https://veggiefestchicago.org/spiritual-reasons-for-the-vegetarian-diet/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
5 STORIES OF VEGAN ACTIVISM IN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES. Veg Fund.
https://vegfund.org/blog/religion-vegan-movement-5-stories.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji.
https://gurudevchitrabhanu.org/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
Book Review: Ethical Vegetarianism and Veganism edited by Andrew Linzey and Clair Linzey. Sentient Media. https://sentientmedia.org/book-review-ethical-vegetarianism-and-veganism/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
Vegan World Prayer. God’s Direct Contact.
https://www.godsdirectcontact.org/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
WHO IS MOHANJI? Mohanji.
https://mohanji.org/who-is-mohanji/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
The Life Story of Thich Nhat Hanh. Plum Village.
https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/biography/.
Accessed on 28-06-2021.
