(Still listening through the podcast, so please forgive me for any redundancy.)

I’m a vegan yoga teacher (and a big fan of Ashtanga). I became a vegan after considering the yogic precept (the first “yama” in Ashtanga yoga philosophy) of ahimsa, which translates to mean non-violence (hope that’s not too “woo-woo”).

I don’t personally know many yogins who consider the consumption of animal products to be a violent act, and I don’t understand their reasoning. Many are vegetarian or pescetarian, but, like most people in the general population, “just can’t stop” eating certain animal products (most often cheese). It really bothers me, but obviously it would be pretty violent to yell at them, too, so it’s hard to know how to broach the fact that they’re being hypocritical. I mostly just give my reasoning for being a vegan; that I don’t want any aspect of my own pleasure to be a result of another being’s suffering. In fact, that would completely drain the experience of any potential pleasure, which I think is an important component of compassion.

For example, your discussion about cocoa on a previous episode made me more mindful about the chocolate I consume, because I wouldn’t want to contribute to the suffering and exploitation of children. (The fact that Escazu Chocolate is located here in Raleigh, NC certainly helped; thanks, Sinead, for the recommendation in that episode!)

Anyway, just very happy to hear Science Dude is an Ashtangi. Rock on!

~Rachel~