Silent Revolution: Growing numbers of Europeans becoming Buddhists & turning to vegans/vegetarians
Posted on May 16th, 2015

Shenali D Waduge

The Europeans are waking up. They are beginning to realize that money cannot buy happiness, that capitalism has not provided mental solace, that meat consumption has caused endless  health issues and their searching minds have discovered the richness in the scientifically proven philosophy of Buddhism. Coupled to this awakening, Europeans and in particular the Germans have revolutionized the food industry be introducing a whole new range of plant-based vegan foods that are hitting the market and generating enthusiasm among health-conscious people who abhor the idea of having to slaughter animals to obtain meat. Buddhism has become a solace to Europeans seeking freedom from capitalist competition, a new health benefit and the compassion derived by saving sentient beings from becoming slaughtered. A lesson for the entire world too.

The realization that money cannot buy happiness and whatever wealth man remains unfulfilled and dissatisfied has brought upon the realization that life and capitalism has not brought people the inner satisfaction and inner freedom that people are silently searching for. Buddhism has become an alternate to never ending materialism. The tranquillity they have found in Buddhism has shaped the lives of a growing number of Europeans in particular the Germans since philosopher Arthu Schopenhauer influenced the first German Buddhists some 100 years ago.  There are said to be close to 4m Buddhists in Europe.

The rise in Europeans embracing Buddhism is complimented by the fact that those who had been previously vegan/vegetarian have discovered that the teachings of Buddha compliments their choice of food.

Vegetarians do not eat animals while vegans also do not eat animals but also avoids all dairy products, eggs and anything else derived from animals.

Vegan foods are entirely plant based (animal based enzymes and milk are not present). There are plenty of vegan foods available across Europe and inside supermarkets. There are on-line vegan shopping available too. These need to be now marketed across the world simultaneously encouraging people to grown plants and trees since development has raped the forests and uprooted what has been naturally gifted to man. Essentially, what we must learn to understand is that despite the quench for wealth we cannot afford to bring to ruin means of sustenance and we must at all times seek a win-win situation.

That the food industry is seeing a revolution take place coupled and complimented with the discovery that Buddhism has brought solace to people mentally and physically suffering from face-paced, competitive and never-ending cycle of capitalism we see a silent revolution taking place in the West.

These revolutionary vegan foods must be made available in the Asian markets as well.

 Shenali D Waduge

Additional reference:

www.peta2.com

www.bio.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformhaus

 

7 Responses to “Silent Revolution: Growing numbers of Europeans becoming Buddhists & turning to vegans/vegetarians”

  1. AnuD Says:

    West has better buddhists than sinhala buddhists.

    they practice exactly the way Buddha said.

    One problem is all Tibetan, Orieiental and Thai buddhists do exactly what should they do.

    Sinhala buddhists monks accumulate wealth and that their buddhism.

  2. charithsls Says:

    You are absolutely right that Europeans are turning to Buddhism & vegetarian & vegan food. High protein vegan food are as good as animal food. When you realize the cruelty and killing that go in mass commercial milk & poultry industry, it is difficult not to become a vegan to uphold Buddhist principles. These high quality food should be available in the Asia provided our so called Buddhists want to keep away from animal products to make it a viable market.

  3. Lorenzo Says:

    Very good trend. If more non-meat food is consumed, more people will have food. Less carbon emission.

    But on the other hand it may be due to the ECONOMIC DOWNTURN in Europe. Meat is more expensive than other food.

    In fast developing countries like Endia and China MEAT consumption is MASSIVELY increasing.

  4. Nimal Says:

    Needless to say that most of the people in West are Buddhist by nature unlike our people. They may have to come to our countries are educate our people with the true principles of Buddhism that is lacking in our people.
    Same goes to the Muslim nations where there is bloodletting where the West will have to unite the two main sects of Islam which is the main cause of their crisis.
    Throwing back innocent refugees into the sea is one example of uncivilized behaviour of some countries who claim to be strong followers of their faith. So much hypocrisy around and it’s only the civilized West could clean these countries. Yes they are true Buddhists and all good virtues of the faith is to be experienced in the streets of their countries where there is so much civility and tolerance shown, which is very much lacking in our countries.

  5. Ben Silva Says:

    I agree with Nihal. In UK, there is better caring for the sick, old, disabled better than in Lanka. Caring for animals is also better.

  6. Susantha Wijesinghe Says:

    PLEASE GOOGLE**WalmartToturesAnimals.com

    HORRENDOUS.

  7. Nimal Says:

    SW
    One can’t judge the West by one example. Animal torture is distasteful and not accepted in the West. I videoed a scene where a horrible fellow constantly beat a baby elephant in Kandy that was plucked out of the milking mother, where the baby elephant was crying for it’s mother. That incident became a media topic. It doesn’t mean that people in SL are cruel to animals.

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