by Jane Allyson

Created on: May 21, 2007   Last Updated: September 04, 2008

Veganism is not only the purest form of vegetarianism, but is defined by the Vegan Society as "a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude as far as possible and practical all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose"

As well as not consuming meat, including fish and poultry, a Vegan will not eat animal products either, including eggs or dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt.

Veganism isn't just about non meat eating. It is about not perpetuating the suffering of animals. It is a way of life. It is an ethical stand. A vegan will not use animal by products, such as leather, honey, fur silk, wool, cosmetics and soaps derived from animal products.

A vegan diet can be surprisingly varied and includes foods such as: oatmeal, stir-fried vegetables, cereal, toast, orange juice, peanut butter, frozen fruit desserts, lentil soup, chick peas and salads, dates, apples, macaroni, popcorn, smoothies, chili, vegetable burgers, beans pulses, rice, corn fritters, pumpkin casserole, soya hotdogs, tofu.

Although there is the ethical aspect to veganism, many people choose to become vegan for health or environmental reasons too. To feel a part of helping to promote a more humane and caring world is important to many, and more people are choosing to follow this way of life.

To be a vegan is to uphold positive belief. You are not only making a statement about what you believe is wrong in the world, you are also making a statement about yourself.

Becoming a vegan is a bit like stepping into the light. Too often people bury their heads in the sand about the animal products and food that they eat because it is so much more convenient for them to do so, and they think that by not listening or understanding about how animals are treated in the world or by not wanting to know the ingredients of their meals, it will make it easier for them to remain the way they are.

Veganism is all about been sickened by something. So sickened by what you see or hear about, that you simply cannot stomach what is being offered to you, and having the conviction to speak out and say "I actually don't agree with that, and I am not going to be associated with what is being done, except perhaps to object and compel you to stop doing it."

Veganism is not just a way of life, it can be almost classed as a conviction equated to religious belief. It shows commitment, compassion, concern, sorrow, passion, understanding and awareness of the true nature of humanity.

Hey stop the boat, I want to get off!

But Vegans cannot do that can they? We only have one planet. One beautiful world, that we all have to take care of and nurture as best that we can. So they seek to undermine the twisted values of a mindless population. Instead of simply objecting to what is wrong, they seek to educate. Instead of passively accepting the wrongs of others and creating an elitist and closed sphere for themselves, they join together as one and force people to see themselves for who they really are and how the animal has to suffer to perpetuate the human race.

As humans we are masters of the animal kingdom. By the dint of our aggressive nature and the ability to manipulate our environment we have become supreme over every living thing on this planet. By our very nature we are still evolving. We are adapting psychologically and physiologically to a world that we have now learned to shape to our own design. But where do we go from here?

The Vegan has the answer. Our next evolutionary step up the ladder will only be achieved through spiritual catharsis as a human race, and to become truly and deeply, spiritually enlightened.

So it is one small step for Vegan. And one giant leap for Mankind.

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