Acharya Prashant explains that one should not emulate the time-bound actions of avatars like Shri Krishna, such as his consumption of milk or his attire, as these were specific to a particular era. Instead, one must focus on the timeless teachings found in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. He notes that people often use fables of Shri Krishna to justify dairy consumption while ignoring the essence of his spiritual message. He emphasizes that everything time-bound must be allowed to pass, and trying to replicate ancient lifestyles in the modern world is impractical and unrealistic. He clarifies the symbolism of the "animal" mentioned in religious scriptures. The animal represents human physical nature, ignorance, and biological instincts inherited from an evolutionary past, such as the drive for food, sleep, and procreation. The spiritual goal is to conquer or "slaughter" this inner animal to elevate one's consciousness. He argues that it is a grave misunderstanding to interpret these symbols as a justification for killing physical animals like goats or cows. By feeding the inner animal the flesh of outer animals, one only strengthens the base instincts that overpower human consciousness. Acharya Prashant shares his personal journey toward veganism, which began with a story about the exploitation of a calf and was later solidified by the death of his pet rabbit and a poignant scene in the film "Ship of Theseus". He stresses that any significant change in how society relates to animals must have a deep spiritual foundation. He also recounts an anecdote of rescuing a chicken from a butcher, highlighting the importance of compassion and recognizing the inherent value of all living beings beyond their utility or taste.
