Over the summer of '06, I made the choice to become a vegan, and it has easily the best decision I have ever made. It has been affecting every area of my life in a positive way. For anyone who believes that veganism is merely a diet, or simply an animal rights movement, allow me to share with you what it truly means to be vegan.
Ahimsa, a Sanskrit term most often interpreted as meaning peace and reverence toward all sentient beings, was adopted by the American Vegan Society and broken down to delineate the six pillars of "the compassionate way."
Abstinence from animal products
Harmlessness with reverence for life
Integrity of thought, word, and deed
Mastery over oneself
Service to humanity, nature, and creation
Advancement of understanding and truth
This, in a nut-shell, is veganism.
