8 Spiritual Leaders who Promote Peace and Veganism

Today is World Peace Day and when the world is going through so many hardships from war, political unrest, animal cruelty and even natural disasters – there couldn’t be a better time to focus on positive and peaceful thoughts. To celebrate this beautiful day we’ve curated some of the best teachings and quotes from vegan spiritual leaders from all over the world. Read on and remember to spread the message of peace on every occasion.

1. Brahmarishi Mohanji

"We talk and preach about God. How can we reach God when we cannot even see God in every being? The soul element of every being is God. When the soul element leaves, we call it a dead body. We have to see God in all creatures and respect that. When we start looking at all beings as expressions of the Almighty, can we hurt any being at all? All beings collectively become the true expression of the Universe. Who gave us the authority to live the way we want and hurt every other being in one way or the other?"

2. Nithya Shanti

"Too often we limit our idea of Ahimsa to just human beings, but human beings are just a small part of this planet. There are countless other living beings. So how can we live our lives with as less cruelty as possible?" We have an exclusive video Interview with Nithya Shanti, where he talks about veganism and peace. Have a look, HERE.

3. Thich Nhat Hanh

“Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.”  - cited from goodreads.com

4. Supreme Master Ching Hai

"Teach your hearts to love all small and insignificant things! Not killing sentient beings is not good enough, nor is killing humans or animals. Understand? We must have truly loving hearts." – cited from suprememastertv.com

5. Digambar Jain Muni Shri Viharsh Sagar

This Jain leader went viral on youtube for his out spoken views on dairy and animal cruelty. It’s very inspiring. Have a look:

6. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

"The teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are not applicable merely to life on a battlefield when war is imminent. Rather the true battlefield is within us constantly and war is being waged every day." – cited from Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s personal twitter

7. Rabbi Gabriel Cousens

“Much of our lack of peace is the result of willingly exploiting ourselves by creating an overextended, imbalanced lifestyle organized around trying to accumulate what we often do not need and which is detrimental to our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.” –  cited from goodreads.com
 

8. Shree Chitrabhanuji

Jain leader Shree Chitrabhanuji is another spiritual guide who believes in the philosophy of peace and veganism. On his website, he openly advocates a vegan lifestyle and says ‘We have not taken permission from the cow to take her milk? Have we? We are violating another principle of Dharma ie. nonstealing. When the mother is separated from her baby by force, one acquires the karma of obstruction in one’s life.
"For self-realization, all the great saints have emphasized renunciation of passion creating foods in daily life. Since all animal products are passion creating foods, one must eschew them.
It is shocking to hear intelligent people argue that the cows are not killed to get milk so it is okay to drink milk. These are the ones who are fearful of change and are not ready to give up their ill habits and thus defend themselves. They don't realize that by taking milk and its products one perpetuates endless violence indirectly supporting the cruelty in the dairy industry." Plus, he even has his own book called ‘Rainbow food for the vegan Palate.’

It is not easy to live in a conscious and peaceful way every day, it takes work and dedication to show love to every and anyone no matter the situation. This World Peace Day, let us try to assimilate these quotes by these spiritual leaders and embody them in every action and step.

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