Dharma Programs
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Vegetarian from Afar![]()
"Interdependence, protecting life, and loving kindness are three of the Buddha's most important teachings… Sentient beings and the environment depend upon each other for survival, and thus it's in the interest of human beings to protect the environment." Vegetarian from Afar (en Español)In October, 2009, Venerables Chodron, Tarpa, Semkye, and Jampel attended a monastic conference about the environment and global warming where we learned that the global meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than all cars, buses, trucks, and planes combined. The Abbey has been vegetarian since its inception and we thought it would be good to encourage others to be vegetarian as well. We want to inspire and empower each other to make a noticeable difference in the world by doing something quite simple yet important. Thus we’re beginning “Vegetarian From Afar” to inspire others to reduce their meat eating. To be a part of it, folks make a commitment not to eat meat (including fish and chicken) one day a week. There are many great reasons to participate and here are just a few: From the viewpoint of compassion:As sentient beings, animals want to be happy and to be free of suffering just as much as we human beings do. Thus let’s cherish their lives as we cherish our own.From the viewpoint of global warming and climate change:If everyone went vegetarian just for one day, the U.S. alone would save:
"The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide… far more than transportation." — from meatlessmonday.com If everyone went vegetarian just for one day, the U.S. would prevent:
From the viewpoint of health:Here are the benefits of eating less meat:
So no matter which of these facts gets you thinking about joining our Vegetarian from Afar program, here’s what you do: and tell us that you would like to participate. Send a photo of yourself, if you like. We’ll keep the participants’ photos near our dining area to indicate that you’re part of the broader Abbey community who is helping the environment, developing compassion for animals, and caring for their health. You’ll feel the support of those of us at the Abbey who share your values and effort.
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