Gopal's Blog

I had some great meetings in New York last week. Some amazing Bhumi initiatives are in the pipeline, but I can’t say too much at the moment. Details will be shared in the coming weeks and months. 

I’m currently in Washington, DC. The White House event is just a few days away, so I’m busy prepping press releases and other last minute things to ensure the event goes well. I’ll try and post some pictures in the next few days of DC (and of some I took in New York). 

This morning I came across this on the BBC News website: The unusual uses for animal body parts: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13670184. 

It’s an interesting read that show many everyday products contain animal body parts. Living in a society and culture where wide-scale animal slaughter is acceptable, I feel it’s often difficult to be 100% sure the products we use are animal-free. 

I don’t eat beef because the unnecessary slaughter of cows is prohibited in Hindu tradition. I do, however, wear leather shoes. I find they are more comfortable, cheaper, and more durable than vegetarian alternatives. 

I believe in the principle of ahimsa, but in my day-to-day life I find I have to identify the best way to live by it. If I were to follow it strictly, it would mean that I couldn’t drive a car, play sports, or do a range of other activities. Indeed, it is practically impossible to live in the modern world without either harming another living being, or using products in which animals-derived parts have been used in the manufacturing process. 

Ultimately, it is a personal choice for where we draw the line in relation to living an ahimsa-centred life. Some avoid beef, but drive a car with a leather seats; others avoid cosmetics tested on animals but use medicine that is coated in gelatin. The most important part is recognising the importance of ahimsa and trying our best to incorporate it into our lives.