Arjuneus x Mystic Market Spirituality Through Veganism

Summary

Arjun, an animal rights activist and vegan for over a decade, shares insights on veganism as a philosophy that excludes animal exploitation. With a background in biological sciences and psychology, he discusses the historical roots of veganism, its spiritual alignment with ancient civilizations, and the psychological impact of animal product consumption. He emphasizes the benefits of a plant-based diet for health and energy, and the ethical implications of the Golden Rule in treating all sentient beings with respect.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Arjun, also known as AR Junius, is a vegan and animal rights activist with a background in biological sciences, cognitive psychology, and psychology.
• 🥗 Veganism is defined as a philosophy and lifestyle seeking to exclude animal exploitation for food, clothing, or any other purpose, promoting animal-free alternatives.
• 🐛 Critics argue that no food is completely vegan due to potential harm to insects during production, but the philosophy aims for practical exclusion of animal exploitation.
• 🌱 Historically, many ancient civilizations practiced forms of veganism or abstained from animal products, reflecting a long-standing tradition rather than a new ideology.
• 🧠 Arjun discusses the impact of animal product consumption on human health, suggesting that the stress hormones in animal products can lead to lower vibrational states and increased anxiety.
• 🍇 A plant-based diet, rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, can repair cellular damage, decrease inflammation, and balance neurotransmitters, promoting higher energy states.
• 🌞 The energy pyramid illustrates the loss of energy as it moves up the food chain, suggesting that a plant-based diet is more energetically efficient.
• 🦷 Human anatomy is more closely aligned with frugivores (fruit eaters) than carnivores, indicating that our natural diet should be plant-based.
• 🍖 Common reasons for consuming animal products include social conformity, misinformation, convenience, and cognitive dissonance.
• 🕊 Spiritual principles such as the Golden Rule and the concept of Oneness support the idea of treating all sentient beings with respect, aligning with vegan values.

Q & A

How long has Arjun been an animal rights activist and a vegan?

Arjun has been an animal rights activist for about seven years and a vegan for about 10 years.

What is Arjun's educational background in relation to his work?

Arjun has a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and cognitive psychology, and a Master's in psychology from the University of Southern California.

What is the core definition of veganism according to Arjun?

Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practical, all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. It promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment.

How does Arjun view the argument that eating vegetables might not be vegan due to insect deaths during production?

Arjun clarifies that veganism is a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude as much animal exploitation as possible, and practical, in everyday life. It's not about achieving absolute purity but striving for a lifestyle that minimizes harm.

What is Arjun's perspective on the historical practice of veganism?

Arjun points out that veganism is not a new or radical concept but has been practiced by ancient civilizations such as the Indian, Greek, Jain, Buddhist, and Egyptian cultures, although they did not use the term 'vegan'.

How does Arjun connect veganism to spirituality and the concept of energy and vibration?

Arjun suggests that animal products contain hormones and chemicals that can inhibit one's ability to be vibrantly healthy, transferring low vibrational states to the consumer. In contrast, a plant-based diet is believed to enhance health and balance neurotransmitters, leading to higher vibrations.

What does Arjun say about the energy transfer in the food chain and its relation to veganism?

Arjun explains that energy transfer in the food chain is less efficient as you move up trophic levels, losing energy at each stage. By consuming plants directly, humans can obtain a purer form of energy compared to consuming animals.

Why does Arjun believe humans are anatomically more suited to a vegan diet?

Arjun argues that humans are 100% anatomical frugivores, a type of herbivore, and are not naturally adapted to a carnivorous diet. He points out that humans can survive on a raw vegan diet but not on a raw carnivorous diet.

What are the reasons Arjun gives for why people continue to eat meat despite the availability of vegan alternatives?

Arjun identifies comfort and conformity, misinformation and marketing, convenience, and defense mechanisms or cognitive dissonance as the main reasons people continue to consume animal products.

How does Arjun relate the concept of Oneness to veganism and animal rights?

Arjun connects the spiritual concept of Oneness, which posits that all beings are interconnected, to the treatment of animals. He suggests that recognizing this interconnectedness can lead to a more compassionate approach to animal rights and veganism.

What is Arjun's advice for those who want to transition to veganism?

Arjun is working on a course to help people transition to veganism, indicating that education and gradual change, supported by resources and community, are his recommended approaches.