Self Transformation is highly valued by many including the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, describing self-transformation as ‘The greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self transformation’, and veganism plays a central part in self-transformation on different levels – and for some is the principle reason for going vegan. The increased consumption of wholefood plants is in itself a profound transformation for the body, and the growing bulk of evidence pointing to wholefood plant-based diets providing protection against and helping prevent degenerative disease is likewise profound. There is a cleanliness and a wholesomeness to wholefood plant-based diets that lends well to practices like yoga, meditation and chi kung and some people report an enhanced energy on switching to wholefood plant-based options. The word ‘vegetable’ does in fact stem from the Latin word vegetus, meaning ‘Lively’.

 

There are added layers to veganism when it comes to self-transformation beyond the nutritional aspects of the diet – the removal of violence from our plates has an important effect on our overall health and wellbeing, and the alignment of our lifestyle choices with values of fairness,  justice and compassion is a cohesive and potent result of going vegan. Recognising and upholding the rights of other living beings, and standing up for the most vulnerable amongst us helps provide a firm moral footing and foundation to our behaviour and actions, and veganism presents a code of behaviour full of positive attributes that provides genuine principles and grounding for a whole way of living.

 

Some people will cite spiritual reasons as to why they have gone vegan initially, sometimes encompassing an understanding of karma, and the concept that ‘what goes around comes around’. Treating those who are more vulnerable that us with dignity and respect is a fundamental part of many people’s belief systems and principles for living the best life that we can whilst treading as lightly as possible, and presenting the best version of ourselves without willfully impacting on other sentient beings.

 

At its core, veganism is a peaceful movement that cultivates the very best of life for ourselves and those around us and is a powerful self-transformational tool that in turn could help transform Society. And given the multiple issues the world faces, that could only be a good thing.

 

 

 

Wellbeing and Veganism: Spiritual Wellbeing – The Vegan Society

 

Ethical Harmony: The Spiritual Roots of Veganism – Michael Corthell