ARCO's Abolitionists - A Vegan Forum

I've noticed an international look to our membership. Let's have people tell us the state of affairs in their respective countries!

Hi Panthera!

This planetary citizen suggests that those interested in hearing the voices for non-human animals around the planet simply key in "vegetarian society of..." and then name the country (i.e. google it). I did that with India and Sri Lanka, my former homes, inviting them to ARCO. I received lots of responses after the main ARCO web site went down. Wow, what bad timing! Originally, I had written open letters to members of these societies praising their efforts and welcoming them to ARCO, and wanted to make contacts. From there I had hoped to gradually introduce the concept of abolitionism. I accomplished the first part, but all of our subsequent communications was about their not being able to reach the site.

I say key in "vegetarian society of ..." because the term "vegan" is relatively new, although the vegan lifestyle and consciousness certainly is not amongst some. Veganism has taken off in baby steps at least in south Asia recently. But hey, from there it can then begin to walk and then run.

Fortunately, (UK) English is the primary international intermediary language, and second to that is French in my experience around the world. Please correct me if you feel I'm wrong. May I suggest that in undertaking to definitely avoid slang, colloquialisms, and euphanisms in your e-mails. English, French, and Spanish is often their second language.

Faunus

As I wrote in that other thread, I'm Greek trying to educate more greeks lol

When I was back home I set up a vegan forum so i could meet more people that are interested in abolition & veganism, and try to educate the public and I found so many people into it, I was thrilled! I thought I was the only vegan in my country but fortunately I was wrong.

It's been a year now that I run the vegan forum and two blogs in greek, one about AR and one about vegan food. With the help of some vegans in Athens we started our own AR/vegan Group and now we are at the procedure of setting up a site for the Greek Vegan Society, translating and sharing info about abolitionism.

People a year ago in Greece didn't know what the word vegan means and I am more than happy to help change that. And I think we are doing good.

My former home was Japan, I currently reside in California.
As far as I know, there are not very many vegans in Japan.
Some of them and I are going to have a small gathering to
celebrate * World Vegan Day * in Tokyo on Nov. 1.
I 'll be off to Tokyo next week to attend it.
Here is the place we'll be,
Vegan Healing Cafe,

http://www.vegancafe.jp/

If happens to happen, anybody'll be in Tokyo, come and join us!

you guys are so inspiring!!

hummingbird wrote:My former home was Japan, I currently reside in California.

Do you know: http://www.veganjapan.net and http://www.childrenofthecarrot.info
It is made by a friend of mine.

Hi Vegantastic!

I don't know both of them.
I am delighted to know that Herwin started to write a new book on
veganism in Japan!
I wonder if he'll write on vegan, animal protection ruler Tsunayoshi ?
I hope so, and when it's published, I would like to have one.

His favorite restaurant * Itoshou* is my favorite one too!

Hello Hummingbird!

I'm so pleased to get some input from someone of Japanese decent! (And I love your user name because I pamper the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds every year here in Georgia. They have recently left here for their autumn migration southward).

I am curious if you think a secular approach is needed for reaching those of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs here in the U.S. or in Japan about veganism. I am aware, having conversed with Japanese holding a blend of Buddhist/Shinto beliefs, that veganism is almost non-existent - and vegetarianism is sometimes laughed at or simply ignored. That raises the question as to whether Japanese people of Buddhist and/or Shinto upbringing are more receptive or less receptive to veganism than those of other religious backgrounds.

What is your opinion?

With respect, Faunus

Hi Faunus

I am sorry all humming birds left your place.
Here in Southern California they are still coming.

Vegan diet is nothing new in Japan.
It is traditional diet.
AD 675 Emperor Tenmu forbade eating flesh for his Buddhist belief.
Unfortunately this law was not strictly enforced, because afterword
many emperors forbade eating flesh over and over.
Non of them were enforced well.
However eating flesh was not always common in Japan until Meiji
era.
Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) encouraged people to eat meat and dairy.
After World War 2, consuming meat and dairy became status symbol
They were expensive and vegetarians and vegans were nothing but cheap,
malnourished foods.

As far as I know most Japanese are not religious at all.
I believe there are some very religious ones out there yet I have not
met any very religious one in my life.
People pay respect religion while they think religions are merely
ceremonial occasions.
I was always frustrated to see Buddhist monks go house to house
and read Sutra , get some money and going to BBQ restaurant.
They are not supposed to, aren’t they?,
The fundamental precept of Buddhism is forbids killings.
To Buddhist monks/Shinto preists do their job is nothing but
Business?
While monks are not receptive to what origins of veganism nor
they respect fundamental precept of Buddhism, how can I
expect others to embrace veganism?

Yes Faunus, you are right veganism does not exist,
It did in the past among few rulers and high ranking monks.

Vast numbers of Japanese even don’t know the word vegan.
Traditional vegan meal is called Shojin-Ryori.
When you say Shojin-Ryori everybody knows exactly what it is.
Shojin-Ryori is very artistic and expensive.
It is served in private rooms.
For this manner it is looked as hobby , gourmet or it’s for people have money.

Above I mentioned Shojinn restaurant Itosho is a very nice place.
The owner chef is very good vegan chef I asked him if he was vegan?
His answer was > No, I eat meat
Shojin restaurants are not run by Buddhism belief nor ethical reasons.
It is simply run by business purpose.

There are some vegetarian, vegan and animal protection groups in Japan.
They are very thin.
Most of them take welfare or new welfare position.
I am sometimes very frustrated to think, are they impossible?
Well, yah I shouldn't think that way.
We never give up.

Hummingbird, your reply was very rich in information and I want to thank you very much for taking the time!

I have spoken with many Japanese-Americans here in the U.S. over the years, and many of them make regular visits to their home country. (My interest in Zen at one time prompted me to initiate friendly converstion with them, and ask questions about Buddhism in Japan and vegetarianism too). I did get the impression that Japan was increasingly a secular society, and people today are often "culturally Buddhist" or "culturally Shinto" - or a combination of both. By "cultural" I mean that they superficially go through the traditional rituals of Buddhism or Shinto when and if it is socially appropriate to do so. The principles of these religions/philosophies are not internalised and worked into a lifestyle. In other words, it is shallow or a facade. What you shared with me confirms my impression.

This is the same with Buddhists all across Asia when I lived there for 10 years, and those committed to the principle of non-violence point the finger at Western influence, particularly trans-national corporations. I spent 3 months in a monestary in Sri Lanka, and I was vegetarian then - not vegan. I was surprised to see the monks accepting prawns and occasionally fish. I always refused meat and fellow monks would often laugh quietly and shake their head. But now, the Vegetarian Society of Sri Lanka is visiting the monestaries and working hard to get the monks to become vegan, to honour the first precept of the Buddha Dharma and the principle of ahimsa. Its a wake-up call. I wish I could be there to join in their effort because they are to be an inspiration to the lay people. They also seem to have a significant influence on them. The same now is going on in India about bringing the vegan message to practicing Hindus.

Thanks again, Hummingbird!

Faunus