Yoga is a practice of self-discovery and transformation. It’s meant to be a way of life that follows in your daily activities, not just something you do on the mat or when you’re feeling stressed out. A recent trend in veganism has led many yogis to wonder if their lifestyle choices align with those of other vegans. In this article, we’ll explore how yoga relates to veganism and whether or not it’s possible (or ethical) for yogis to eat animal products at all.
The Yoga Sutra
The Yoga Sutra is a collection of yoga aphorisms, written by Patanjali in the second century CE. It is considered to be the foundation of yoga and has been translated into many languages. The Yoga Sutra is not a religious text, but rather an 8-limbed path that can be practiced regardless of one’s faith or belief system.
The eight limbs are:
- Yamas (ethical restraints) 2) Niyamas (moral observances) 3) Asana 4) Pranayama 5) Pratyahara 6) Dharana 7) Dhyana 8 ) Samadhi
Chapter II, Verse 21
The Yoga Sutra is a Hindu text that offers guidance for yoga practice. The word “sutra” means “thread,” and the text consists of 196 sutras or aphorisms in Sanskrit. Each sutra contains an idea, principle or truth about life.
The Yoga Sutra was written by Patanjali around 200 BCE and has been translated into many languages including English, French, German and Spanish. It’s believed that this conversation between Patanjali and his students took place at an ashram (a place where people live together). In it they discuss how to experience liberation from suffering through meditation on your true self–the Self with capital S–which is pure consciousness itself rather than anything else like thoughts or emotions.*
Verse 22
Verse 22:
“Tada drastuh svarupabuddhi jnanam.”
Translation: At that time, the seer is aware of himself as pure consciousness.
Verse 23
- Vegetarianism is an important part of the Yoga Sutra.
- Vegetarianism is a way to respect all life.
- Vegetarianism is a way to respect the environment.
- Vegetarianism is a way to respect your body and its needs for proper nutrition, which in turn helps you live longer as well as feel better overall!
Vegan is a great choice for health, the environment, and animals.
Veganism is a great choice for health, the environment, and animals.
As a vegan yogi you will be eating whole foods that are naturally high in phytonutrients that help boost your immune system and fight off disease. You’ll also be consuming less saturated fat and cholesterol than someone who eats meat on a regular basis. Many people who switch to a plant-based diet have reported an improvement in their overall energy levels because they’re getting more nutrients from their food rather than just empty calories from processed foods (which tend to be highly acidic).
In conclusion, veganism is a great choice for health, the environment and animals. You don’t have to be a yogi or even a vegetarian to reap the benefits of eating less meat and dairy products!
