Book Title: Ahimsa is not Religion It is way of Life
Author(s): Clare Rosenfield, Linda Segall
Publisher: Clare Rosenfield and Linda Segall

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Page 22
________________ best to live in harmlessness, without being cruel or callous to anyone, and honoring our interconnectedness with all. DO VEGETARIANS CARE ABOUT PEOPLE TOO? Vegetarianism is a natural outcome of a feeling of self-reverence. The reverence which begins with oneself gradually extends outward to include one's family, friends, the whole human race, and all living beings. Ethical vegetarians are aware of the vast range of suffering, whether it happens to humans or animals. It does not make sense to be working to end discrimination against minority groups, for example, while neglecting the right to live of animals, a majority treated as a minority. We want our voices to be heard when we call out for peace; at the same time, we have no right to condone the bloody business of slaughterhouses through our eating habits. Because animals are helpless and voiceless, without recourse to courts of law, many vegetarians speak out for them. “We are Nature's eldest sons and daughters,” says Shree Chitrabhanu. “It can be our joy to care for other forms of life as we would care for our own younger brothers and sisters." If more people knew how listless, neurotic, and diseased animals become in overcrowded factory farms, without access to fresh air, sunlight, space, or exercise; and how much physical and psychological pain they suffer at the slaughterhouse, they would be more understanding of this point of view. Rather than avoid the issue, we need to become educated as to the realities of food production.. 21 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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