Christy Read and Stephen Davis are yogis currently in the World Peace Yoga advanced teacher training program. One of the requirements for the certification is to create and facilitate a workshop. They decided to do their workshop on transitioning to a vegan lifestyle as it’s where their passion lies and they are enthusiastic to assist others. Enjoy some recipes and highlights from their workshop below.
What is veganism?
The term veganism was coined by Donald Watson in 1944. His definition sums it up…
The word “veganism” denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment.
So a vegan refrains from using animal products in their lives as far as possible and encourages alternatives for the better of people, animals and the Earth.
How is it related to yoga?
Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras which is THE yoga book. In the Sutras, he provides us with 5 yamas or social rules to assist one in having healthy relationships with others. All 5 yamas seem are violated by our use of animals.
Ahimsa or non violence: Pretty obvious here, right? We confine, kill and consume all sorts of animals.
Satya or truthfulness: Advertising agencies only job is to tell you whatever you need to hear to buy something. Do you think the cows are happy on a pasture, walking around with their babies and being milked by a kind farmer? Do you think “free range” means anything, at all?
Asteya or non-stealing: As a female mammal, who made milk for her baby, Christy shared how it was exhausting and difficult but completely worth it because her body was making the perfect food for her baby. It took hours of pumping to have enough for the next day. If someone had taken it from her, it would be devastating. We steal babies and milk from momma cows without a second thought.
Brahmacharya or healthy sexual behavior: Male animals are forcibly masturbated for sperm and females are raped to become pregnant.
Aparigraha or non-greed: When we are greedy we take more than what we need. By catch is a perfect example of taking way more than is needed. Shrimp trawlers skim the bottom of the ocean to catch shrimp and they also catch turtles, plants, dolphins, whales, etc.
Tofu, No Egg Salad Recipe
1 can of garbanzo beans
1 package of tofu (we used organic, firm Nasoya)
1/4 cup of vegan mayo (we used Just Mayo)
1/2 cup of chopped dill pickles
1 teaspoon black salt (We bought this as the Indian grocery next to the studio for 2 bucks)
1 teaspoon turmeric
salt and pepper to taste
Chop tofu in small pieces and add black salt and turmeric. Stirring until it resembles eggs. In another bowl, mash garbanzo beans and add the mayo and pickle. Add the tofu mixture and stir. Salt and pepper to taste.
No Tuna Salad
One can of garbanzo beans
1/2 cup of minced celery
1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
3/4 teaspoon of kelp powder (whole foods has it)
1 tablespoon of Bragg’s Amino Acids or Soy Sauce
1/4 cup vegan mayo (we used Just Mayo)
salt and pepper to taste
Use a fork to mash the garbanzo beans and then add everything else. Stir and enjoy! So easy. Try on a sandwich with Field Roast CHAO cheese.