Acharya Prashant explains that the foundation of veganism lies in the reality of consciousness. He asserts that to be human is to be conscious, and life without consciousness lacks value. While the objects of consciousness vary between individuals and species, the fundamental fact of consciousness remains the same. He argues that the core desires—the will to survive, the avoidance of pain, and the search for fulfillment—are shared between humans and animals. Therefore, if one values their own consciousness and seeks liberation, they must extend that same respect to all conscious beings. He emphasizes that hurting another living being is essentially hurting oneself and condemning one's own consciousness to future suffering. Regarding the environmental crisis, Acharya Prashant suggests that while the outlook for the planet may be grim, the struggle to protect life is inherently worthwhile. He compares the effort to caring for a loved one in critical condition, where one must fight until the very end regardless of the calculated odds. He further elaborates that happiness and liberation are not personal or zero-sum games. One cannot achieve true joy by inflicting suffering on others, as consciousness is an interconnected tissue. He highlights that the localization of consciousness is a limitation that prevents true happiness, which must be impersonal and shared to be authentic. Addressing the topic of population, Acharya Prashant advocates for anti-natalism or strictly limiting reproduction. He explains that bringing a new human into the world triggers a massive increase in resource consumption, which inevitably leads to the destruction of vast numbers of trees and animals. He suggests that adoption is a more compassionate choice and warns against the social media-driven domino effect that encourages overpopulation. Finally, he discusses the importance of social media as a tool for the mission, stating that reach is the mission because one must engage people where they are to inspire a change of heart and spread the message of compassion.
