Contemporary spiritual thinkers suggest that compared to vegetarianism, veganism is a more complete approach to wellness—for the body, mind, spirit, and the planet, says OSWALD PEREIRA
In recent years, veganism has gained global momentum, transforming from a fringe lifestyle into a mainstream movement aligned with health, sustainability, and ethical living.
While vegetarianism has long been regarded as a compassionate dietary choice, many spiritual thinkers and wellness advocates today argue that veganism represents a deeper, more evolved commitment to personal well-being and planetary harmony.
Among these voices is Mohanji—a globally respected spiritual teacher and humanitarian—who emphasises that veganism is not merely a diet but a conscious shift in human awareness.
Mohanji, founder of the Mohanji Foundation, teaches that the essence of spiritual life is Ahimsa, or non-violence, applied in thought, word, and action. From this perspective, veganism becomes a natural extension of spiritual living. While vegetarianism eliminates meat, it continues to rely on dairy products, many of which are produced through practices that cause suffering to animals.
Mohanji often points out that the dairy industry, despite its benign cultural image, involves systemic exploitation of cows and calves. To him, true compassion cannot be selective; avoiding meat but accepting dairy is an incomplete expression of non-violence. Veganism, therefore, is the completion of the ethical circle—a lifestyle in which no sentient being is harmed for human pleasure or convenience.
Beyond ethics, Mohanji emphasises the health and wellness advantages of plant-based living. According to him, heavy animal-based foods—whether meat or dairy—create lethargy and lower vibrational states such as tamas (inertia). In contrast, fresh, plant-based foods promote sattva (clarity and calmness), supporting meditation, emotional stability, and heightened awareness.
For spiritual practitioners, this diet becomes a foundation for deeper inner work. Better digestion, reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and enhanced energy levels, he notes, are natural outcomes of aligning the body with nature’s rhythms.
Other spiritual leaders echo this sentiment, though with varying degrees of emphasis. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation, often speaks about the importance of consuming foods that generate positive pranic energy. He notes that milk itself may not be inherently harmful, but the way it is industrially produced today can render it unsuitable for consumption. He advocates a shift toward plant-based alternatives, suggesting that the human body thrives on foods that are alive, fresh, and energetically clean.
Similarly, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation stresses that diet is key to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While he does not insist on veganism for all followers, he acknowledges that as dairy production becomes increasingly commercialised, its purity and wellness value decline. Many of his Ayurvedic and yogic recommendations align naturally with vegan principles—emphasising fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and nuts while reducing heavy, mucus-forming foods.
Acharya Prashant, contemporary spiritual thinker, author and poet, is one of the strongest voices advocating veganism as an ethical and ecological necessity. He argues that spirituality is rendered hollow if it allows participation in animal exploitation. For him, veganism is the logical outcome of both compassion and awareness. He highlights the tremendous environmental cost of dairy and livestock industries—from methane emissions to deforestation—and urges individuals to reconsider long-held food habits in the light of modern realities.
From a health standpoint, scientific research increasingly supports the claims made by these spiritual leaders. Well-planned vegan diets are associated with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and obesity. Vegan diets are naturally high in fibre, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals while being low in saturated fats. Many individuals who transition from vegetarian to vegan eating report better digestion, cleaner skin, improved metabolic health, and enhanced mental clarity.
Moreover, eliminating dairy often reduces inflammation and respiratory issues, especially among those sensitive to lactose. With the availability of fortified plant milks, vegan yogurts, nut-based cheeses, and protein-rich legumes, nutritional adequacy is easier to maintain than ever before.
Ultimately, veganism represents a conscious, compassionate, and health-enhancing way of life. While vegetarianism has been a meaningful step for generations, modern spiritual teachings, ethical awareness, and scientific evidence together suggest that veganism is a more complete approach to wellness—for the body, mind, spirit, and the planet. As Mohanji and other spiritual guides remind us, the food we eat is not just fuel—it is a reflection of the world we wish to create.
Oswald Pereira, a senior journalist, has written ten books, including Beyond Autobiography of a Yogi, The Newsroom Mafia, Chaddi Buddies, The Krishna-Christ Connexion, How to Create Miracles in Our Daily Life and Crime Patrol: The Most Thrilling Stories. Oswald is a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, and practises Kriya Yoga.
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