Yoga is defined as the union of the body, mind, and soul. Although most Westerners have trouble grasping the idea of karma and reincarnation, yoga can make you question the purpose of life.
Links between yoga and veganism
Yoga is defined as the union of the body, mind, and soul. The founding text of yoga is the Bhagavad Gita which discusses the nature of the soul, purpose of life, and how yoga is the attitude available to everyone.
In western cultures, yogis focus on the asana component of yoga, the practice of different postures or poses. There are eight principles of yoga that from practicing can help reach enlightenment or a heightened state of awareness. These foundations include yama (restraints on behavior), niyama (spiritual observances), asana (the practice of specific postures), pranayama (breathing techniques to increase energy), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), samadi (complete absorption).
Another important practice is ahimsa (non-violence in thoughts, actions, and words). Some yogis interpret this to forbid any harm to any living being, therefore encouraging veganism. Ahimsa states that we should have compassion for all sentient beings meaning we should not purchase food and products that have killed or harmed animals.
There are also three types of food according to The Yoga Sutras. Sattvic, pure foods, are fruits, veggies, and grains that will bring calmness to the body and mind through proper nourishment. Rajasic foods, spices, meats, eggs, and alcohol, stimulate the mind and are thought to cause circulatory disorders. Lastly, there are tamasic, or rotten foods, like aged meat, which is technically decaying. Through karma, we have to accept the consequences of our actions, which include food choices.
Plant-based lifestyles and yoga go hand in hand. Choosing a way of eating that causes the least harm to people, animals, and the planet, is something that speaks to many yogis.
Westerners still have difficulty grasping the whole concept of karma, reincarnation, understanding that underlying energy could be present in future and past existences. Killing animals for momentary taste pleasure, the use of a product that has caused the suffering of many animals it was tested on, or consuming byproducts resulting from animal cruelty.
Whether or not you practice yoga and believe in its principles, it does make you question the purpose of life and the nature of the soul. Our ethics and treatment of other sentient beings we share the earth with do matter.