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Ethics of Fur: Conscious vs. Factory-Farmed

Responsible wildlife management addresses overpopulation and invasive species that can disrupt ecosystems. Conscious fur is often obtained through such management and stewardship efforts, which are focused on maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainability.

Additionally, fur (and leather) from stewardship is often more sustainable than man-made materials. It avoids the environmental impact associated with mass-produced textiles and synthetic fabrics, which involve high resource consumption and release harmful chemicals into waterways. This approach aligns with traditional practices that used every part of the animal respectfully, honoring nature and maintaining ecological balance.

In contrast, factory-farmed fur involves breeding animals, including some exotic species, specifically for their pelts in confinement, driven primarily by commercial profit. These animals are often kept in cramped and unnatural conditions, leading to serious welfare concerns. The emphasis on maximizing production can result in poor living standards and high levels of stress, with little consideration for the animals' well-being.

Opting for conscious fur supports ethical practices and helps preserve ecosystems, aligning with values of respect for nature and sustainability.

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Legend of Lalita

The story of Goddess Lalita, often referred to as Lalita Tripura Sundari, is rich with themes of cosmic balance, divine beauty, and the transformative power of love and wisdom. Lalita’s story is most famously recounted in the Lalita Mahatmyam, which is part of the Brahmanda Purana.

The Story of Lalita Tripura Sundari

Long ago, a powerful demon named Bhandasura arose, created from the ashes of Kamadeva, the god of love. After Kamadeva was incinerated by Lord Shiva’s third eye, Bhandasura emerged, embodying hatred and darkness. Bhandasura performed intense penance and received a boon that he would be invincible and could only be destroyed by a goddess who had not been born. Believing himself to be unstoppable, he unleashed destruction across the heavens and earth, wreaking havoc and spreading ignorance.

The gods, helpless and unable to stop Bhandasura, appealed to the Supreme Mother, Goddess Parvati, for aid. Parvati, in her infinite compassion and wisdom, manifested as Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari. In this form, Lalita embodies the “Beauty of the Three Worlds”—the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. She radiated love, grace, and unmatched power, prepared to restore cosmic order.

The Battle Against Bhandasura

Lalita took command of an army of divine forces and rode into battle on a chariot known as the Chakra Raja Ratha, a grand chariot with the Sri Chakra (Sri Yantra) at its core. Her army was led by various deities, each representing aspects of creation, wisdom, protection, and destruction. She wielded a sugarcane bow, symbolizing sweetness and the mind’s creative force, with five arrows made of flowers, each representing the five senses. With these weapons, she could conquer not by force but by overwhelming darkness with divine beauty and love.

The battle was epic and complex. Lalita, using her wisdom and grace, finally destroyed Bhandasura with a gentle but powerful glance. With his fall, peace and cosmic balance were restored. This victory symbolizes the triumph of divine beauty, wisdom, and compassion over darkness, ignorance, and hatred.

Lalita’s Teachings and Legacy

Goddess Lalita is venerated as the embodiment of divine love and the beauty of creation itself. She is associated with the Sri Chakra, a sacred geometric design representing the universe. Her thousand names in the Lalita Sahasranama describe her qualities and powers, revealing her as both a nurturing mother and a fierce protector.

The story of Lalita encourages us to seek beauty, love, and wisdom within ourselves and to rise above ignorance and negativity, illuminating the world around us. Lalita’s teachings emphasize balance, harmony, and the understanding that true power is derived not from force, but from love and compassion.

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Truth & Beauty // Albert Einstein

#seek beauty series

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Indonesia by Oscar Helgstrand

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