By Jaron Fund
In the philosophy of the East, Enlightenment is the complete realization of the structure of reality. Yet since reality is an ever-changing expansion of consciousness into new experiences, Enlightenment ultimately means recognizing that you always have the ability to feel good—no matter the circumstances.
In other words, it is a self-perpetuating, healthy, and positive mental attitude toward life. A psychiatrist would find no fault in such a way of being.
However, Western philosophy often places God outside of the self, granting that external deity power over our states of being. Because of this externalization, we have created medical solutions to our neurological distortions through chemical compounds—assuming our direction of thought alone cannot heal mental illness.
What is often missed by both Western and Eastern schools of thought is that the only chemical compounds truly necessary for optimal human health are the nutrients required for the growth and repair of our cells—all of which are found within plant-based foods.
Within the discovery of alchemy—the mixing of chemicals and the study of their effects, originating in ancient Egypt—modern chemistry was born. From it emerged synthetic solutions for our behavioral and mental challenges, a field we now call pharmacology.
The word pharmacology is derived from the Greek pharmakon, meaning “drug” or “poison.”
From my own experience and study, I view most of these synthetic substances as poisons rather than medicines. They do not create optimal mental health—something humanity has achieved for millennia through the natural herbs found in our environment. Yet these herbs receive far less research attention, in part because of the skepticism surrounding paraherbalism, which is often considered pseudoscience. Ironically, paraherbalism historically focused not only on herbs but also on animal extracts.
Animal products and by-products, as we now understand, have a significant negative effect on human biology and are not well suited to our digestive systems. In contrast, a dietary pattern characterized by the exclusion of meat and animal-derived products is increasingly recognized for its potential to mitigate environmental degradation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
This shift also influences neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter balance, brain immunity, and metabolism—directly shaping the present and future state of the mind. The neuroprotective benefits of a vegan diet include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support cognitive resilience and guard against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Essential polyphenols further modulate cellular pathways linked to neuronal health, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function.
Pharmaceuticals, however, often contain animal-derived ingredients, which can counteract the ethical and biological goals of true well-being. Common examples include:
- Lactose monohydrate: Derived from cow’s milk; used as a filler in tablets.
- Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen (often from pigs or cows); used in capsules or coatings.
- Magnesium stearate or stearic acid: Can be sourced from animal fats (though vegetable alternatives exist); acts as a lubricant.
- Glycerin: Sometimes derived from animal fats; used in liquids or coatings.
Over the past two decades, total biomedical funding has exceeded $700 billion—not including subsidies and tax grants from a government that believes it is improving public health.
This massive investment reflects a misunderstanding: the essential compounds for human vitality already exist in plants. If we shifted our focus toward plant medicine, we could save billions while granting people access to true healthcare and a higher quality of life.
To complete our journey toward perfect mental well-being, we must ensure that we not only nourish our bodies with plant-based foods but also feed our souls.
Because our scientific culture remains largely misled about what truly supports mental health, it is vital to stay grounded in our passions. Trusting the energy that excites and fulfills us allows us to know—beyond any doubt—that happiness can only be created from within.
Even so, we cannot rely on plants alone to heal us completely. That misconception has contributed to ongoing scientific skepticism about this lifestyle. For many, the benefits are clear at first, but they lose focus when convenience overtakes conviction. Ancient practices such as fasting, meditation, prayer, expression, imagination, and exercise remind us that well-being is holistic.
Each of these disciplines strengthens the mind—and that, ultimately, is the essence of Enlightenment.
The Humane Herald 