GANDHI: THE SANCTITY OF LIFE AND THE ETHICS OF DIET
The text below and accompanying short video of the event have been shared with us as we were unable to attend on the day…
On Saturday 30th January, the Gandhi Foundation held their annual multifaith celebration at Kingsley Hall in association with the Animal Interfaith Alliance. Mark Hoda, Chairman Gandhi Foundation & Rev Feargus O’Connor, Chair of Animal Interfaith Alliance, introduced the event. Gandhi was outspoken against vivisection and Rev O’Connor suggested that the two organisations could join in support of the Dr Hadwen Trust and their work replacing animal experiments.
Before introducing the speakers, Graham Davey of the Gandhi Foundation provided an outline of Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence, his vegetarianism and frustrated veganism, and his positive compassion for all living creatures. As a Hindu influenced by Jains, Gandhi had respect for all living things; all touched by the Divine, all equals with human beings in God’s eyes.
Ketan Varia (Jain) spoke of ensoulled nature and the need to limit our diet to plant life — most urgently today but based historically on the Jain belief that the greater number of senses an organism possesses, the greater our responsibility to shield it from unnecessary suffering– and the need to educate without coercion on these matters. Rev Nagase (Buddhist) of Battersea Peace Pagoda spoke of the Buddha’s compassion for all beings. He mentioned serious environmental concerns over Japan’s nuclear industry and weapons in general, before chanting a prayer that helped bring the proceedings to a place of profound contemplation. Rev. Martin Henig (Christian Anglican) observed that the Christian tradition has always drawn heavily on the Old Testament, referring the audience to Psalm 104 and its strong vision of animals’ importance to the God of compassion and love. Sheikh Rashad Ali (Muslim) seconded the importance of non-coercion. He spoke of the Islamic tradition’s deep concern with matters of welfare, quoting the hadith and stating that the creation taken as a whole is in fact “the family of God”, each creature spiritually connected. From his perspective, adequate legal protection is what animals most sorely lack today. Jewish vegan campaigner Jonathan Fitter finished with a powerful 2012 text provided by the Jewish Vegetarian Society, demonstrating the Torah’s mandate of veganism. He went on to say that 5% of Israel’s population are now vegan and that even Israel’s military are observing meat-free Mondays.
The event was well attended and delicious vegan food was served in the Three Bees Cafe. Attenders also enjoyed a tour of Gandhi’s cell, which he occupied when in London in the 1930s.
Written by Judith Wilkings [Member, Jewish Vegetarian Society, Quaker Concern for Animals, and Animal Interfaith Alliance]
For more information about the Animal Interfaith Alliance please click here.
