The World League of Ahimsa
By E. F. Udney
Summary
The World League of Ahimsa, introduced in the May 1930 issue of *The Jaina Gazette*, advocates for the abolition of killing for food, ornament, or sport, with a primary focus on eliminating flesh consumption. The article emphasizes that harming animals leads to human suffering through karmic consequences, disease, and spiritual stagnation, as all life is considered sacred and interconnected. The League requires members to pledge abstinence from meat, fish, and fowl, with the option to withdraw membership if they resume such habits. It argues that abandoning flesh-eating will make the practice unfashionable, eventually leading to legal prohibition and reducing cruelty toward animals. The League’s success strategy hinges on financial support for publicity campaigns, including publishing materials, advertising, and propaganda tours. It anticipates opposition but views it as a sign of progress, drawing parallels to historical triumphs of truth over error. A stirring appeal by Percy Hill, the Hon. Treasurer, urges volunteers to join the "crusade" for compassion, highlighting the need for funds, manpower, and public support. The League aims to transform global habits, confident in the inevitability of its cause due to its alignment with ethical and spiritual well-being. Contact details for membership and further information are provided.
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Conclusion
The World League of Ahimsa represents a pivotal call to confront the moral and spiritual crises rooted in humanity's perpetuation of violence against all life. By emphasizing the inseparable connection between human and animal welfare, the document underscores the karmic consequences of flesh consumption and positions ahimsa (non-violence) as both a divine imperative and a transformative social force. It envisions a future where ethical consciousness, driven by Eastern wisdom, could redefine global norms, rendering flesh-eating unfashionable and ultimately legally prohibited. The League's focus on individual pledges as catalysts for systemic change highlights its pragmatic yet profound strategy, rooted in the belief that compassion, once embraced, will inevitably dismantle cycles of cruelty and propel humanity toward spiritual and societal harmony.