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Media report: A more in-depth look at Mongolia's veg trend. The media portal EurasiaNet.org,
which analyzes developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus, recently featured an entry
titled "Vegging Out in Mongolia" by Turkey based correspondent Yigal Schleifer. His article
was a response to one contributed earlier the same month by EurasiaNet colleague Andrew
Cullen, called "Vegetarians Rebel Against Mongolia Meat culture," about the surprising
new popularity of plant-based dining in a country more known for its herding culture.
Mr. Schleifer wrote: "Andrew cullen's great EurasiaNet piece from June 3 about the budding
vegetarian scene in Mongolia stayed with me for quite sometime after reading it. I decided
to write andrew, asking him to give the story behind the story about how he came to explore
this unlikely veggie scene. Mr. cullen's response indicated that the veg restaurants he had
visited throughout Mongolia were largely unified in a distinct philosophy towards life. He
wrote: "What really drew me to the trend as a story, besides the surprise factor of people
from a country that is inextricably linked to livestock and meat-eating turning towards
vegetarianism, was the spiritual undertones that link the whole veggie scene here. 'I
have a problem with lamas eating meat...' Altanzaya, the co-owner of what is perhaps
Mongolia's most popular vegetarian restaurant, Luna Blanca, told me. '...How can you pray
for all sentient beings and still want to eat meat?' she asked. Mr. Cullen further highlighted
his experience at one vegan restaurant chain, Loving Hut, the fast-growing international
enterprise encouraged and supported by Supreme Master Ching Hai. "I would guess that at least
half the restaurants are owned by the Supreme Master's followers. Somehow, the supreme Master
has inspired a level of devotion that few other religious strains can claim in Mongolia,
and it is probably the most powerful force driving the spread of vegetarianism in the
country." He concluded with his observation of the other reasons that have convinced many
Mongolians to choose meat-free fare. "Mongolia's vegetarians tend to be incredibly serious
about their lifestyle. ... They believe very strongly that vegetarianism has a powerful,
positive impact on their health. Many also feel that being vegetarian is key to stopping
climate change and, essentially, saving the world. ... Ultimately, people being concerned
about their health and the environment, and making conscious decisions to benefit their
bodies and their world, is not going to be a bad thing for Mongolia." We appreciate correspondents
Yigal Schleifer, Andrew Cullen, and EurasiaNet for sharing with readers your thoughtful insights
about this beneficial new trend in Mongolia. May similar tidings be heard from all corners
of the globe as more and more people switch to the kind and revitalizing veg fare�