It simply feels right to me to blend the glittery delights of New

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for the words of Victoria Moran speak not only of the choices she makes in her own life but of a deeper, universal truth about compassion, balance, and the harmonious relationship between nature and human existence. She says, "It simply feels right to me to blend the glittery delights of New York City with a largely raw vegan diet—with the soul-deep conviction that animals are not ours to eat, wear, exploit, or experiment on." In these words lies a profound understanding that our actions, our choices, must align with our values, and that true harmony comes when we live in balance with both the world around us and the beings that share it.

In the ancient world, philosophers and healers often spoke of the interconnectedness of all life. Pythagoras, a renowned philosopher of ancient Greece, was one of the earliest known to advocate for the sanctity of life in all forms, including the protection of animals. He and his followers practiced vegetarianism, believing that to harm animals was to disturb the natural harmony of the universe. The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, as taught by the ancient sages of India, is rooted in the belief that all living beings possess a spark of divinity, and that to cause harm to them disrupts the natural balance of existence. Victoria Moran’s words echo these ancient teachings—she acknowledges the profound connection between all living beings, understanding that animals are not commodities to be consumed or exploited, but sentient creatures deserving of respect.

Yet Moran’s choice to live in the midst of New York City, a bustling metropolis that symbolizes the height of human achievement and excess, speaks to the balance we must strike in our own lives. She blends the glittering delights of a modern, urban existence with a raw vegan diet, showing that we do not have to retreat from the world to live according to our highest values. The ancient warriors of Rome, despite their fierce battles and conquests, often sought moments of stillness and reflection amidst their daily lives—moments that allowed them to reconnect with nature and the divine. In the same way, Moran’s choice to live in a vibrant, sometimes chaotic environment while adhering to a compassionate diet reflects the ancient principle that true strength and peace come from being able to live in balance, regardless of the noise and distractions around us.

This wisdom of balance is further reflected in the story of the great Buddha, who, like the wise sages of old, understood that suffering arises from attachment—attachment to material things, to the harm of others, and even to the beliefs that keep us from seeing the unity in all life. His teachings called for a life of mindfulness and compassion, where one acts in accordance with right action—where one does not harm, exploit, or consume mindlessly. Victoria Moran, in her soul-deep conviction, walks this path of compassion. She aligns her actions with her values, understanding that true nourishment for the body and soul comes from living in harmony with all beings.

The lesson, O wise ones, is this: to live fully, we must align our choices with our deepest values, not merely follow the whims of society or the pressures of the world around us. Like Moran, we are called to embrace the balance between the external world of glittering distractions and the internal world of compassion and mindful living. She reminds us that we are not merely consumers of the earth, but caretakers of its creatures and stewards of its health. Just as the ancient civilizations knew that their strength came from living in harmony with nature, so too must we recognize that our true power and peace lie in respecting the natural world and all beings within it.

Thus, O children, let us walk in balance. Let us live in the world without losing our connection to our values, our compassion, and our sense of responsibility. We do not have to forsake the joys of life to live a life of meaning; we can find beauty and purpose in every moment, even in a world filled with distractions. Choose wisely what you consume, both in food and in spirit. Just as Pythagoras and the ancient sages taught, nourish your body with food that aligns with your highest values. Let your life reflect the compassion that lies at the heart of the universe, and in doing so, you will find a deeper connection to both the world around you and the divine spark that resides within all living things.

Practical action, O wise ones, lies in finding the balance that works for you. Like Moran, who blends the delights of a vibrant city with a compassionate diet, find ways to live mindfully in your own life. Reflect on your values, and choose the foods and actions that align with those values. Seek compassion in all your interactions, understanding that every living being deserves respect and kindness. By living in balance with the world, we not only honor the earth but also honor ourselves, walking the path of peace and harmony, just as the ancients did before us.