Most Americans consider vegetarianism, which is part and parcel of the yogic precept of ahimsa (non-violence), an alternative lifestyle choice. But in a culture known for conspicuous consumption, the practice of conscious eating is fast becoming a biological imperative. Studies now confirm what fishermen everywhere already know: The oceans' fish are disappearing. Mass production of the inexpensive meat Westerners consider their due has begun to sicken us, as it does the animals we consume. And so-called factory farming is devastating to the environment.
The foods produced through commercial dairies and feedlots are of dubious benefit. The FDA says the use of bovine growth hormone to increase milk production has no ill effect on humans. But E. coli in undercooked beef is not acceptable in anyone's cookbook. According to John Robbins, son of the creator of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, you don't have to be a yogi, a vegetarian, or an animal rights activist-John is all three- to be appalled by the level of cruelty that is standard operating procedure in commercial dairies and feedlots.
John Robbins explains that"Cows are herbivores, and E. coli hardly exists in grass-fed cows." "But when you feed them grain, which is cheaper for the industry, it wreaks havoc on their digestive systems and creates breeding grounds for bacteria."
"Since the animals are crammed together and standing in their feces, the bacteria spread quickly." Farm-raised fish like salmon are developing new diseases, for which they, like livestock, are treated with antibiotics. And the caged fish no longer contain highly nutritional omega-3 fatty acids, since they do not eat the algae that produce it.
David Life is not trying to say what is right or wrong for all people in all situations. But developing yogic consciousness helps us realize that what we do to the planet, and to other animals, we do to ourselves. He feels we must begin to make choices toward a sustainable, humane, approach to existence. And moving away from eating factory farm animals products is a big piece of that.
The foods produced through commercial dairies and feedlots are of dubious benefit. The FDA says the use of bovine growth hormone to increase milk production has no ill effect on humans. But E. coli in undercooked beef is not acceptable in anyone's cookbook. According to John Robbins, son of the creator of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, you don't have to be a yogi, a vegetarian, or an animal rights activist-John is all three- to be appalled by the level of cruelty that is standard operating procedure in commercial dairies and feedlots.
John Robbins explains that"Cows are herbivores, and E. coli hardly exists in grass-fed cows." "But when you feed them grain, which is cheaper for the industry, it wreaks havoc on their digestive systems and creates breeding grounds for bacteria."
"Since the animals are crammed together and standing in their feces, the bacteria spread quickly." Farm-raised fish like salmon are developing new diseases, for which they, like livestock, are treated with antibiotics. And the caged fish no longer contain highly nutritional omega-3 fatty acids, since they do not eat the algae that produce it.
David Life is not trying to say what is right or wrong for all people in all situations. But developing yogic consciousness helps us realize that what we do to the planet, and to other animals, we do to ourselves. He feels we must begin to make choices toward a sustainable, humane, approach to existence. And moving away from eating factory farm animals products is a big piece of that.
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