Acharya Prashant explains that Vedanta is the culmination of the philosophy of the Vedas, originating in India and serving as the root for all Indian philosophical systems and spiritual streams. He clarifies that Vedanta is not a belief system or a religion but an exploratory process that carries no dogmas or fables. It operates with a high level of rigor, questioning the very nature of the 'I' or the experiencer, rather than relying on subjective experiences which can be flawed and varied. He notes that the Upanishads, the cornerstone of Vedanta, were composed over a vast period starting around 4,000 years ago, continuing through the Buddhist and Christian eras. Regarding the connection between Vedanta and veganism, Acharya Prashant asserts that spiritual understanding and veganism are inseparable. When one investigates the self and realizes they are consciousness rather than just the physical body, they must respect consciousness in all its forms. He argues that the suffering of an animal is not different from human suffering because both possess consciousness. He points out that excessive identification with the material world leads to its destruction, as seen in the current environmental and climate crises. Therefore, a certain detachment from the material is necessary to maintain a healthy relationship with the world. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that a lack of self-knowledge distorts one's relationship with the world, including animals and other people. He suggests that cruelty toward animals often reflects an underlying insensitivity that affects personal relationships as well. He concludes that being considerate toward sentient beings is not merely a selfless act but is essential for one's own well-being. To respect the existence and physical integrity of an animal is, in essence, a form of self-respect, as both the observer and the observed are part of the same life and consciousness.
