Vegan

A vegan is someone who, for various reasons, chooses to avoid using or consuming animal products. Not just in form of food but also in wearable! It basically describes lifestyle and belief system that revolves around reverence for LIFE. 

Vegetarians avoid flesh, while vegans avoid all dairy and egg products for consumption.Vegans also avoid fur, leather, and any cosmetics/chemical products tested on animals.

Veganism is both a diet and a lifestyle that excludes usage of animals for food or clothing.

The Veganism is considered an extreme of vegetarianism. However, the Vegan Society provides some flexibility. Here is the definition by Vegan Society:

"The word "veganism" denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."

So, as per the Vegan Society, practicality rules over everything else.

The American Vegan Society which was formed in 1960, embraced the above principles, but additionally championed the philosophy of "Ahimsa", a sanskrit word interpreted as "dynamic harmlessness", along with service to humanity, nature and creation. They differentiate between active and passive veganism. Merely omitting animal products from ones life is passive action. It is but avoidance and does not require self-assertion. To implement ahimsa, Vegans must embrace and engage in the dynamic part of "dynamic harmlessness". Thus, to fully apply vegan ethic, Vegans are supposed to do least harm, but are obliged to do the most good.

"Veganism is not merely passive resistance. It compels practitioners to make deliberate and dynamic choices about each and every activity in their lives to consider the impact and benefit of their actions"

The American Vegan Society delineates six pillars of the compassionate way, as a guide to Vegan life:

1. Abstinence from animal products
2. Harmlessness with reverence for life
3. Integrity of thought, word and deed
4. Mastery over oneself
5. Service to humanity, nature and creation
6. Advancement of understanding and truth

According to them, "An animal-free diet is rooted in head, A compassionate lifestyle is rooted in heart! "