Following contents are from https://www.vegan-vipassana.org/

A Request to Dhamma Vipassana Centers

A call to align Dhamma centers with compassion, metta, and non-violence

Dear Vipassana Organization,

We approach you with the utmost respect and gratitude for the invaluable teachings that Vipassana centers provide. This initiative is a heartfelt request from practitioners who deeply value the principles of metta. We humbly ask that you consider aligning your centers with these core values by embracing a fully vegan practice.

A short message from S. N. Goenka for Vipassana centers and practitioners (from @seethingsastheyare )

Why This Change Matters

Vipassana teaches us compassion, non-violence, and the wish for all beings to be free from suffering. The continued use of animal products within centers contradicts these teachings. Supporting such industries undermines the principles of sila and metta.

Vipassana means to 'see things as they are.' As practitioners, we are taught to observe reality with clarity and understanding. In this spirit, we kindly ask you to reflect on the realities of the animal industry, the implications of using animal products, and how phasing them out aligns with the values that Vipassana upholds.

Veganism is the philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—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 animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.

Metta refers to the practice of loving-kindness or goodwill, emphasizing the cultivation of unconditional compassion towards oneself and all living beings. By promoting the understanding that all beings wish to be happy and free from suffering, metta serves as a foundational practice that encourages a compassionate attitude and supports the journey toward inner peace and understanding in Vipassana.

Transitioning to a plant-based diet is a logical step for Vipassana centers, as it aligns seamlessly with the principles of metta and non-harming that underpin our practice. By making this shift, we can create an environment that truly reflects our commitment to compassion, reduce our ecological footprint, and foster a community dedicated to the well-being of all sentient beings.

Reflection on Animal Products

The global animal industry involves omniscient widespread suffering, exploitation, and environmental harm. As Vipassana practitioners, we are asked to see things as they truly are.

What is the reality behind the animal products we consume?

Milk: In modern dairy farming, cows are repeatedly impregnated and separated from their calves, causing immense suffering to both mother and offspring. Calves are often taken to slaughter, and mothers are eventually slaughtered when their milk production declines.

Honey: The honey industry often involves practices that harm bees, such as artificial breeding, wing clipping of queens, and the destruction of colonies to extract honey. These practices disturb the natural processes of these essential creatures and cause harm. Studies show that honey bees, due to their large colonies, can deplete floral resources, impacting the reproductive success and foraging behavior of native bees. This competition has led to declining populations of some native bee species, which are vital to maintaining biodiversity. Furthermore, industrial beekeeping practices can contribute to the spread of diseases and pests, further threatening native pollinators. As stewards of the environment, it’s essential to reconsider our reliance on honey and shift towards practices that protect all pollinator species.

Alignment with Vipassana Values

Metta: Metta is the sincere wish for all beings to be happy and free from suffering. By removing animal products from the centers, Vipassana can extend its practice of metta to include all sentient beings, ensuring that no being is harmed in the preparation of food for practitioners or in any other aspect of center operations.
Ahimsa: Ahimsa is a fundamental precept in Vipassana teachings. To live in non-violence means to avoid harming any living being, in thought, word, or action. By supporting industries that harm animals, we are indirectly contributing to violence. A vegan practice would help Vipassana centers embody true non-violence in every aspect.
Sila: Sila asks us to refrain from killing and harming living beings. It is clear that, in today's world, animal agriculture and related industries violate this precept. By adopting a vegan practice, Vipassana centers can more closely follow the ethical guidelines taught by the Buddha.

Our Request

Phase out animal products at all centers.
Use plant-based alternatives that align with the values of metta and ahimsa.
Educate practitioners on the ethical reasons behind this shift.

Common Concerns

We understand there may be concerns, and we are committed to addressing them with care and compassion. Below are some common concerns and suggestions for addressing them:

Medical needs:

Generally, studies and dietary organizations, including the British Dietetic Association¹ and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics² among many others^3,4, have concluded that there are no nutritional risks in following a vegan diet to any stage of the human life cycle when due attention is given to B12 and vitamin and calcium intake, with a plant-based diet being labeled as ‘appropriate for all stages of the life cycle’⁵.

Many Vipassana Centers already include fortified nutritional yeast on their menu. The recommended serving of one to two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contains 150% vitamin B12 and 720% riboflavin of the recommended dose. It also provides a sufficient amount of the other B vitamins. Other suitable B12-fortified foods include some breakfast cereals, soya yogurts, and plant-based dairy alternatives.

The only valid exception would be a medical requirement documented by a physician, that mandates the use of animal products such as milk. In these cases, the centers can source animal products from the extremely rare most compassionate, ethical sources or work with plant-based nutritional experts to provide appropriate alternatives. Medical exceptions can be handled with sensitivity, while still maintaining the overall goal of reducing harm.

Tradition:

We recognize that Vipassana centers have a long-standing tradition of vegetarianism. However, as our understanding of non-violence evolves, so too must our practices. A shift towards veganism is a natural extension of the values Vipassana teaches.

Documentary Resources

Watch: Dairy is Scary

The Milk System (documentary)

Final Reflection & Invitation

We kindly ask Vipassana centers to:

Reflect deeply on this issue.
Engage in open dialogue with practitioners who share these concerns.
Consider the changes needed to align your centers fully with the teachings of non-violence and compassion.

We are confident that, with your wisdom and leadership, Vipassana centers can take this important step forward, ensuring that all beings benefit from the gift of Dhamma.

With Metta,
The Vipassana Vegan Transition Working Group

Are You a Vegan Practitioner and Want to Collaborate?

You can write us an email or connect via Instagram.
Join or form a local team: Connect with other Dhamma practitioners in your region.
Engage with your local center: Ask with kindness what is hindering a vegan transition, and offer thoughtful support.
Provide helpful resources: Share knowledge about vegan nutrition, ethical sourcing, and practical food alternatives.
Be a bridge: Help foster dialogue, understanding, and metta-based collaboration between centers and practitioners.

Literature

Nutrition

‘Vegetarian, vegan and plant-based diet: food fact sheet’, BDA — https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/vegetarian-vegan-plant-based-diet.html
Melina, Craig, and Levin, ‘Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: vegetarian diets’, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 116(12) (2016): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.025
American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, ‘Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: vegetarian diets’, Journal of the American Dietetic Association 103(6) (2003): https://doi.org/10.1053/jada.2003.50142
Eat for Health: Australian Dietary Guidelines, Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council (2013): https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/Copyright%20update/n55_australian_dietary_guidelines(1).pdf

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has reassessed its position on vegan nutrition in 2024. In addition to more current data on health, it is considering all four target dimensions of a more sustainable diet for the first time: https://www.dge.de/presse/meldungen/2024/positionspapier-zu-veganer-ernaehrung/

Honey

From Natural Areas Association

Cane and Tepedino (2016): This study found that a single honey bee apiary can deplete floral resources needed by native bees, with a standard 40-hive apiary consuming pollen equivalent to what 4 million wild bees would use in three months.
Goulson et al. (2002), Thomson (2016): These studies documented negative impacts of honey bees on bumblebee populations, including reduced reproductive success, forced shifts in foraging behavior, and competition for floral resources, leading to declines in native bee populations.
Hudewenz & Klein (2015): Research shows that honey bees can displace native bees from flowers, which alters the natural foraging patterns of native bees and can negatively affect their reproduction.

Call to Stop Dairy at Vipassana Centers