Resources from the Vegan Sangha
“All beings fear danger, life is dear to all. When a person considers this, he does not kill or cause to kill.” (Dhammapada, 129)
There are a lot of great resources out there. This is not an exhaustive list but some top recommendations! To learn more about the Vegan Sangha, please email: mindbodytherapist@gmail.com. Compiled by Alexandra Arbogast. Last updated 09/2022
- Vegan Resources [.PDF]
- Vegan Information: Links to 200+ Resources
- “Concern for All Beings: Plant-Based Eating,“ A conversation with Tara Brach and Tricycle‘s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, Tricycle, August 26, 2022
- Listen to a short talk from Tara: Tara Talks: Compassion for Non-Human Animals (11:39 min.)
- “The Myth of Separation,” Interview with Tara Brach and Konda Mason on plant-based eating by Alison Spiegel, Tricycle, Fall 2022
- Resources on Engaged Spirituality – explore more here.
Educational Films
Animal Cruelty
• Earthlings: A 2005 American documentary about human’s dependence on animals for economic purposes. It graphically depicts the industry standard for animals bred as pets, food, clothing, for entertainment and research: www.nationearth.com
• Dominion: A 2018 Australian documentary in which filmmakers use hidden cameras and aerial drones to investigate the dark side of animal agriculture. It graphically depicts the industry standard for animals raised as food. www.dominionmovement.com
Environment
• Cowspiracy: Uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it: www.cowspiracy.com
• Eating Our Way to Extinction: Starring globally renowned figures and the world’s leading scientists, changing the way people look at their food and the food industry: www.eating2extinction.com
Human Health & Performance
• Forks Over Knives: Researchers explore the possibility that people changing their diets from animal-based to plant-based can help eliminate or control diseases like cancer and diabetes: www.forksoverknives.com
• What the Health: Exposes the collusion and corruption in government and big business that is costing trillions in healthcare dollars and keeping us sick: www.whatthehealthfilm.com
• The Game Changers: Explores optimal diet for human performance and showcases elite athletes, special ops soldiers, visionary scientists, cultural icons, and everyday heroes: www.thegamechangersmovie.com
Social Justice
• They’re Trying to Kill Us: Exploration into the insidious relationship between structural racism and chronic disease: www.theyretryingtokillus.com
Spirituality
• Animals and the Buddha: A film by Dharma Voices for Animals featuring interviews with world-renowned Buddhist monastics and lay teachers about connections between Buddhism and compassion for animals. Available on YouTube (with subtitles in several languages).
• A Prayer for Compassion: A documentary that strives to inspire and encourage those already on a religious or spiritual path, to expand their circle of compassion to embrace all life, regardless of species, and make choices in alignment with this value. www.aprayerforcompassion.com
Free Vegan Mentoring
- PAEAN – Peoples Alliance for Earth Action Now
- 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:
- Forks Over Knives
- Challenge 22
- New Leaf Vegan Mentoring Program
Books
- The Great Compassion: Buddhism & Animal Rights, by Norm Phelps
- Buddhism & Veganism, by Will Tuttle
- A Plea for the Animals: The Moral, Philosophical, and Evolutionary Imperative to Treat All Beings with Compassion, by Matthieu Ricard
- The World Peace Diet, by Will Tuttle
- The Mindful Vegan, by Lani Muelrath
- How Not To Die, by Dr. Michael Greger
- Beyond Beliefs: A Guide to Improving Relationships and Communication for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Meat Eaters, by Melanie Joy
- Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, by Melanie Joy
- Ageless Vegan, by Tracy Mcquirter
- Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer
- The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell
- Animal Liberation, by Peter Singer
- How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease, Michael Gregor M.D. FACLM and Gene Stone, 2015
- Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation, by Paul Hawkin
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
- Happy Cow – find vegan restaurants nearby
Plant-Based Medical Resources
- Global Directory of Plant-Based Physicians and Allied Health Professionals
- The Barnard Medical Clinic (DC-area)
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Humane & Sustainable Agriculture Labels
Unfortunately, much labeling like “natural,” “no added hormones,” “cage-free,” “free-range,” and “USDA grass-fed” is meaningless. If you are not vegan yet and are looking for a more reliable source of labeling, look for these certifications: Global Animal Partnership Certified, Raised Without Antiobiotics, Pasture Raised, American Grassfed Association (AGA Certified), and Animal Welfare Approved.
Podcasts
The Chickpeeps, Brown Vegan, The Disclosure Podcast, The Sweet Tooth Vegan, The Exam Room, The Minimalist Vegan, The Vegan Fitness Podcast, Our Hen House, The Simply Vegan Podcast, The Main Street Vegan, Food for Thought, The Rich Roll podcast
Vegan Related Organizations
- Mercy for Animals
- Food Empowerment Project
- The Humane League
- Compassion in World Farming
- Good Food Institute
- The Humane Society of the United States
- Dharma Voices for Animals
