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Book
Reviews
HERE'S HARMLESSNESS -H. Jay Dinshah
Reviewed by Gabriel Figueroa
 This
book really delivers. We are exposed to a variety of viewpoints
from vegans and others concerned with the idea of living life as
harmlessly as possible. The book is a collection of articles that
extensively covers these individuals' experiences and exposes us
to a variety of new ideas. One of the ways to become like great
people is to try to walk in their shoes. In reading this book, one
wears the shoes (vegan shoes, of course) of many great people.
We are fortunate enough to have two articles from Jay Dinshah in
this anthology. Both are extraordinarily written and well worth
reading. In the first, Jay talks about how to effectively live in
accordance with the truth in a way that is consistent with all spiritual
traditions. It is an article that makes one truly think about what
the purpose of life is and how one should live. It also describes
actions that can be taken to reduce suffering in this world. The
second one is a collection of thoughts on the whys and hows of harmless
living. It is a quick read and even includes a couple of jokes.
Freya Dinshah writes a brilliant short article called "Getting
More Out of Life." We learn among other things that what we
give is what is ultimately responsible for our happiness.
Vegan physician Michael Klaper writes eloquently about the destruction
of our planet that is currently taking place. He shows us how much
of this is related to production of "food" for an animal-based
way of eating. We are reminded of how much healing veganism offers
for our eco-system.
Among other articles in the anthology are those by notables such
as vegetarian nutritionist George Eisman, author Victoria Moran
and philosopher Tom Regan. Throughout the book are quotations from
a variety of prophets, sages, writers, religious teachers, activists,
and proponents of Ahimsa from every walk of life.
This book is packed to the brim with wisdom. Anyone who wants to
become a more conscientious being would do well to get a copy. It
is not necessary to read it in order or to complete it altogether.
In fact, it is better to use this book as an inspirational guide
to living an extraordinary life that is as harmless as possible.
Refer to it by frequently reading and rereading different parts
of it. I truly believe that by merely exposing oneself to the ideas
in this book and applying the wisdom contained within, one will
begin to grow in immeasurable ways.
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