In a world of increasingly aware beings of environmental challenges, every choice we make has a dreadful effect. Among the most impactful decision lies in the food we savor. The rising interest in vegetarianism is not merely a trend but a powerful movement towards a sustainable and compassionate world. A passionate advocate for vegetarianism, Sister Jacqueline Grace Ong, leads a call for action through her enticing session entitled βGreen Plate: Green Planetβ during the first day of the Tzu Chi Bohol Youth Camp on July 5,2024.
She began her lecture with an eye-opener video of numerous athletes and Olympians who embraced vegetarianism as part of their lifestyle which profoundly impacted their lives. Their encouraging stories revealed how vegetarian diet has enhanced their health and performance in sports and deepen their commitment to environmental and ethical causes. In Sister Jacqβs 12th year as a vegetarian, she acknowledged challenges, admitting that temptations tested her vow. Despite this, she remained steadfast of her beliefs, guided by the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, which fueled her to the person she is today.
After the enlightening video, she happily shared some news on the upcoming Paris Olympics, where its organizers plan to serve 60% plant-based dishes in its efforts to reduce carbon footprints by exclusively using 80% locally sourced products. She saidβ I was immensely amazed and surprised that such a major event embodies an advocacy that aims to mitigate carbon emission and environmental sustainability, but itβs doable with determination and commitment.
She then highlighted an acronym of βHAVESβ, which are reasons that calls an act to adopt a vegetarian diet: Health, Animal, Variety, Environment, and Spiritual, each holding a significant purpose that echoes the in-depth values of going vegetarian as a healthy habit for our daily lifestyle and for environmental protection.
This left an impactful reminder to all the campers: Vegetarianism isnβt a deprivation but rather it is a whole new world of discovery. Vegetarianism is not a destination or a challenge but a journey to undertake. This message was inspired by Dharma Master Chen Yenβs response to a question about why for the past 60 years, it has been her hope that people would be vegetarians: βThe purpose of adopting a vegetarian diet is not only about showing our love for animals, but rather it is meant to purify our body and mind. Not killing animals for food prevents bad karma, nurtures our compassion, and sows blessings for humankind.β Embracing this perspective can lead to a more mindful and fulfilling way of living.
Sister Jacq vibrantly concluded her session with an interesting workshop, βMy vegetarian journeyβ, a customized booklet comprising of a 28-day vegetarian meal plan and wellness log that boosted the camperβs eagerness to commit on vegetarianism.
Blaze Charm Hontucan, an incoming 2nd year student at the Bohol Island State University Main-Campus taking Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering willingly accepted to take on the 28-day vegetarian journey. She said βYes, I can vividly see myself embracing a vegetarian diet, especially that my father has diabetes. I want to change our lifestyle into a much healthier and greener one. I know this transition would be tough, but Iβm up to experience this challenging yet interesting world of new discovery.β
Upholding vegetarianism is not just merely changing what you eat and consume, but about cultivating a lifestyle that values health, sustainability and compassion for one self and the planet Earth.
